Big Visual Group

File Preparation Guide

File Preparation Guide

Follow this guide to prepare and submit your files for printing. Improperly prepared files can delay your order.

Contact us at (615) 731-3700 with any questions.


Quick Checklist

  • If vector, all fonts are outlined.
  • If raster, text is clear and easy to read.
  • Page Size matches the "Overall Template Size".
  • Artwork fits within the template dimensions.
  • Colors are in CMYK or Pantone PMS.
  • Crop marks not included.

Bleed

  • Add a 1/8" (0.125") bleed around your artwork that extends beyond the trim size to avoid unintentional white borders.
  • Keep text and important elements at least 1/4" (0.25") away from the trim line to prevent accidental cropping.

Color Specifications

  • For accurate color reproduction, use CMYK mode, which aligns with the printing process. RGB colors may look different when printed.
  • If using Pantone colors, ensure they are correctly specified in your file for consistent color matching.

Image Resolution

  • For small format prints (e.g., brochures), images should be at 300 dpi.
  • For large format prints (e.g., banners), use images at 150-300 dpi depending on the viewing distance.
  • For billboards and very large prints, 72 dpi is often sufficient due to the greater viewing distance.

File Types

  • Use PDF for reliable preservation of fonts and layout.
  • EPS and AI are ideal for vector graphics and illustrations.
  • Use TIFF or high-resolution JPEG for raster images to ensure high quality.

Design Program Guidelines

Follow these specific guidelines based on the design application you're using. Contact us if you need further assistance.

Adobe Illustrator

  • To set CMYK color mode: Go to File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color. Ensure all colors are in CMYK mode for accurate printing.
  • To set bleed: Go to File > Document Setup > Bleed and Slug. Enter 0.125" for the bleed.
  • Embed images: Go to Window > Links > Select images and choose "Embed Image" in the Links panel.
  • Embed fonts: Go to Type > Create Outlines.
  • Save as File > Save As PDF with "Illustrator Default" setting with Marks and Bleeds > "Use Document Bleed Settings" checked.

Adobe Photoshop

  • To set CMYK color mode: Go to Image > Mode > CMYK Color. Ensure all colors are in CMYK mode for accurate printing.
  • To set bleed: Add bleed area manually by ensuring canvas is same size as "Overall Template Size".
  • Save files at 300 dpi and 100% of actual size.
  • Save as PDF with fonts and images embedded by saving as High Quality Print PDF.

Adobe InDesign

  • To set CMYK color mode: Go to Edit > Transparency Blend Space > CMYK. Ensure all colors are in CMYK mode for accurate printing.
  • To set bleed: Go to File > Document Setup > Bleed and Slug. Enter 0.125" for the bleed.
  • Embed images: Go to Window > Links > Select images and choose "Embed Image" in the Links panel.
  • Embed fonts: Go to Type > Create Outlines.
  • Save as File > Export as PDF with "High Quality Print" setting with Marks and Bleeds > "Use Document Bleed Settings" checked.

Canva

  • Due to Canva size limits, create artboard at Tenth Scale. Ex: Overall Template Size 100in x 87.25in will be 10.0in x 8.725in.
    • In your file name, please label "10thSCALE".
  • To set bleed: Add bleed area manually by ensuring canvas is same size as "Overall Template Size".
  • Save as PDF by using Share > Download > File Type > PDF Print > Color Profile > CMYK.

Digital Proofs

Digital proofs provide a preview of layout and design but may not be color-accurate. For precise color matching, request a hard copy proof.

Ensure that all images and elements are correctly placed before submission.

Terminology

  • Bleed: The area of your design that extends beyond the trim size to avoid unintentional white borders after cutting.
  • Margin/ Safe Area: The area within the margins where important elements should be placed to avoid accidental cropping.
  • Trim Size: The final size of your printed piece after cutting.
  • Vector: Images made of paths and mathematical formulas, which can be scaled without losing quality (e.g., AI, EPS files).
  • Raster: Images made of pixels, which can lose quality when scaled (e.g., JPEG, TIFF files).
  • CMYK: Color model used in color printing; stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). Use CMYK for accurate color representation in print.
  • RGB: Color model used for digital screens; stands for Red, Green, Blue. RGB colors may not reproduce accurately in print.
  • Pantone PMS: Pantone Matching System; a standardized color reproduction system used to ensure color consistency.
  • PDF: Portable Document Format, a file format used for documents and images.
  • EPS: Encapsulated PostScript, a vector file format used for high-quality graphics.
  • SVG: Scalable Vector Graphics, a vector image format used for sharp, scalable images on web and print.
  • TIF/TIFF: A high-quality raster image format used for detailed images.
  • PNG: A raster image format with support for transparency, often used for web graphics.
  • JPG/JPEG: Common formats for raster images, often used for web and digital photography.