GUIDE TO SUPPLYING A DOCUMENT FOR PRINT
A handy reference guide on how to prepare
your artwork and documents so they are print ready.
Not sure how to get your artwork ready to be professionally printed?
Here’s a quick guide to the basics. If this doesn’t cover it
or you need to know more, call us.
We’re happy to share our expertise with you.
We prefer a high-resolution PDF with bleed and trim
and all colours in CMYK (see below for the details).
1. Here’s our list of preferred software
Adobe InDesign for stationery, brochures and other documents. Exported as a print-ready PDF, with bleed and trim (crop marks), and embedded fonts.
Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics exclusively (images that are digitally created, not photographed – such as logos), exported as an .eps file.
Adobe Photoshop for photographs exclusively, exported as a 300dpi .jpg, .png, or .tiff file.
Microsoft Word for text documents.
2. Create the document in CMYK
Colours created in other formats may not print correctly. CMYK is best for most formats. If you’re not sure which is the right format for your job, check with us first.
3. Colour Matching
The colours on your screen may not print the same as you're seeing them there because they are usually RGB. The safest way to make sure you get the colours you want, is to match the correct CMYK percentage of each element within your artwork. Different stocks, such as paper, plastic, vinyl, etc. will alter the final colouring. If in doubt, get in touch with us.
4. Page Size and Bleed
The page size of artwork must be the same size as the finished (printed) product. The “bleed” area is the margin around the edges of the page, to allow for trimming the document and for any slight shifts in the printing process. Standard bleed is 3mm-6mm. It is in addition to the actual printed page size and is typically set at the initial document setup, before adding any artwork or text.
5. UV Coating and other special finishes
If you’re going to use a special finish such as a UV coating or varnish on your product, the artwork will require a separate layer with only this element. This will indicate to Production where the special finish is to be applied.
6. Trim / Crop Marks
These tell Production where you want your document trimmed. They can be added when exporting as a PDF from InDesign.
7. Fonts
Always include your fonts in the files you send to us. If they are unusual, you want to make sure they’re not substituted for another font in the process. Supply all your artwork with the fonts embedded.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD PDF*
*See Terms of Use for ways to use this free image
DESIGN SERVICE
The visual impact of professional quality graphic design is crucial to the success of all your marketing products.
Our designers are fast, creative and professional. We can add to your existing products or create a beautiful design from your ideas.
Glide Print supply all design work from simple tasks like getting your artwork ready for print to creating complex documents such as annual reports and marketing packages. We work closely with our clients to make sure your branding is consistent and the print quality is excellent across all your products.
All of our designers are based in Australia, we don’t outsource our work overseas. You receive personal attention from someone you can talk to and meet. It’s all part of Glide Print’s outstanding service to you.
Like all our products, we supply our design services at Glide Print’s competitive prices.
All our knowledge and skill come at no extra cost to you so you know
you're getting the best quality for your budget and the process will be an easy one for you.
We're here to help.
If you'd like to find out more about the best way to create your envelopes
call us on (08) 9221 7514 email us or request a quote.