Correct layout of print files – explained quickly!

1. Correct colour mode:

The correct colour mode is CMYK. Please don´t send RGB files as they would be automatically converted into CMYK, possibly distorting the colours in the process.

2. Colour profile:

At PrintCarrier.com we use the colour profile "ISO Coated v2 300%". To make sure that your files print properly. Please assign this profile to your print files. You can download it HERE.

3. Colour saturation:

The total ink coverage (Cyan + Magenta + Yellow + Black) of your artwork must not be more than 300%. If it is greater, the press sheets may not dry properly, causing them to stick together. The total ink should also not be less than 15%. Anything less than this and your prints will look pale or may risk not being printed. To create a deep black colour, use the CMYK values 60% - 60% - 60% - 100% (black).

4. Resolution:

To obtain ideal print results your artwork should have a resolution of at least 300dpi. For posters a minimum resolution of 240dpi is sufficient. For flags, displays, and beach flags up to 3 square meters in size is the minimum 150dpi, and when they are larger than 3 square meters 96dpi is enough. A lower resolution is likely to cause blurry (pixelated) print results.

5. Layers:

Flatten all open layers to the background layer before exporting your PDF file.

6. Colour channels:

For 4/4 and 4/0 coloured prints, there must be four colour channels (CMYK). For single-coloured prints (1/0 = grey levels) there should be only 1 colour channel. For two-coloured prints (2/0 = HKS-colour + black) there may only be 2 colour channels.

7. Artwork formats:

We accept PDF (PDF/X-4:2010, PDF/X-1a:2001) and JPG files for printing:

PDF/X-4:2010: In a PDF/X-4 All images and writings have to be embedded or converted into paths, transparencies are allowed. We recommend to deliver the file including colour profile ISO Coated v2 300%. If possible, please send us this data format preferential.

PDF/X-1a:2001: In a PDF/X-1a all picture files as well as writings must be embedded or converted into paths. Transparencies will not be accepted. Unless otherwise specified in the product description, we recommend that you submit a PDF/X-1a file with the ISO Coated v2 300% colour profile.

JPG: This is a compressed graphic file format which can result in a poorer-quality print image, If you must save artwork in this format, please choose the lowest compression level

8. Bleed:

8. Bleed: Unless otherwise stated in the product descriptionadd 1mm of bleed on every side (3mm for posters) around the final trimmed format (the size which will be delivered to you). Your artwork will therefore always be larger than the final format.

If you are creating an A6 flyer, for example, your artwork must be 2 x 2mm larger than the final format (i.e. 1mm more at the top, and bottom and on the right and left In this example, final trimmed format is 105 x 148mm. Your artwork therefore has to measure 107 x 150mm.

Please do not leave the bleed white. Instead, extend your background colours into it. This will prevent any unprinted edges in the final trimmed document.

9. Distance from the edge:

o prevent text or other important elements such as logos etc. from being partially cut off, make sure to place them at least 3mm from the edges (5mm for posters and 7mm for brochures.

10. Arrangement of pages:

It is important to submit your artwork with the right orientation so that your print product will look as you want it to. If your artwork has been arranged incorrectly, the pages can print upside down, for example. This applies to both folded and unfolded products. It is important for them all to be arranged in the right direction. Otherwise the back of a flyer or business card can be upside down, or the front and back reversed.