We prefer that you send PRINT READY (Press Quality) .PDF files. However, we can accept also .ai, .psd, .eps, .tiff (CMYK file at 300 DPI only), and .jpg (CMYK file at 300 DPI only). If uploading any of these other accepted formats we ask that you compress the files for delivery.

Note that .png files are only meant for web browsers. If a .png file is supplied it will require you to select the File Set-up Charge – we will contact you if we require anything additional to make the file print ready.

Naming Files: Make sure there are no spaces, you can use the underscore character instead (file_Name.pdf).
Spaces in file names will prevent the upload to be complete (file name will show but will not be processed for upload).
Keep the file name short and don’t forget to include the appropriate file extension.

Working with a Publisher file?
See “Can I supply a Microsoft Publisher file” below

All fonts must be converted to outlines to prevent default font issues. Live fonts in your document/ file can cause printing issues.

• If fonts are not OUTLINED, you must provide them in order for us to print your file.
• You may compress them in a .zip file and upload in conjunction with the artwork file or you can email them to us. If doing so please reference your order number in the email subject line.

All small text, thin and light weight fonts that are BLACK should be made up of 100% Black and set to overprint to avoid any registration issues. Do not use CMYK values to make up small text – use only 100% K

All files must be provided in CMYK color mode – four color process (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). Files provided in RGB* or with SPOT colors will shift in color when converted (see also File Resolution for more info).  

*RGB files are not considered Press Ready and will incur a “Non Press Ready” Charge.

Bleeds are required for trimming your job.

Files must have an additional 0.125″  (1/8″) extended border all around when there is a background image or color that extends to the edge (e.g. 8.75″ x 11.25″ file will have a final size of 8.5″ x 11″ after trimming, and a 4.25″ x 6.25″ file will have a final size of 4″ x 6″ after trimming).

*Files without appropriate bleeds are not considered Press Ready and will incur a “Non Press Ready” Charge.

Keep all live areas with text and/or important elements (such as logos or images you do not want to reach the edge of the print) a minimum of 0.125″ away from the final trim area.

Borders are not recommended. If you must have a border make sure that it’s at least 0.25″ inside from final trim area – if the border is too close to the cutline, it may be cut off-center slightly.

*We can not guarantee alignment on files with borders that do not meet our requirements.

For high quality and crisp printing it is required to have 300 dpi (dots per inch) images/files.

It is highly recommended to use professional software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and/or Photoshop. Unfortunately other software such as Office, Publisher*, Powerpoint, Excel, and others will output files as RGB and at 72 dpi making these files print somewhat pixelated.

*See “Can I supply a Microsoft Publisher file” below

First.. Set up Your Print Document

1. Click on “File” in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Then check “Show print bleed” Bleed lines are essential for all photos and colors that extend to the edge of the page. Due to the risk of a shift when cutting, make sure you extend the images outside of the bleed line to guarantee your document does not end up with white lines along the edges of your print.

Second… Set up your Canva artwork to include the 0.125 inch BLEED for export

1. In Canva to make your design print-ready you need to ensure the bleed area is set up correctly.
   To do this, spread any content that would run to the edge of you document outside of the artwork area – do this by dragging the borders out past the edge or bounding box of the document area.
2. Export your Canva design with crop marks and bleeds
   Select the “Download” icon on the top bar (right); from the pull down menu select the file type to be “PDF Print” and check the box for “Crop marks and bleed“, then click the “Download” button.

Saving Canva files into CMYK Mode for the printing process

Unfortunately, this is not possible to do on Canva. Canva is an online editor and they only use the RGB color profiles so when files are downloaded they will download in RGB color mode. In order for us to print we will need to convert your file into CMYK color mode. Depending on the complexity of this it might incur an additional charge. **Please note that when color mode settings are changed, colors may shift in values and look different when printed.

Yes, it is possible to accept Publisher files but they must be exported correctly to a PDF file.

If you are working with a Publisher file see How to Make Your Publisher File Compatible With Our Printing Specifications (Press Ready File). Click Here! <– Opens in New Window