CORRECTLY SUBMITTED ARTWORK:

CORRECTLY SUBMITTED ARTWORK AFTER CUT:

KEEP YOUR TYPE AWAY FROM THE EDGE!

This is an example of how the same file can be submitted incorrectly. If you notice, the file was designed with all of the type and important graphics right up to the edge of the canvas. This results in the cutting of everything in red (logos, fonts, and important graphics). This is an example of how NOT to submit your files:

INCORRECTLY SUBMITTED ARTWORK:

INCORRECTLY SUBMITTED ARTWORK AFTER CUT:

Any flyer or postcard you purchase from our company needs to be cut out of a bigger sheet before we ship it to you. This means that a 4x6 Postcard (4.25 x 6) will have to be trimmed down when cut. The end result will be a product which is roughly 4.125 x 5.875. This is true of all of our sizes except Business Cards cards which actually trim true to size at 3.5 x 2. If you are not clear on our cutting process please call a Customer Service representative at 1.866.FASTCOLOR for further explanation.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

File Sizing: The size of the final piece prior to cutting or folding should be the same as the document size listed under IMAGE SIZE in the application program. For example, a 4.25" x 6" postcard should be set up on a 4.25" x 6" page not 8.5" x 11". The resolution should be set at 300 DPI(ppi) minimum. If your job contains bleeds, you MUST allow a .25 inch border containing no live area (important text and graphics) for cutting purposes. The 'front' and 'back' sides of a document should be setup as two separate pages; do not create both sides in a single file or page. Please download the appropriate template from the next section if you have any questions regarding file size and setup.

Fonts: All type (fonts) MUST be converted to outlines (paths).

Setting Up Your Files In Adobe Photoshop CMYK: All scans should be converted to CMYK and be a minimum of 300 dpi. If you are creating your images in an RGB Colorspace use the following CMYK Setup so that the colors in your files convert correctly to our press specification: Adobe Photoshop CMYK Settings: SWOP (Coated); Dot Gain: 20%; Separation Type: GCR; Black Generation: Medium; Black Ink Limit: 100%; Total Ink Limit: 300%; UCA Amount: 0%

Setting Up Your Files In Adobe Illustrator: We accept versions older than 8.0. Save all placed (embedded) images as 300 DPI CMYK TIFF files (no LZW). If the files are linked and not embedded you need to send the linked files along with your Adobe Illustrator files.

Setting Up Your Files In Freehand or CorelDRAW: We currently DO NOT support native Freehand or CorelDRAW files. All files created in CorelDRAW must be exported as .EPS files or Adobe Illustrator .AI files. Making sure to include all fonts that were used in the creation of the document. The only other option is to rasterize to a bitmapped image (TIFF or JPEG) all final artwork. We cannot offer a 24-48 hour turnaround on CorelDRAW files

Setting Up Your Files In Other Applications: The application you are using must be able to export files in the following formats:
1. As a postscript file. (EPS or PDF)
2. As a vector image. (EPS or AI)
3. As a 300 DPI @ a 1:1 size ratio bitmapped image. (TIFF or JPEG)
Supported File Formats:
EPS (Vector)
TIFF (Bitmapped) (NO LZW compression)
JPEG (Bitmapped)
PDF

TEMPLATES & STANDARD SIZES

Keep in mind the document size of the printed piece will be the same as the document size listed under Page Setup in the application program. A .25 inch border containing no live area (critical text and graphics) MUST be allowed for cutting purposes. Approximately a 1/16 of an inch will be cut off all the way around to allow for a full bleed. The sizes of the documents are as follows:

BUILD YOUR FILES AT THE FOLLOWING SIZES:
To download a template of a specific size, click on the name or size below:

Business Cards: 3.75 x 2.25 (Final size 3.5 x 2)
Fold Over Business Cards: 3.75 x 4.25 (Final flat size 3.5 x 4 folded to 3.5 x 2)
1/8 Page: 2.75 x 4.25 (Final size 4.10 x 2.60)
1/3 Page Rack Card: 4 x 8.5 (Final size 3.85 x 8.35)
1/3 Page Door Hanger: 4 x 8.5 (Keep 2 inches clear from top for diecut, Final size 3.85 x 8.35)
4x6 Postcard: 4.25 x 6 (Final size 4.10 x 5.85)
Jumbo Postcard: 8.5 x 6 (Final size 8.35 x 5.85)
8.5 x 11 Tri-fold Brochure Inside: 8.5 x 11 (Allow for folding, Final flat size 8.35 x 10.85)
8.5 x 11 Tri-fold Brochure Outside: 8.5 x 11 (Allow for folding, Final flat size 8.35 x 10.85)
9 x 12 Pocket Folder: 18.5 x 16.5 (Pockets start at the 12.25 guide, Final folded size 9 x 12)

COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Do we know how to reach you? Give us your daytime and evening phone numbers. If you are on a tight deadline and looking for quick turnaround, it is also a good idea to give us the name and phone number of someone else who can speak knowledgeably, answer questions, and make decisions about your job.

Are your files proofed? By the time the job goes to the printer, all edits should be final, the copy carefully proofread, and design issues settled. When you go to press, make sure the copy has been pre-approved. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PROOFING ANY SUBMITTED JOBS OR SENDING YOU A PROOF IF ONE IS NOT REQUESTED.

Is the color on your job critical? If your job is color critical, you MUST ORDER A COLOR PROOF at the time of your order. If a color proof is not ordered we are not responsible for any color variations from your monitor to our presses. We cannot stress this enough, color variations will occur, if you need to attain perfect color on your job it can only be achieved by a color proof.

Have you contacted us regarding shipping your order? Shipping options vary greatly depending on your needs. Please make sure you contact us to arrange your shipping in order for us to get you your job on time.

DO WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFO ON YOUR JOB: Name of Job, Exact Trim Size, Bindery Info, Paper Type, UV Coating or Non-UV, Quantity, Payment or Credit Card Information etc.