Preparing Files

When placing your next print order with Postcard-Print.com, please ensure all files meeting the following guidelines as outlined below. Using these guidelines helps eliminate prepress problems and keeps your print job on schedule.

Avoid file problems by taking advantage of our free postcard design services

File Size
Your files must be built to the final trim size plus bleed. This means your files should be 0.25" larger than the product size that you are purchasing. (i.e. 4x6 business card = 4.25x6.25 graphic file).

Crop Marks
Please ensure your files are saved without any crop marks as these marks will be considered part of the artwork and will end up being printed on the finished product.

Fonts/Text
Please make sure that you are not using a font size smaller than 7pt. If working out of vector based software such as Illustrator, InDesign, or Freehand, all text must be converted to outlines before generating the final PDF file. If working out of Photoshop, simply flatten the image. When using MS Publisher for design and layout, it is important to ensure the photos, graphics, and fonts are embedded into the file.

Resolution
We recommend that all images used are at least 300dpi. Submitting files with a lower resolution than 300dpi can make the image look pixilated and blurry.

Color
We require that all graphic files be built using CMYK to ensure color accuracy prior to being uploaded. Files submitted in RGB or using PMS colors will be converted to CMYK, which could cause a slight color shift in the finished product. Files should also be built using the US Sheetfed Coated V2 color profile.

Safety Zone
Do not place any critical images or text beyond the safety zone, which is at least 1/8" from the final trim size, in order to avoid it getting cut off when the finished piece is trimmed.

Typographical / Grammar Errors
Make sure you have proofread your artwork to ensure the spelling and grammar is correct.

Borders
If your graphic files contain a border the border must have a minimum 1/8" (0.125") from all surrounding edges. If you leave less than 1/8" (0.125"), your finished product may result in unequal borders from top to bottom and from side to side. This is due to the final cutting process in which some "draw" or "slippage" might occur. Ideally, you want to create the border with 1/4" (0.25") from all surrounding edges.

Orientation
The front and back sides of your graphic files should have the same orientation. If the front is in the portrait format and the back is in the landscape format, one page will need to be rotated 90°.

Separate Files
Postcards require two (2) separate files, one for the front and one for back side (if applicable.)