Listed below are the most common errors we find in digital files submitted to us for printing. Please remember that if your job has any of these errors it will be placed on hold until the problem is corrected. Action Graphics makes every attempt to contact you and will keep a log of these attempts, but your best insurance against a delayed job is to understand the following problems and solutions.
Wrong Size | Trimming | Postal Regulations | Resolution | Missing Fonts | Missing Images | Wrong File Type | Corrupt File | FAQ: Die Cuts, PMS Colors, Custom Folds, Bleed Guidelines
Incorrect Color Mode
RGB color mode (red, green, blue) must be converted to CMYK color mode (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) prior to printing. Please visit our FAQ/Help Center for additional information. [top]
Wrong Size
Digital files must be built at the correct bleed size. Whenever possible, please download and use our Free Layout Templates to ensure correct page size and to prevent additional charges during file preparation and printing. [top]
Images or Text Close to TrimText or images that are not meant to be trimmed off the edge of your final printed piece must be 1/4" (.25) from the edge of your layout (also known as Safety).
Images that are meant to go to the very edge of your design must extend into the bleed area 1/8" (0.125).
Due to the very small shifting that occurs during cutting, it is NOT recommended that you use a border of less than 1/4" (.25). Action Graphics can not guarantee that small borders will be the same size on all sides after trimming if you have used a border of less than 1/4" (.25).[top]
Does Not Meet U.S. Postal Regulations
The Post Office requires that all mailed postcards must meet certain criteria. Any divergence from their guidelines can result in a delay in processing or increase the mailing rate. . These guidelines are not set by Action Graphics, they are standards set by the postal service for all mailed products.[top]
Raster graphics such as TIF and JPEG files must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will reproduce poorly on press (the image will look fuzzy and/or pixelated).
If your images are from a website on the internet, there is a good chance that the resolution will not be high enough for printing (unless the images came from a stock photography house and are designated high resolution). The internet displays images at 72 dpi, so that the images appear quickly over an internet connection, but under no circumstances should images at this dpi be used for printing.
If you submit low-resolution files for printing, you will be asked to sign an online waiver acknowledging that you are aware of the resulting loss of quality and that you will accept the final image as is.[top]
Missing Fonts
If you used a page layout program (Publisher, QuarkXpress, Pagemaker, InDesign, etc.) you must provide all fonts and typefaces used in your layout. If you do not supply fonts, you will be asked to upload your fonts and your job will be placed on hold until we receive them.
If your files come from a Mac, please be sure you stuff the fonts with the rest of the project files.[top]
Missing Images
If you used a page layout program (Publisher, QuarkXpress, Pagemaker, InDesign, etc.) you must supply all high-resolution images used in your layout. If you do not supply your images, your printing job will be placed on hold and you will be contacted and asked to upload the missing images.[top]
Wrong File Type
Our online printing services and production process is such that we can only accept specific file types from specific professional graphic design applications. If your application is not listed, please consider using our free Online Designer web based design application.
If you are using a Mac, please make sure your file extensions are included.[top]Corrupt File
As files travel across the internet, they are often stripped of vital code that identifies them and their original file types. Without compressing (win zip / stuff it) them, your files may reach their destination as incomplete or "corrupted" digital files. [top]
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to provide a template and or mockup for my Die Cut print job?
Yes, you will be asked to provide a template of a vector based file for products other than our standard printing products (door hangers, pocket folders, CD wallets and rip cards). If your piece folds you will be asked to provide a mockup of your brochure or menu to insure your product is finished properly. This should be provided in a file separate from your print ready files. You will be asked to include panel lengths and fold lines indicating exactly where you will like your folds to occur. [top]
I have requested a PMS color, what do you require from me?
We need you to provide a file where a PMS color swatch has been applied to all items you want printed in that PMS color. It is important to use a graphics program that supports PMS colors otherwise your files may not be acceptable for this type of request. [top]
I have ordered a brochure that requires folds that are different from your templates, what type of instructions should I provide?
A mockup of your brochure or menu is required to insure you product is finished properly. This should be provided in a file separate from your print ready files. You will be asked to include panel lengths as well as fold lines indicating exactly where you want your folds to occur when submitting your order for online printing services. [top]
What are the guidelines for bleed?
Please make sure you build 1/8" (.125) bleed into your printing project and that all text and graphics are 1/4" (.25) from all sides. [top]
