Art Guidelines
FILE TYPES
We prefer to receive PDFs.
Other acceptable file formats:
- JPEG - make sure that it is in CMYK & that the resolution is at least 300 dpi.
- EPS & AI - make sure to embed all links & outline all fonts.
- InDesign - export & package the file so that all links & fonts are included. (Outlining all the fonts will also be helpful since some fonts do not like to work even though they have been packaged.)
- NOT recommended, but we will accept: Word Docs, and Excel file formats.
Other program formats:
COREL DRAW:
Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
• Export as Illustrator EPS
FREEHAND:
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to paths
• Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF
PAGEMAKER:
Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
• Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:
Postscript Level 2
CMYK Mode
TIFF format and
Binary
PUBLISHER:
You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t please download and use our Adobe Job Ready Program. If you do have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF please follow the steps below.
Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer
Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF
IMAGE RESOLUTION
For high quality printing, the resolution must be 300 dpi or greater. Using images taken from the internet will not work because they are a low resolution of 72 dpi. They will appear pixelated and/or blurry. Scaling up artwork to fit a new size is also not recommended.
COLOR MANAGEMENT
- Acceptable colors are Black, CMYK, and PMS
- Do not use RGB, Lab, or Index Colors
- Please don't rename spot colors, or create your own. We can ONLY accurately use PMS colors.
- For 4 Color Digital - If you need us to match a PMS color, please leave it and do not covert it to CMYK. We will be able to more accurately match it that way.
What is the Pantone Matching System?
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.
Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways. Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model.
When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.
Is white considered a printing color?
Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using colored paper, white ink may be used if any text or graphic requires it. We can achieve this with our state of the art 5th color printer.
FONTS
Please outline all fonts. This helps us if we need to fix anything with the file, since we do not own all the fonts and may not be able to open it because of that. This also helps against any issues with the fonts not reading properly when printing.
BLEEDS & Margins
Please include the bleeds when designing, so we do not have to scale the art up (which depending on how close content is to the edge, might not work) or for us to have to create it ourselves. Doing so may incur a fee.
Please refer to our templates first, which you can find here: rcpionline.com/resources/templates.html. If you do not see what you need, we can send it to you! If you have any questions, we're happy to help. Just contact us at: info@rcpionline.com or call: 501-227-5000.
Some finishing options on templates may effect bleeds and margins, however in general:
Paper Printing: Bleed should be 0.125 inches. W prefer margins that are .25 inches, but we can also work with .125 inches if necessary.
Wide format may vary. Please request template if you do not find it on our template page.
Crops
There is no need to include crops.
If you have any questions whether or not your art is print ready, feel free to email us and we will let you know.
Phone: 501-227-5000
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm
Or email at:
info@rcpionline.com
