Accepted File Types: For pens and pencils, AI, EPS or SVG file formats are accepted. The most common types of images seen in these file formats are logos, charts, and editable shapes/objects (such as squares, circles, triangles, and other basic shapes).
AI, EPS and SVG file formats are designed to include only vector data, often represented as objects, shapes, curves, or lines. Vector elements have smooth edges without any aliased/jagged edges. Also, vector elements are resolution independent. This means these elements can be scaled to any size and not lose any detail (or become fuzzy or pixelated).
Non-accepted File Types: File types not accepted for pens and pencils include JPG, JPEG, PNG, or PSD file formats. This is because the image data in these file types is considered raster. Raster images are often photo-based images, such as full-resolution pictures captured and downloaded from cameras or images that are scanned.
Raster images are made up of individual pixels. Pixels are resolution dependent, meaning that the higher the resolution, the better quality that the image will be reproduced at. Raster images do not work well for pens and pencils because these images include aliased/jagged edges which are undesirable on pens and pencils.
Design Resolution: Designs must be submitted in at least 300dpi/300ppi (dots per inch/pixels per inch) to ensure a crisp and clean print. If you are not sure your file meets our standard, we offer a file check service free of charge.
Color Mode: For best results make sure your design is in CMYK color mode. We will also accept RGB color which is typically the default color mode in most design programs. If color is critical, we recommend a hard copy proof.
Product Dimensions: When uploading a completed design you created outside of our design studio, please ensure the file size you are submitting is the exact size of the product you wish to order. Do not include bleed margins. For more information on bleed margins see our bleeds policy.
Minimum Line Weights & Type Sizes: Text can be as small as 7-point type. Lines must be at least .5 point thick. Anything smaller will not be legible.
Watermark Transparency: Watermarks, "phantom" or "ghost" imprints are available at no extra charge on most products. Notebook/Journal products will have an additional charge for watermarks on inside sheets. A 15% opacity or a .1 or .2 fade in the design studio, depending on the color, is recommended if you intend to write over the imprint. As they are very light, text and phone numbers are not recommended in watermarks. Large logos that cover most of the space at the center of the pad look best.
Safety Margins: A safety margin is a printing term used to indicate the area that is safe to design in that won't run the risk of getting trimmed off on the final product. Any text or graphical elements that are not intended to run off the edge of the design must be within the safety margins.
| Safety Margins by Product |
|---|
| Most Products | We require a ¼ inch (.25") safety margin on all sides of your design from the final trim edge. |
| Notebook Products | We require a ¼ inch (.25") safety margin on all sides of your design from the final trim edge, and a ½ inch (.5") safety margin on the intended bind side. |
Bleed Margins: A bleed is a printing term used to indicate the area with a background image that will be trimmed off and runs to the edge of the paper after the job is printed and cut down to the finished size. Since the bleed area will be trimmed off during the cutting process, there should be no text or other important information in that area which will result in a polished and professional product.
| Bleeds Margins by Product |
|---|
| Most Products | The final file size should be the same size of the product ordered. There is no need to add an additional margin to the design. For example, if you order a 4 x 6 notepad your final file size for your print ready file should also be 4 x 6. |
| Notebook Products | Files should be the same size as the product you order. Please note that we cannot accomodate a bleed on both sides of the cover when selecting a 2 or 3 ply cover. |
| Legal Pads, Graph Pads, NCR Products | We do not offer bleeds on these products. |
Attention: All graphical elements (Logos/text) that are NOT intended to bleed should be at least ¼ inch away from the edges to ensure that they will not get cut off. Any graphics or text that are supposed to bleed should extend to the edge of the file.
Please note, our production team will cut into the margins in order to create the bleed so the overall size of the notepad will be reduced by up to a ¼ inch. Unfortunately, we are unable to print oversized files for bleeds.
Ink Coverage: If you are ordering notepads and your pad has over 15% ink coverage (not including watermarks), please go to the business forms category to place your order, where ink coverage greater than 15% has been accounted for in the product.
