Tips for creating your artwork

• Use a Template, and keep your art on a separate layer from the template.
• All artwork is to include a 1/8” bleed past all edges. (Guides and trim lines are included in our templates)
• All artwork should be at High-Resolution 300 dpi for best print quality.
• Include all Fonts or convert text to outlines.
• Include all linked or placed Images. (this pertains to layouts designed in INDD, Illustrator or Quark).
• If you have multiple files please make sure you place them in a zipped folder before uploading.

Accepted Software Formats:

We recommend creating your artwork in a design program such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or QuarkXPress. Software version : Adobe Products/CS6, Quarq/9.0. If you are using a newer version please save as down to our acceptable version for best compatibility.
If you are using a graphic design program not listed above, you may export as a .EPS, a .TIF, or a .PDF for submittal and our art department can verify quality and compatibility.
If supplying us with Quark or InDesign files please be sure to include all fonts and image folders for proper linking.

Templates:

Our Templates are already set-up for easy use in our recommended design programs and include the printable dimensions.
Artwork and template need be placed on separate layers. Do not flatten templates or dye lines within your files.
Any flattened artwork submitted is subject to additional fees. We highly recommend sending us your complete layered artwork just in case you need a quick text change we can fix it for you instead of having to resubmit your artwork.

File Types & Resolution:

Vector files are recommended for some print processes. For raster artwork we recommend high-resolution of 300 dpi best print quality. If you must use a raster based program to create your layout like Photoshop, we recommend all text be left editable and not rasterized to avoid pixelation.

Bleeds & Safety Areas:

A 1/8” bleed past ALL edges is required on artwork to allow for printer shift or variation in template sizes across different print processes. This includes the center hole of disc artwork; please do not delete artwork in that area as bleed is needed there also. We recommend creating a safety area for your text design elements by keeping them 1/8” from all edges. Please don't feel you need to delete extra artwork past the bleed or printable edges, it's always better to have too much than not enough.

Images & Fonts:

All art files need to be accompanied with any placed or linked images and "True Type" font files. Text under 7 pt. in size cannot be guaranteed legible. For Silver Discs minimum point size is 12pt. For White Discs minimum point size is 10 pt. If fonts are unavailable, convert text to outlines.

Color space:

Define all color modes as CMYK. No RGB files. Our printers are CMYK process printing and cannot guarantee Pantone colors.

Blacks:

100% black is not as deep as some prefer in their artwork. For a thick crisp black we recommend using this rich black CMYK mix for any black areas that will be process color printed:    Rich Black: C = 90%, M = 60%, Y = 50%, K = 100% ◦
Depending on your chosen printing process some variations in color will apply, here are some specific details:
Disc Printing WITH or WITHOUT a white flood coat: The white flood-coat is a layer of ink on a silver disc that acts as a base-coat or primer for the colors printed on it, recreating the effect of printing on white paper. No white flood coat will show silver of disc. Color Matching: As colors vary in different printing processes as well as on different materials, If color matching is requested additional fees and proofs may be required.

Artwork Design Services:

Don't stress if you can't create your artwork to our specifications, our design team is here to help.
The following can be charged at an hourly development rate of $75 per hour, or simple changes a $30 set-up fee.
• Any changes, additions, or alterations to original art file.
• Manipulations or removal of defects from any image.
• Creating bleed areas past image edges.
• Artwork created by our staff Graphics Department.
• Artwork recreations or touch-ups Ready to submit your artwork? Use our online file upload, submit files on a disc, or contact your account representative.