Print Resources
Get your files ready for print.
Short, plain-language guides for designers, brands, artists and anyone new to print.
General guidance only. Requirements vary by product and production partner — we'll confirm exact specs for your project before anything prints.
9 guides
01Preparing artwork for printWhat to send so your files are ready to check, quote and print. · Everyone
- Send the final version of each file, clearly named (e.g. cover, inside pages, back).
- PDF is usually the easiest format to check. If you only have the original design file, send it with fonts and linked images included.
- Tell us the finished size, quantity and any finish you have in mind. If you don't know yet, that's fine — we'll help.
- We'll review your files before production and tell you if anything needs to change.
02Bleed, trim and safe areaWhy artwork that runs to the edge needs a little extra around it. · Designers, first-timers
- Trim is where the paper gets cut to its finished size.
- Bleed is extra artwork beyond the trim, so color or images run cleanly to the edge after cutting. A common amount is 1/8" (3mm) per side, but it varies by product — we'll confirm for yours.
- Safe area is a margin inside the trim. Keep text, logos and anything important inside it so nothing gets cut off.
03Image resolution and file formatsWhy images that look fine on screen can look soft in print. · Everyone
- Screens are forgiving; print shows every pixel. Images pulled from websites or social media are usually too small to print well.
- A common starting point is around 300 pixels per inch at the size the image will print. Large-format pieces viewed from a distance can often use less — we'll confirm for your project.
- Logos and text print sharpest as vector artwork (PDF, AI, EPS or SVG).
- Accepted uploads on our form: PDF, JPG, PNG, TIFF, AI, PSD, EPS, SVG and ZIP.
04Color mode and color expectationsWhy printed color can look different from your screen, and how to plan for it. · Designers, brand owners
- Screens show color as light (RGB). Most printing mixes inks (CMYK), which can't reproduce every bright screen color.
- Paper changes color too: uncoated stock looks softer and warmer than coated stock.
- If exact color matters — a brand color, skin tones, artwork reproduction — tell us early. We can talk about proofs or samples before the full run.
- We can't promise an exact match to your screen, but we'll explain the options and what to expect.
05Book and lookbook artworkPlanning page counts, spreads and covers. · Artists, publishers, fashion brands
- Page counts often need to be multiples of 4 (sometimes 8 or 16) depending on the binding. Tell us your page count and we'll confirm.
- Send inside pages as single pages in reading order unless we ask otherwise.
- Covers are usually prepared separately; the spine width depends on the page count and paper, so we'll give you the exact size once specs are set.
- Keep important content away from the inside edge (the gutter), especially on thicker books.
06Packaging and label artworkWorking with dielines and real product sizes. · Product brands
- Boxes and many labels are built on a dieline — a template showing cuts and folds. Use the dieline for your exact product; don't scale one from another job.
- Put the dieline on its own layer and don't print it.
- Tell us how labels will be applied (by hand or machine), the container, and whether they need to handle moisture or refrigeration.
- A physical sample before a full run is often worth it for packaging. Ask us about it.
07Requesting a quote and choosing specsWhat helps us give you an accurate quote. · Everyone
- Product type, finished size, quantity and target date are the most useful details.
- Paper, finish and binding can be decided together — you don't need to know them up front.
- Ranges are fine (e.g. 100–250 copies). We can quote a few quantities.
- Reordering a previous job? Choose "Exact repeat" or "Repeat with changes" on the quote form.
08Turnaround and artwork approvalHow timing works and why approval matters. · Everyone
- Timing depends on the product, quantity, finishing and production partner, so we confirm dates with each quote.
- Production starts after you approve the final artwork and proof. Changes after approval can affect the date.
- Working to a tight deadline? Ask about rush jobs — we'll tell you honestly what's possible.
09Common questions about custom projectsQuick answers before you get in touch. · Everyone
- Do I need print-ready files? No. Send what you have and we'll tell you what's needed, or help prepare it.
- Can you help with a project that doesn't fit a category? Yes — describe it and we'll find a way to make it.
- Do you print in-house? We coordinate production with trusted partners and manage the project for you.
- We're based in Los Angeles and reach customers by phone, email or video. In-person meetings are by appointment — just ask and we'll set one up.
Still not sure? Ask us.
Send what you have and we'll tell you what's needed.
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