Preparing a file

Getting your files to us
We have a convenient online (ftp) file transfer. However, you can email us or supply us with a CD or USB flashdrive. Be sure to include contact information and quote reference. Print Digital will not be responsible for any loss of data or damage of media.

File transfer time
Most browsers will display a status bar. File transfer times will vary depending on the size of the file and your internet connection speed.

File software applications
We accept QuarkXpress, Freehand, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, and PowerPoint.

File formats
We accept TIFF, PDF, JPEG, PSD and EPS file types as well as documents from our accepted applications.

PDF file format
Be sure the PDF contains bleeds, if necessary, and that it has not been down sampled. A Portable Document Format (PDF) ensures your viewed file retains the formatting that you intended, and that data in the file cannot easily be changed. The PDF format is also useful if you intend to use commercial printing methods. Optimize for high print quality and embed all fonts.

Down sampling
To make a file smaller, images are changed to a lower resolution when the file is saved. Images less than 300 dpi could reproduce poorly looking fuzzy or pixilated. Images from the Internet are not recommended as most images on the web are 72 dpi and will appear fuzzy or pixilated. An unfavorable image cannot be resaved as a different type of file.

Image file format
TIFF, EPS or JPG files with maximum quality format are usable. Any other file type used may result in unfavourable print quality such as GIF, PING, CDX, etc. Bitmap images (like those from Photoshop) should be saved as TIFF or EPS files if you are going to place them in a layout program.

Images from the Web
Images from websites are 72 dpi and in a GIF or JPEG format. These files usually do not provide a good image quality for printing. Resolution is decreased from these images to allow for rapid transfer on the web.

Viewing files on a monitor
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. These colours are used for digital cameras, scanners, computer monitors and TV screens. Files must be converted from RGB to CMYK when printing on a digital press. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black and are the ink colours used in the printing process. Printing with these four colours is often referred to as full-colour or 4-colour process printing.

Bleed
If you are wanting the colour to go to the trimmed edge of your printed piece one important custom printing term to know is a bleed. Bleed refers to an extra .125” / 3mm of image that extends beyond the trim area of your printed piece. To accommodate a bleed, we print the bleed larger than the final trim size. Bleeds require more paper and production time.

File’s safe print area
The safe area or inner margin in which to keep all important file elements, and to prevent them from being trimmed off, should be at least .25” / 8mm inside the edge of the final trim size.