The Print Ship

Proofing & File Guidelines

Upload with confidence.

You review a proof of your design before anything prints. Nothing goes to press until you say so.

How proofing works

Start your design. Start from a design, upload your own file, or request design help.
Check your file. Use the checklist below for resolution, bleed, safe zone, color mode, fonts and transparency.
Your proof. You see exactly what will print, including trim and safe lines and both sides.
Approve your proof, then check out. Approval locks your file. Production starts after you approve.

If we spot a problem, we'll tell you why and how to fix it. For example: "Your logo is 150 DPI; upload a 300 DPI version or a vector file."

File checklist

Item	Requirement
File type	PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 preferred; Adobe Illustrator, EPS, PNG, JPG accepted
Resolution	300 DPI at final size (150 DPI minimum for large format)
Bleed	0.125 in on every side (0.5 in for banners)
Safe zone	Keep text and logos 0.125 in inside the trim line
Color mode	CMYK for print. RGB colors can shift when printed, so check them on your proof
Rich black	C60 M40 Y40 K100 for large black areas; 100% K for small text
Fonts	Outline or embed all fonts
Minimum text	6pt; lines at least 0.25pt
Special finishes	Spot UV and foil need a separate 100% K layer named "UV" or "FOIL"
Apparel	PNG with transparent background, 300 DPI at print size (up to 12 x 16 in front)
Embroidery	Vector or high-resolution logo; very fine detail and small text under 0.25 in may be simplified

Sizes with bleed (common products)

Business card 3.5 x 2 in → 3.75 x 2.25 in · Postcard 4 x 6 in → 4.25 x 6.25 in · Postcard/invitation 5 x 7 in → 5.25 x 7.25 in · Flyer 8.5 x 11 in → 8.75 x 11.25 in · Yard sign 12 x 18 in → 12.25 x 18.25 in

Templates

Set up your file with the sizes above, including trim, bleed and safe lines. Need a hand? Request design help and our design team will help you set it up.

Color

Screens show light (RGB); presses use ink (CMYK). Bright blues, greens and neons may print slightly duller. Check colors on your proof. For color-critical jobs, ask us about a printed proof.