File Preparation for Printing
Technical requirements for PDF layouts, special finishes, and packaging / book files.
General technical settings
- Format: PDF (recommended PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4).
- Scale: 1:1 (the file size must match the final printed size).
- Bleeds: mandatory 5 mm on all sides (if the product requires different values, we will confirm separately).
- Safe area: keep important text/logos at least 3–5 mm inside the trim line and away from folds/dielines.
- Color profile: CMYK. Use Pantone only when necessary (e.g., a specific corporate color).
- All RGB objects must be converted to CMYK.
- Total Ink Limit (TAC/TIL): total ink coverage must not exceed 300% (unless specified otherwise for a particular paper/process).
- Image quality: resolution at least 300 ppi (at 1:1 scale). All images must be embedded in the file (not linked).
- Text: all text must be converted to outlines (Outline / Curves).
- Lines & strokes: all lines/contours should be converted to objects (Outline Stroke), especially if very thin strokes are used.
- Recommended minimum line weight: 0.25 pt (or thicker).
- Effects & transparency: blur/shadow/glow and similar effects must be correctly prepared for print (PDF/X typically ensures this).
- If using Multiply/Overlay/Transparency, make sure the result displays correctly in Overprint Preview and in the final PDF/X export.
Spot color naming (recommended)
Special finishes in the file (Spot Color + Overprint)
- DIELINE_CUT (cut line)
- DIELINE_CREASE (crease/fold line)
- FOIL (foil)
- VARNISH (spot UV varnish)
- EMBOSS (emboss/deboss)
- WHITE (white ink / primer)
Overprint:
Spot UV varnish: Spot Color + Overprint
Hot foil stamping: Spot Color + Overprint
Emboss / deboss: Spot Color + Overprint
White ink (primer): Spot Color + Overprint
Hot foil stamping: Spot Color + Overprint
Emboss / deboss: Spot Color + Overprint
White ink (primer): Spot Color + Overprint
Use consistent, production-friendly Spot color names:
All special finishes must be created as separate vector objects with Spot Color and Overprint enabled:
Packaging file preparation (boxes, labels, stickers, etc.)
Spot UV varnish:
- must be provided separately and also included in the print file as vector objects,
- Spot Color, Overprint,
- may be created as a filled shape (not only an outline); if an outline is used, it must be clean (no “hairline” strokes).
Cliché / die / relief artwork (if applicable):
- must be provided separately and included in the print file as vector,
- Spot Color, Overprint,
- DO NOT outline strokes; line weight 0.25 pt.
Dieline (cut line):
- must be provided separately (in a separate file) and included in the print file as vector,
- Spot Color, Overprint,
- DO NOT outline strokes (keep as a stroke line); recommended line weight 0.25 pt.
Book / brochure file preparation
- Cover: in a separate file (with bleeds).
- Inner pages: in a separate PDF file.
- If there are cover versions (e.g., 2–3 variants), prepare each version in a separate file with a clear filename.
Cards (game cards, info cards, etc.)
Single-sided cards / single-sided jobs:
- If both sides are required (e.g., standard/blank back), prepare A and B in one file, clearly indicating page order.
Double-sided cards:
If both sides are different for each card:
If one side is identical for all cards:
If both sides are different for each card:
- Side A: pages 1,3,5,7,9…
- Side B: pages 2,4,6,8,10…
If one side is identical for all cards:
- Side A (variable): pages 1,2,3,4,5…
- Side B (identical): a separate file (1 page).
Visual preview (for control)
Please attach a preview/mockup (JPG or PDF) to verify:
- correct page order,
- dieline/fold alignment,
- special finish layers (foil/varnish/white, etc.).
Additional recommendations (optional)Black text: use 100% K (not CMYK “rich black”) to reduce misregistration risk.
Barcodes & very fine details: avoid transparency/effects; keep them as clean vector artwork.
Barcodes & very fine details: avoid transparency/effects; keep them as clean vector artwork.
CONTACTS
Contact us - we will be happy to help you realize your dreams.
Latvija, Rīga, Klijānu street 22, LV-1013
