Greeting Cards

General File Preparation Guidelines

1. Download our guides to ensure a more optimal print result.
2. Be sure to DELETE any hidden layers that are not intended to print (ie: setup guide layers or other hidden artwork layers) to ensure no risk of them appearing on the final print.
3. Each job (including multiple paged projects) must be submitted as a single PDF file. Ensure that all pages are the same size.
4. Files must be submitted with proper orientation to ensure proper back up. Please review the File Orientation Guides carefully in the File Prep tabs for your particular product.
5. It is best to try to avoid using borders in your design. If a border is too close to the trim, the trim may be slightly off-center.
6. File must consist of 1/8" bleed and all important art and text must be within the safety margin. The more safety margin the better (to avoid awkwardly close trims or having critical elements from getting cut off).
7. Ensure that your PDF is high res and that all images are CMYK at 300 DPI.
8. Black text/type should have the following values: C0, M0, Y0, K100.
   Larger areas of black coverage should be C:30/M:20/Y:20/K:100 to get a deep richer black. (For more info, click here)
9. Embed or outline all fonts.
10. For best colour results, supply a CMYK only file (unless your product type specifically requires RGB color mode or specifically requires you to supply PMS colors).

While SinaLite maintains strict quality standards, minor shifts in printing are possible. Thin or small white text knocked out from a rich black background is prone to printing issues, such as color bleeding, filling in, and poor readability due to slight misregistration. We recommend preparing files with the following tips in mind.

1. Use C30 M20 Y20 K100 for Rich Black

   Use this recommended rich black formula to minimize oversaturation and registration problems. Avoid heavier CMYK builds like C60 M60 Y60 K100, which can increase color shift risks.

2. Thicken White Knockout Text

   Increase the thickness of white text knockouts to prevent them from filling in or becoming unreadable.

   • Recommended minimum line weight: 0.75pt
   • Recommended minimum font size: 8pt
3. Apply Swelling

   Swelling (slightly enlarging knockout areas) compensates for minor ink spread on the press. Slightly increasing the size of the white knockout text can help maintain crispness after printing.