FAQ
What file formats do you support and how do I properly set up my files?
We accept files from all industry-standard graphics softwares. Our preferred file format is PDF, as our workflow is PDF-based. Please see the "Preparing PDF Files" section of this web page for information about creating print-ready PDFs. If you are not comfortable creating PDFs, we are happy to accept application files, such as:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe PhotoShop
- Adobe InDesign
Please see our "Preparing Files" section for more information. If you are using a software not listed above and cannot create a PDF, please contact us to determine if we can work with your files.
What is "bleed"?
Bleed is the printed content that should be added beyond the edge of the page to compensate for tolerances in the trimming process. If the artwork on your printed piece goes all the way to the edge of the paper, you need to add bleed so there won't be white edges on the page. A good rule of thumb is to extend your artwork beyond the trim edge of the page by at least 1/8" (.125"). For example, the artwork supplied for an 8.5" x 11" document that bleeds on all four sides should actually measure 8.75" x 11.25". If your document doesn't bleed, you can supply your artwork at the trim size. If you are unsure about how to add bleed, please contact a Printlife Customer Service Representative at Customerservice@plifeprint.com also phone 1.877.305.4097
What are the most common problems you find with files?
Bleed
If your artwork goes all the way to the edge of the page, be sure to double check that you have included bleed.
Fonts
Please make sure to include all fonts used in your files, including and especially fonts that are used in linked graphics such as Illustrator files. If you are sending us a PDF, please make sure that the "Embed Fonts" option is chosen (for more information about PDF creation, please visit our PDF preparation guidelines page.
Image Resolution
Please make sure your images are at least 300 dpi at the size used in your layout. If necessary, you may send files that are as low as 200 dpi, but anything below that will tend to look pixelated.
Color Space
Our presses print in the cmyk color space, meaning there is a cyan (c) ink, a magenta (m) ink, a yellow (y) ink and a black (k) ink. Monitors, digital cameras, and other types of digital devices tend to work and display images in the RGB color space. If you supply RGB files for your order, our system will automatically convert them to cmyk, but you may not be pleased with the results. It's always best to do this conversion first, or work only in the cmyk color space when creating your files. If you intend for your artwork to print black-and-white, make sure the files you supply are in the "Grayscale" color space. If you are sending a Photoshop file that has black text in it, make sure the text is colorized with the black component only. Otherwise the type will be spread across all four inks, which can cause the type to be illegible when printed.
How do I indicate folds or perforations?
To indicate the location of the fold or perforation in your file, place small dashed tick-marks in the bleed area of your design. If your design includes both folds and perforations, use solid lines to indicate folds and dashed lines to indicate perforations. Templates can be downloaded for most of our products which have the fold marks already built in.
How do I send you my files?
The simplest way to send us files is to upload them online once your place your order. You can also send a link to your designer/colleague inviting them to upload files for you. We can also accept files on CDs or DVDs, and most types of removable disks. **Note: We cannot begin your order until we receive and inspect the files that you ship to us.
Should I compress my files?
We recommend that you compress your files prior to uploading them. Compressing your files, prevents file corruption, reduces file size, and simplifies the uploading process.
Is there any limitation on the size of files that I can upload?
No, but we recommend mailing any files that are larger than 250 MB.
Will I see a proof before the printing is started?
Prior to sending any order to our press, we will send you a proof for your approval. All orders include a PDF "soft" proof that you can review on screen. For color critical orders, we recommend you request a hard proof that is shipped to you via overnight mail.
If I choose "Email Proof", how reliable is the color?
This largely depends on your monitor. Our soft proofs are generated directly from our workflow system and will reflect any color conversion processes (RGB to CMYK) that may occur within the workflow. The PDF soft proof you receive should be accurate to your final printed piece. However, if your monitor is not calibrated to offset print specifications, the color may be considerably different from what you see in print.
If your artwork is color critical or if you have concerns regarding color, we recommend that you order a hard proof, which is color accurate and will be matched on press.
What if my project requires changes after I've reviewed my proof?
You can either make the changes yourself and upload new files or ask our staff to make the changes for an additional fee. In both cases, you will need to contact us at
Customerservice@plifeprint.com
or 1.877.350.4097