We understand that print jargon can be very difficult to understand and that most of our clients have little or no experience in commercial printing. We are here to help and have a team of experienced staff are more than happy to take your calls or answer your emails with any issue or questions you may have. We will try to explain using easy to understand language.

Before submitting artwork we recommend you follow the guidelines below. If in doubt you should request our file checking service so that we can take the pressure off you.

Print Deadlines

Print ready artwork files must be received and paid for by 9am on a weekday to ensure that day is the first working day of the order. We cannot be responsible for artwork that is not ready for print due to artwork issues.

If your files are not deemed print ready and Printmeit.com require a response, the print turnaround will be delayed by one working day.

The turnaround process will only start once your files are in a print ready format.

Proofs

Digital PDF proofs will only be sent:

• If you submit a PDF that is not PDF X1a compliant and you select our file checking service.
• If you submit a file that requires alterations and you've selected a file check.
• We will not send you a proof if you submit a PDF X1a file and the file is correct after we've done a preflight check.

Microsoft Documents

• If your submit a Microsoft document and request a file check we will make changes to your file to ensure they are print ready.
• If you submit a Microsoft document and you do not request a file check we will convert your document into a PDF and send you a proof. We will not do any alterations if you do not select a file check.

Preferred Format:

We require PDFs to be supplied as PDF X1a files. If you send your order as a PDF we will assume they are print ready PDF X1a files unless the file checking service has been added to the order.

Other accepted formats

We accept the following formats:

JPEG and TIFF

If you are supplying a non flat file such as the ones below we recommend that you select our file checking service. A PDF X1a proof will be sent only if you request our file checking service.

• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Indesign
• Abode Photoshop
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Microsoft Publisher
• Microsoft Word

File Checking:

For only £10.00 we will ensure that your files are correct for printing, eliminating any chances of errors.

The benefits of a file check:

• We will ensure you get what you want.
• Make sure your documents have the correct bleed. We will alter files to ensure your print bleed is correct.
• Convert colours from RGB to CMYK.
• Ensure your document is designed in the correct 300dpi resolution.
• Converts non PDF X1a documents into print ready format.
• Checks for missing fonts.
• Ensures that your fold lines are in the correct position.
  

If you send a PDF that is not X1a compatible the following errors may be shown which may result in incorrect printing.

How to send artwork

• Send your via email to info@printmeit.com
• Upload your files through our online order process.
• Upload your files via our upload page.
• Send your files through the post.
• Drop your files into our office.

Bleed:

When your job is printed it is printed on a larger sheet of paper alongside other jobs. Your job will be trimmed down to the correct size. This bleed prevents any over or under trimming. It ensures that anything you want within the bleed is shown on your flyer.

We require your artwork to have a 3mm bleed around each edge except business cards which have a 2mm bleed. Please be aware that if you are designing in Microsoft programmes you must create the document at the correct size.

Example bleed:

An A4 document is 297mm x 210mm. The correct document for print should sized at 303mm x 216mm. 

Resolutions

We require your document to be designed at 300dpi

CMYK

You must supply your files in CMYK. RGB file colours cannot be replicated into CMYK colours and slight deviation in colour may occur. Microsoft programmes are not designed for print and have a RGB colour setup for viewing on screen.

Crop and Trim Marks

We require you to supply artwork without crop and trim marks.

Same print both sides

If you submit only one design we will assume that this is to be printed single sided with the other side blank. If you require the same artwork printed on both sides you must upload two different files called side1 and side2.

Embed your fonts

If you send a Microsoft document with unusual fonts the font file must be sent so we can do a PDF X1a conversion. Failure to supply the font will result in a font being substituted.

Brochures

We require brochures and folded flyers to be sent as double page spreads. ie a 12 page brochure or magazine must be sent as 6 spreads of 12 and 1, 2 and 11, 10 and 3, 4 and 9, 8 and 5, 6 and 7. Should you send your files not in this format we will email you back asking for this change to be made.

Artwork File Changes

Once you place your order your files should be your finalised file ready for print. If after you receive your proof and require any changes to the copy you will be required to pay for another file check. It is important that you submit proof read copy before you send files. This is to ensure that our costs remain low for all our valuable clients.