Uploading your own files in the Online Design Section

IMPORTANT: We sometimes find Firefox doesn't always work well so make sure you have accepted all cookies so that the upload will work.

If you are supplying your own print-ready files, we accept JPG, JPEG, AI, PDF, EPS, BMP, TIF, TIFF, GIF, and PNG file formats. FFor an image to be used as background, a size of 1350 x 810 pixels or higher is recommended; and a minimum size of 1125 x 675 pixels is required. For an image to be used as logo, a minimum size of 176 x 106 pixels is required.

Maximum file size per upload session is 200 MB.

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File Types for Plastic Business Cards & 24 Hour Business Cards

The Hard Part Made Easier By GFX

We have done everything we possibly can to simplify the online printing ordering process. We realize though that there can be individual complexities in the file setup and transferring process. That is why we deal with every order on an individual basis. It is part of the process of making sure your colour printing, whether on paper or on plastic, that they turn out the way you imagined. However, our printing services are typically for those very familiar with file preparation as we cannot provide any personal tutoring if you do not have the suggested software and you do not want to use the online design tools and templates.

The Basics ... for Graphic Designers Simple Calibration: At the very minimum, your monitor needs to be calibrated using Adobe Gamma (comes bundled with Photoshop). Colour Profile: U.S. Sheetfed Coated v2. Colour Space: CMYK.Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI (Max. 375 DPI). No web graphics. Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI (Max. 375 DPI). No web graphics. Full Bleed: 1/8" on any side that bleeds. Rich Blacks (Solid Backgrounds Only): We recommend C30% M20% Y20% and K100%. Not recommended for text. File Type: EPS or TIFF only (fonts converted and layers flattened). Note that we consider Photoshop EPS files to be BITMAPPED and the same as TIFF IMPORTANT: Files from programs such as Illustrator (eps), inDesign (eps), CorelDraw (ai), Freehand (eps), Photoshop (tif), etc. are acceptable in high resolution format, i.e. minimum 300 dpi and CMYK with fonts converted to curves or outlines. PDFs are acceptable if following the same guidelines (convert fonts, not just embed them) and DO NOT INCLUDE crop and registration marks, colour bars and anything that is only meant for your own proofing purposes. Do not send files by email unless instructed by your GFX representative. Archive: Save all files in a single Zip or StuffIt archive before transferring -- use proper naming conventions for files, i.e. NOT archive.sit - use ClientName.sit. Click here for Microsoft Publisher specifications. Instructions for uploading files will be provided after you place your order. We recommend that you provide Low resolution JPEGs with your high resolution vector files as proofs. If you do not send low resolution proofs, we will not remind you and all printing as it your own risk. Do not send files by email. Rich Blacks NOTE that Rich Black on the back of any printing is considered full colour because Rich Black is CMYK.

Doing it Yourself? Read Below if you Need More Further Details of File Preparation

We also don't recommend using a paint program such as Photoshop for text only (specifically on a white background), unless there's special effects or it's on a colored background (make sure the font is fairly heavy). If you do not have a drawing program such as Illustrator or CorelDraw, increase the resolution to 1200 or 2400 dpi (line art); this solution is only recommended for black text on a white background (see above for Rich Blacks) .

First and foremost, is your monitor calibrated? If you have no idea what we're talking about, here's a link to Adobe's knowledge base that will explain what calibration is.

• Are the files CMYK? Greyscale for the back only, unless printing color both sides;

• Have you checked the canvas size? Image size and canvas size are 2 different things.

Allow 1/8" on any side that bleeds, and 1/8" on the inside "live" area that doesn't get trimmed.

• Have you named all files (ZIP, SIT, TIF, EPS, etc.) so that we can figure out who the file belongs to? YOURNAME.EPS /TIF /ZIP /SIT is good.

• Have you converted fonts to curves (CorelDraw), outlines (Illustrator) or paths (Freehand)? In Photoshop, it's "render type layer"*. Save your original files in case they need to be modified and resubmitted.

• Have you exported the file without any further compression (i.e.: no LZW or JPEG? These will add a distinct fuzziness to your completed print job even if it's not visible on your or our monitor).

• Note that compressed files such as *.zip or *.sit is not the same thing as using compression within a program such as Photoshop.

DO NOT embed a JPEG, web graphics or clipart within your files! These will result in the same poor quality for which we are not responsible.

• For the back, have you triple-checked spelling and grammar? We do not proofread your artwork.

• Finally, stuff or zip (compress) your file(s) and send it to us!

Instructions for sending us files will be provided after you place your order. Low resolution JPEGs should be provided with your high resolution files: this gives us the opportunity to see what you see.

Borders/Horizontal Rules (Lines)

If you plan on adding a border around the edge of the card, we recommend that it not be smaller than 1/4"; 1/8" for trimming and 1/8" on the inside visible area. This is especially crucial for business cards where the border will almost always trim off balance due to the nature of trimming and the small size. For example, on a 4x6 postcard, 1/16" off balance is barely noticeable, but quite noticeable on a 3.5 x 2 business card. Use small borders at your own risk!

Horizontal rules/lines may not output if they are smaller than .25". If supplying a TIFF file with small/fine lines, they will appear jagged or not print at all.

PDF Files

We are offset printing, not digital, and we do not accept PDF files as final artwork.

For Best Printing Results 1) Use a photo editing tool such as Photoshop to scan, crop, correct, etc. photographs and save them as 300dpi (375dpi maximum) CMYK TIFF files, then; 2) Place the photograph into a drawing program such as Illustrator to add your text on top of the photograph; 3) Always try to use a drawing program such as Illustrator for large blocks of text like the back of a postcard or contact information on the front of a business cards. 4) Always keep in mind that vector files (Illustrator/CorelDraw/Freehand) will produce the best results since they are not resolution dependent like bitmapped files (TIFF or JPEG).

Free to Low Cost Software Alternatives Don't have Photoshop or Illustrator? Below are some links to low-cost or free alternatives - note that we have no experience with these programs and cannot help you, nor can we guarantee they will be compatible files for offset printing: Photo Imaging: PhotoPlus (Free) PaintShop Pro (Formerly JASC - low cost) PhotoBRUSH by MediaChance Draw/Vector Imaging: Mayura Draw (Shareware/Low Cost) Skencil (Free - Mac/Unix/Linux) RealDRAW (Combines photos and illustrations - low cost) CompactDRAW from the same company that provides RealDRAW

Proofs

We are a gang printer and  because of the nature of gang printing, we only provide digital proofs, not film-based proofs such as Matchprints.

Need More Information on Preparing Artwork?

We regret that we can't offer personal tutoring for any particular software package should you need further assistance in preparing your files. Your GFX customer service representative will try to assist you if you need clarification on any of the above.

Microsoft Publisher 2003 Using Microsoft? We do not accept MS Publisher files or any file from a Microsoft program If you want us to provide file conversions of your Publisher 2003 files, there is a  minimum $50 service fee (maximum is $75 Canadian) and we will forward the press-ready files to you.

Your Supplied Artwork

You are 100% responsible for the accuracy of your layouts. Please proofread all layouts carefully. As postal regulations are subject to change, you are responsible for complying with current mailing restrictions for backside layouts. Check with your local Post Office if you plan on using bulk rates.

If we have any problems with your artwork, we will notify you prior to printing it. We try to review files within 24 hours of receipt. Our review process is nominal, however, and it's your responsibility to follow our guidelines.

What's Your Guarantee (Templates excluded)?

If you have designed the cards yourself and used the online design tools and templates, we do not provide any guarantee of the finished product once you have approved the proof online.

Other exceptions to the finished product are: 1) RGB or Pantones to CMYK conversions, 2) PDFs, 3) embedded profiles, or 4) slight trimming imperfections. We do not guarantee a 100% perfect match. If the files we print match the files you sent us, the cost of reprinting them is borne by you.

Please follow the guidelines and instructions carefully to avoid delays, reprinting costs and/or additional service fees.

Updated February 6, 2011