Design File Requirements & Specifications

Overview

Submitting print-ready files ensures your campaign looks exactly the way you intended. This guide covers everything you need to know about file formats, resolution, bleed, safe zones, and color modes.

Accepted File Formats

We accept the following file formats for print production:

• PDF (Preferred) - Press-quality PDF with fonts embedded and images at full resolution
• AI - Adobe Illustrator files with outlined fonts
• PSD - Adobe Photoshop files, flattened or with layers
• INDD - Adobe InDesign files with packaged assets

PDF is strongly recommended because it preserves fonts, colors, and layout exactly as designed regardless of the software used to open it.

Resolution Requirements

All images and graphics must be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the final print size. Low-resolution images (typically pulled from websites at 72 DPI) will appear blurry, pixelated, or fuzzy when printed.

Quick test: View your image at 100% zoom on screen. If it looks soft or pixelated, it will look worse in print.

Bleed and Safe Zone

Bleed is the area of your design that extends beyond the trim line. It ensures that no unprinted white edges appear after cutting.

• Bleed: Include 0.125" (3mm) bleed on all four sides
• Safe zone: Keep all important text and logos at least 0.25" (6mm) from the trim edge
• Trim line: The final size of your printed piece

Any background colors, images, or design elements that touch the edge of your piece must extend into the bleed area.

Color Mode

All print files should use CMYK color mode. This is the standard color model for commercial printing. If your file is in RGB (the color mode used for screens), colors may shift when converted for print, particularly bright blues, greens, and oranges.

If you are unsure whether your file is CMYK or RGB, our prepress team will review it during production and reach out if any adjustments are needed.

Standard Print Sizes

• Postcards: 4" x 6", 5" x 7", 6" x 9", 6" x 11"
• Flyers: 8.5" x 11", 8.5" x 14"
• Letters: 8.5" x 11" (folded into #10 envelope)
• Brochures: 8.5" x 11" tri-fold, 11" x 17" bi-fold

Do Not Have a Design?

No problem! Our in-house design team can create professional, print-ready artwork for your campaign. Choose the "Design Services" option when building your campaign, and a designer will work with you to bring your vision to life.