Pre-Press Academy

Pre-Press Academy

*This guide assumes a basic understanding of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. If you aren’t familiar with those programs, our design team is eager to help you create the product you want.

Make sure your design transfers accurately to the press. Read through the guide to learn how different aspects of your document can change the printing process, or review a specific topic by clicking on it. Instructional videos and reference pictures explain each subject. Download free file templates to get started, and use the Print Ready Checklist to ensure that your design is ready for the press.

Document and Trim Size

Document Set up Icon

Begin by setting your document’s size to the final trimmed or folded size. Learn about setting up your document’s size

Bleed Area

Bleed Area

Apply a bleed area of .125 inches to your Print Ready PDF. Find out how to correctly set up and apply Bleed.

Margins

Margins

Ensure that your document is equipped with proper margins. Make sense of margins.

CMYK Color

CMYK Color

Design and save your document in CMYK color mode. See when other color modes are necessary.

Pantone and Spot Color

Pantone Colors

For Pantone, leave spot colors active. Otherwise, use CMYK. Know when and how to use Spot Colors.

Rich Black vs. 100% Black

Rich Black vs. 100% black

Use 100% black for small type and Rich Black for large type or backgrounds. Get the most out of your black ink.

Resolution

Resolution

Each image needs a resolution of at least 200 dpi. Make sure your images are crisp.

Folding Documents

Folding Documents

If your document folds, use one of our Folding Templates. Get to know your document folding options.

Booklet Design

Booklet Design

Design your booklet in signatures of four and save it in reader spreads. Get to know your booklet design options and best practices.

PDF Exporting

File Save with Color

Always export your file as a Print Ready PDF. See the steps to saving your document as a Print Ready PDF file.

PDF Presets

PDF Preset

Automate saving your Print Ready PDFs. Download our PDF Preset.

Sending Your File

Sending your file (rocket ship taking off)

Use email, FTP, or Web Portal. Learn the easiest way to get your files to us.