When you submit files to Inkspot, it’s important to provide a print-ready file. That way you avoid issues with the artwork, potential errors, or a result other than what is expected as well as delays in your finished product.
A print-ready file includes:
• Crop marks
• Bleeds – 1/8 inch beyond the borders
• Colors – work in a CMYK workspace when possible, and please assure that black text is 100% black only
• Correct sizing for desired finished size
• Photo/image resolution at 300 dpi
• Fonts that are either embedded or outlined
We also prefer the print-ready files are one up, single pages. If any imposition is needed, we'll do that on our end. For example, if you need a quarter-page flier, make one at 4.25 x 5.5 as described above, send us the PDF and leave the rest to us!
Our software will automatically convert your file to PDF upon submission, but it is best to provide us with a print-ready PDF if possible.
PDF is the preferred format because it packages all the components of your file including fonts, color information and other important settings while still allowing Inkspot flexibility to make modifications to the file and prep it for printing.
PDFs are portable and transferable, meaning that they will keep their properties on any computer, unlike other files.
Many programs provide several methods to make a pdf file (printing to a pdf driver, saving a file as a pdf and exporting the file as a pdf).
Below are instructions for how to convert a file to pdf document in some of the more popular programs. Regardless of the method chosen, a print-ready pdf should be the result.
InDesign
1. Choose File > Export.
2. Specify a name and location for the file.
3. For “Save As Type” (Windows) or “Format” (Mac OS), choose “Adobe PDF”, and then click Save.
4. Choose Adobe PDF Preset “Press Quality”
5. Then select the following options: Under “Marks and Bleeds” select a. crop marks b. bleed (.125”)
6. Click Export (Windows) or Save (Mac OS).
For more information, visit this link.
Illustrator
1. Choose File > Save As or File > Save A Copy
2. Specify a name and location for the file.
3. Choose Adobe PDF (*.PDF) as the file format and click Save
4. Choose Adobe PDF Preset “Press Quality”
5. Then select the following options: Under “Marks and Bleeds” select a. crop marks b. bleed (.125”)
6. Click Export (Windows) or Save (Mac OS).
Photoshop
1. Choose File > Save As, and then choose Photoshop PDF from the Format menu.
2. Click Save. In the Save Adobe PDF dialog box, choose an Adobe PDF preset specifying whether the Photoshop file will be printed on a desktop printer or proofer, sent to a commercial printer, distributed by email, displayed on the web, and so on. For details, see Adobe PDF presets.
3. Choose Adobe PDF Preset “Press Quality”
4. Click Export (Windows) or Save (Mac OS).
Canva
Open the design you want to download.
Above the editor, go to Share, and select Download.
Select PDF Print from the dropdown.
Select Download. If you used paid elements, select Pay and Download.
For more information visit this link.
Microsoft PowerPoint
1. First, make sure your slide is designed to the correct size for printing.
2. Go to “Design” > “Slide Size” > “Custom Slide Size”.
3. Save the files as pdf.
Microsoft Word – MAC
1. Choose File menu, click Print, and then click Save As PDF.
2. In the Save As box, type a name for the file.
3. Locate the folder and disk where you want to save the file, and then click Save.
For more information visit this link.
Microsoft Word – PC
1. Choose File Print
2. Select “Adobe PDF” as the printer
3. Under Properties
4. Select: “Press Quality” for Default Setting
5. Uncheck “Rely on system fonts only; do not use document fonts”
6. Select the appropriate size
Providing a print-ready PDF will help to ensure that your final product will turn out as you expect. For further assistance, please contact us at Eprint, or request a Quote.
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