500 Full Color
Business Cards
for $85 Canadian

500 Foldover
Business Cards
for $185 Canadian

The ‘Hard’ Part Made Easier By GFX

We’ve 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’s why we deal with every order on an individual basis. It’s why we’re prepared to work with you (and your artwork) on a personal basis. It’s part of the process of making sure your cards turn out the way you imagined.

When you place your order, you will receive by e-mail, complete and easy-to-follow instructions. It will include the necessary security password for uploading your file to our server.

Using Microsoft? We can only accept MS Publisher 2003. Please note that we have to make a number of alterations to Publisher files, eg: convert images and graphics from RGB to CMYK and save them as *.wmf files. If you are using your own photographs in publications, please ensure that they are at leat 300dpi. We may ask you to send the photographs separately as TIFF files so that we can rebuild the file to our specifications. DO NOT USE PACK AND GO WIZARD. To avoid potential problems, please try to use truetype fonts that come with Office 2003: see Microsoft's site for a list of included fonts at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011872311033.aspx

Specifications For Submitting Artwork to GFX

The Basics

We prefer TIFF or EPS files: layers/type flattened and fonts converted to outlines (Illustrator), curves (CorelDraw) or paths (Freehand), CMYK and 300/375 dpi (free conversion of RGB files available).

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 noticable, but quite noticable 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 files 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 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 contact information on the front and/or back 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).

Click here to see examples

The Details

• EPS or TIFF files (Mac or PC): Photoshop CS3, Illustrator CS3, CorelDraw, Freehand.
• Check those Blacks! In Photoshop, you have to manually change the default black to K100%. For rich blacks, we recommend C50% M50% Y50% and K100%. For solid backgrounds only, not type.
• What does Rich Black mean? If using a photograph that has dark areas, CMYK values occur naturally in shadows, which you don't have to worry about. If creating something with a solid black background on the front, using only 100%K will print closer to a dark grey, and it's these blacks you may want enriched. For black type, only use K100%.

We also don't recommend using a paint program such as Photoshop for text only, unless there's special effects or it's on a colored background. If you do not have a drawing program, increase the resolution to 1200 or 2400 dpi (line art). This solution is only recommended for black text on a white background.

• Are the files CMYK? Greyscale for the back only, unless printing color both sides;
• Have you checked the canvas size? Iimage 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. Also see File Hints.

• 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.

If you are a design, publishing or advertising firm submitting files on behalf of your client, please name the files as your company name, not the client name;

• 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.

Note that embedding a JPEG, web graphics or clipart within your files will result in the same fuzziness.

• 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 graphics should be provided with your high resolution files: this gives us the opportunity to see what you see.

Photos and Slides

We can scan your photographs, slides and transparencies (up to 8" x 10"). Please mail them to:

GFX
3163 Winston Churchill Blvd.
PO Box 26042
Mississauga, ON L5L 5W7 CANADA

Negatives: we can scan your negatives, but we cannot match photographic color reproduction because offset printing is not the same process. It's best that you have the negative turned into a photograph or a "positive" and send it to us.

Proofs

We are a gang printer and  because of the nature of gang printing, we do not provide nor recommend 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.

For general assistance with various software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark, we also have an autoresponder: send a blank message to software@gfxinc.com (note that there is no human attached to this address: it is completely anonymous).

Your Supplied Artwork

You are 100% responsible for the accuracy of your layouts. Please proofread all layout proofs carefully.

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 to ensure everything's okay. Don't worry. If we have a problem with your file, we won't print it until we've had a chance to get in touch with you.

What's Your Guarantee?

If the files we print don't match the files you sent us, we will reprint it at no charge. Exceptions include RGB or Pantones to CMYK conversion, or embedded profiles. We do not guarantee a color 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. Pay particular attention to black backgrounds that are not 100%K on the front. Text should be 100%K, but solid backgrounds need to be checked.