File Preparation

Here you can find some helpful tips to make sure your project is ready to print with the highest quality possible.
Not sure if your artwork is ready to go? Our experienced prepress team is here to help, and we’ll make sure your project is a success!

• Create your file at the size of the final printed piece, including bleeds if applicable. Scaling the size of your artwork can produce unexpected results, so create your artwork at the correct size to ensure consistency.
• Consider bleed areas and other margins when creating your file, and plan your design around them. All text and important design elements should be kept at least 0.125” from the page edge, and bleed areas should be 0.125” (more info on margins & bleeds here).
• All colors and color modes should use CMYK or Pantone spot colors. We can accept files using RGB color modes, but the appearance of colors will change in your final product—often drastically.
• All files and images should use a resolution of 300 DPI/PPI. Any lower resolution will appear blurry or pixelated, and any higher resolution will cause larger file sizes with no additional benefit. When downsampling from a higher resolution, use either ZIP compression or JPG compression at the maximum quality setting.
• Keep in mind any bindery that will be involved in your project; for example, leave space for punched holes or staples, keep small text out of fold areas, and ensure the correct number of pages for saddle stitched booklets (more info on booklet page counts here).
• Include specific information in your file names, such as your company name, project title and date (ex. MountainMedia_PrintingTipsBrochure_2024.pdf)

Using Adobe or similar:

• Use the [Press Quality] preset, or create a custom preset based on this option.
• In the “Marks and Bleeds” dialog, either check the box labelled “Use Document Bleed Settings,” or add a 0.125” bleed to each edge within this dialog (more info on setting up bleeds here).
• Embed all source images in your document, or include linked image files separately.
• Embed all fonts, or include font files separately. Fonts may be outlined instead.
• Remove any templates, fold or cut lines from the print image area.
• Delete all unused or non-visible layers in your document before exporting. With current PDF standards, all layers will be visible in your PDF even if they are turned off in your working file.
• Trim marks, registration marks and color bars are acceptable, but not required. If including trim marks, please offset them to the outside of the bleed area.

Using Canva:

• Download your file using the “PDF Print” file type. Using the “PDF Standard” file type will compress your images to a lower resolution.
• Check the box labelled “Crop marks and bleed.”
• Do not check the box labelled “Flatten PDF.” This will cause undesirable issues with your file.
• Under “Color Profile,” select “CMYK.”

Using Microsoft Office:

• If saving as a PDF (File > Save As…), click the “Tools” dropdown arrow and click “Compress Pictures.” Select either the “Print (220 dpi)” or “Use Document Resolution” option.
• If you have an Adobe PDF printer plugin, it will typically give a better result compared to saving as a PDF. Use the “Press Quality” preset.

In some circumstances, we may require your native files instead of PDF files. Typically this is only if there are issues with your PDF, or if we need to make adjustments to the artwork on our end. If you are unsure whether your PDF is ready for print, contact us any time!

• For InDesign files, use the integrated Package feature (File > Package…). This will automatically include everything we need except for protected fonts, which will need to be sent separately.
• For Microsoft Office files (Word, Publisher, etc.), please save a PDF version from your computer and include it along with your design files. These formats often become jumbled when we open them, so your original PDF will give us a reference point for how it appears on your screen.
• For all other file formats, make sure all fonts and images are embedded, or include them separately.