Artwork Guidelines & Help

Sending us your own artwork? Have a quick read through our support document below to ensure we get the best file possible to make your project shine!

Preferred File Formats

For most of todays graphic design, PDF is the best choice for submitting your artwork. We recommend raster graphics (pictures), are at least 150DPI (300ppi preferrably) when viewed at final output size.

If your file has spot colours please ensure they are converted to “Coated” PANTONE swatches, (PMS for you old school people), and use 100% opacity.

Raster File Format (In order of preference)

  • Adobe PDF (.pdf)
  • TIFF (.tif)
  • Photoshop Document (.psd – ensure font’s are outlined, and smart graphics embedded)*
  • JPEG (.jpg – only high quality, high res JPEG’s are acceptable)

Vector Formats (In order of preference)

  • Adobe PDF (.pdf)
  • Adobe Illustrator (.ai – ensure font’s are outlined and any linked graphics are included/embedded)*
  • Corel Draw (.cdr – ensure font’s are outlined and any linked graphics are included/embedded)*
  • Encapsulated PostScript (.eps)*

*We accept these files, however exporting the file to a Press Quality PDF document from Photoshop, Illustrator or Corel is recommended. Please see the bleed & trim recommendations below for exporting a proper PDF file.

NOTE:
All raster files especially PSD/PSB formats must have fonts rasterized + be flattened.
All vector files especially AI formats must have fonts outlined (uneditable) + be flattened.

Formats Not Recommended

We try to work with all files submitted to us, however, please note that some files are not good for outputting to our printers… These include:

  • Any Microsoft Office files (.doc, docx, .ppt, .pptx, and *cringe* .xls & .xlsx)
  • All files ripped from the web, never mind the copyright situation, but the quality of web images makes them difficult to work with)

If you must send us a Microsoft Office file, please export it to PDF first.

Also note, if files are submitted in less than ideal formats, there may be a charge for one of our expert pixel pushers to create a proper file which could result in additional charges or set-up fees.

Bleeds & Trims Marks

When submitting files, try to submit them at 100% scale of the final output size (Letter size documents should have a final size of 8.5″ x 11″, for example. If you’re creating a large graphic, creating the file at a reduced size if great, just let us know how much to scale it up when sending us the artwork.

Bleeds are required if your graphics run to the edge of your document please provide a minimum of 1/4” bleed on all sides. Also, you can add in your own trim marks when exporting to PDF.

Submitting Artwork

Depending on the file size, you can send us your file via email along with your instructions, specs and contact details. Please note if your file is larger than 5-7 MB you may not be able to email it. Please use one of the following options for getting it to us:

  • Dropbox: We love Dropbox linked and shared folders, just be sure to name the shared folder something descriptive about you or your project, i.e. Your Company Name – Poster Files. Do not name it “Files for Sandpiper”, we have enough of those shared folders already!
  • Google Drive: Same idea applies as above
  • USB/CD/DVD: The old fashioned way, you can stop on by, say hi to our friendly staff and give us your files on a disc. Tried, tested and true.