Design File Specifications

To avoid delays and ensure proper print quality, please review the following before submitting artwork.
Prepare your Artwork
In-Design Package
  • Run Preflight to ensure there are no issues with the layout.
  • When issues are resolved, package files by going to File > Package.
  • Ensure Package folders contain all linked images and fonts used in layout, as well as a copy of the IDML.
Microsoft Publisher
  • Preflight file by going to “Design Checker” and selecting “General Design Checks” and “Commercial Printing Checks”
  • When issues are resolved, go to File > Pack and Go > Take to Another Computer.
  • Select “Embed TrueType Fonts”, “Include Linked Graphics” and “Create Links for Embedded Graphics”.
  • Follow instructions to package files. Ensure all fonts and linked graphics are provided in the package.
PDF
  • For best results, create PDF using PDF/X standards (ie. “PDF/X1-A:2001”)
  • Ensure all Fonts, Images and Printer Marks are formatted correctly for print (see below)
All Other Formats

Please contact us to discuss if we can work with your files.

Submitting Your Artwork
FTP
  • If you have an FTP site, upload artwork file(s) to the site, and provide us with the Server Name, User Name, Password, and file name(s) of your artwork.
  • If you do not have an FTP site, contact your Project Manager to set up a login on the directworx FTP server. We will provide you with an account on our server, accessible via a web browser or FTP software.
Email
  • If the artwork file(s) are less than 10MB, they can be emailed directly to your Project Manager.
In Person
  • Files may be delivered in person on a portable USB drive, or a CD/DVD disk.
  • Please arrange drop-off with your Project Manager, and advise if you require the drive/disk returned.
Things To Note
Font Handling
  • When possible, supply all fonts used in your layout. (this is a requirement if variable print is being applied to your layout)
  • When providing logos, please convert all fonts to outlines.
Image Resolution
  • Print quality for all images is 300ppi (pixels per inch) at the desired size to ensure a high quality print (ie. an image to be printed 6” wide by 4” high should be 1,800 pixels wide by 1,200 pixels high)
  • Images less than 300ppi may still be printed, however the quality of the image will be compromise as the ppi decreases.
Bleeds
  • If artwork requires printing to the edge of the piece, bleed must be added by extending the artwork past the edge by 0.125” on all sides.
Printer Marks
  • For pieces in a standard paper size (8.5 x 11”, 8.5 x 14”, and 11 x 17”) that do not containing ANY bleeds, crop marks are not required, but can still be included.
  • For all other sized jobs or for ANY job with bleeds, crop marks must be supplied.
  • If perf or fold lines are needed, please ensure the marks are in the bleed/slug area and not in the print area
  • Colour bars may be provided for any full-colour jobs, but are not necessary.
  • Registration marks may be provided for any duplex (double-sided) jobs, but are not necessary.
Colour Modes
  • All images should be provided in CMYK colour mode where possible.
  • Graphics submitted as RGB will be converted to CMYK prior to printing (the CMYK to RGB conversion may cause undesired shifts of the colours in your images).
Pantone
  • Please provide the Pantone number values used when submitting artwork
  • For offset jobs requiring Pantone spot colours, all Pantone values must be separated into spot colours in the provided artwork.
  • For digitally printed jobs, all Pantone spot colours will be converted to CMYK values prior to printing. Note: colour shifting may occur, and not all Pantone values can be recreated with CMYK printing. If you are concerned about how your Pantone spot will appear when printed in CMYK, contact your Project Manager.

For any other questions, feel free to contact us.

Directworx