File Preparation is the Key to Success!

Good Resolution is 300 dpi and larger!

Want a smoother pre-print process? MSA is a great source of information for best practices for you to follow for best quality file preperation. Good file prep leads to picture perfect print output.

File Formats

For Digital printing: Adobe PDF's file format is preferred but we accept the following file formats: .TIF, .JPG, .PDF, .PS, .EPS and .PSD.

For Press Printing: Adobe PDF's file format is almost always a sure thing, but we work with: Adobe InDesign, Quark Express, Adobe Illustrator, .EPS. It is necessary for you to send all assets (fonts, graphics, etc.) along with the native files. Creating or turning text into Outlines or Paths is usually a good idea as well. Feel free to call us with any questions.

CMYK Color Mode:

To avoid colors shifting we suggest submitted files in CMYK mode. If your files are submitted using any other color standard, such as RGB they will be converted. Sometimes conversion from one color standard to another may cause colors to shift so if you are looking for Spot Color match (PMS or Pantone matching) please note the specific color codes.

Rich Black:

When you want an area of solid black within a document, 100% black (K) will not result in a solid, saturated black. Instead, use Rich Black, as represented by C:50% / M:40% / Y:40% / K:100%.

Bleeds:

Any time an image or color is printed to the edge of a page, it must extend at least .125" beyond the final dimensions of your job to allow for cutting variation.

Printing with borders:

When using a border in your artwork, it is essential that your design use at least .25" of white space from your border to the cut line to maintain a symmetric appearance.

Minimum Line Thickness:

If you are using a line border, be sure to make the line at least .25 pt. thick to assure it prints correctly.

U.S. Postal Regulations:

The Post Office requires all mailing postcards to meet certain requirements and may not mail them properly if there are mistakes (paper size, weight - pt. size, content, postage, indicia, etc.). Check out USPS.com or please contact us for more detailed information based on your desired design.

Low Resolution Images:

Graphics / Images such as TIFF's and JPEG's must have a resolution between 300 dpi and higher dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will most likely reproduce poorly on the printing press.

File Type:

Our production process is such that Adobe PDF files are most likely the preferred file type to output your jobs from. However, we can print from any of the major professional design and layout programs on either PC or Mac platform. If you send us application files such as Quark or Adobe InDesign, be sure to include all images and fonts.

Compressing Files:

During transfer across the Internet (email or FTP) files can get stripped of important code that identifies them as valid TIFF's or EPS's etc. Without compressing your files, you run the risk of sending us incomplete or ‘corrupted? digital files. Suggested Compressions: ZIP and Stuffit. Windows XP contains a built in compression program.

Missing Images:

You must supply ALL images used in your layout (we cannot print your order without them). If you do not supply your images, you will be asked to resubmit them. Under NO circumstance will a low resolution image, like a logo or photo published in a Web site, print to an acceptable level of quality.

Show hidden font characters:

You must make sure there are no hidden characters in your artwork. Every font field ends with an infinity symbol. If there are symbols in your artwork without any type before, delete those type fields or make sure those fonts are outlined.

Artwork containing gradients:

Gradients are commonly used in printing and in most instances produce good results. Gradients can be represented in a file as a mathematical equation (Vector) or rendered by the application into a series of pixels (Raster). Whether created as rasters or vectors, gradients below 10% may not reproduce accurately.

Most Common Digital File Errors

Art and Text Too Close to Trim
Text, borders, or images that are not meant to go the edge of your card must be 1/8" from the bleed edge of your layout. Images that are meant to go to the edge of your card must extend to bleed.
Low Resolution Images
Raster graphics such as TIFF's and JPEG's must have a resolution between 300 and 355 dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will definitely reproduce poorly on any press.
RGB Color and Mismatched Color
REMEMBER: RGB (red, green, blue) must be converted to CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) prior to printing. Check your color after you do the CMYK conversion, it may not look the way you expected. Colors on your screen will sometimes not match the final printed color exactly. If you are unclear as to how to match the colors please read our color calibration guide. Regardless of your settings, we do not guarantee color matches unless you request a color proof.
Wrong Size
Digital files must be built at the correct bleed size. Please download and use our templates to ensure correct page size. Postcard layouts Does Not Meet U.S. Postal Regulations .The Post Office requires all mailing postcards to meet certain requirements laid out by the USPS and may not mail them properly if there are mistakes.
Wrong File Type
Our production process is such that we can only accept specific file types from specific professional graphic design applications. It is important that you prepare your files as suggested in the preparing your files section. If your application is not listed as an accepted format, your design will need to be redone in an industry standard graphic design application.
The Importance of “stuffing” or “zipping”
As your files travel across the internet, they can get stripped of vital code that identifies them as valid TIFF's or EPS's or whatever the original file types. Without packing or compressing your files, you run the risk of sending us incomplete or “corrupted” digital files.
Missing Images
You must supply ALL images used in your layout (we cannot print your order without them). If you do not supply your images, you will be asked to resubmit them.