Artwork Guidelines

General Artwork Guidelines.

Below are general considarations when producing artwork for printed CD and DVD related products.  For smaller orders we using digital printing technology, while for larger orders we Litho Print (or screen print if it's a spot colour CD or DVD order).

 

►Ideally your artwork should be either designed using our On-Line designer, or uploaded as a Hi-Res PDF . Other formats you can upload are listed in order of preference: EPS files (fonts to outline), Illustrator & Photoshop files. We can also accept Mac Quark documents (Include all fonts and original graphics used in the design) and InDesign documents

 

►Use the 'Upload' button displayed with each product to upload Artwork files you have already created. Before uploading please check them for sizes etc. against the specification on that page.

 

 

►Check the number of colours actually used in your artwork against the number of colours you expect us to print and that we have quoted for.  (Only applies to 'Spot Colour CD and DVD Screen Printing jobs)

 

►All Images & logo's should be in CMYK format for full colour jobs otherwise spot colour.

 

►When uploading logo's ensure they are 300 dpi. Logo's taken from web sites are usually low resolution and print poorly.

 

►Please convert RGB images (which are usually produced by most digital cameras) to CMYK. This will give you the best colour accuracy.  A google search will give you a selection of Free 'On-Line' conversion tools.

 

►Ideally, Do not 'Bleed' off the outer edge of CD or DVD designs.  However, if this is a problem we will organise it for you.

 

►Include registration marks, but remove key lines on your design.

 

►If uploading, Do not blank out the inner spindle hole on CD or DVD design. We will do this for you.

 

►Do centre all the appropriate elements in your design.

 

Specifications for each item appear in the appropriate 'Upload your Design' pages, or if you choose to use our On-Line Designer, the template is pre-set.  However, it's still worth checking the relevent specification so that you are clear on pages layout's etc.

 

We have prepared the following guide to assist you with your electronic file preparation and submission. If you have a specific problem that is not covered in this guide, or have other questions, please feel free to contact us. Improperly prepared files can cause delays in manufacturing.

 

Quick Check list before for uploading artwork:

►All fonts are included (if appropriate).

►Type is legible and crisp.

►Page layout is correct.

►Margins are set.

►Artwork matches the specified dimensions.

►All linked files, images, and fonts are placed in separate folders (if appropriate).

►colours in CMYK mode.

 

Bleeds

 

A 3mm border must be added to pictures and designs bleeding to the edge, so that there is no white space or border showing around the artwork. It is also important to keep text at least 3mm away from the paper edge or the trim line to prevent accidental cropping.
 
 

Colour Specifications


Print previews are not a safe and sure measuring tool for colour accuracy. colours on the file might be effected by monitor calibration, screen resolution and lighting, just to name a few. Many Pantone colours show a marked colour shift when converted to four colour process.
 
For one, two or three colour jobs printed in Pantone spot colour, make sure your colours are specified as spot colour and they separate correctly. You can test this by printing separations on your laser printer. It's usually best to provide .EPS files for spot colour artwork.
 
To achieve the desired colour on press, digital files must reflect accurate colour models and percentage. Please make sure all colours are in CMYK mode for colour accuracy and a better quality output.
 
 

Image Resolutions

 

►All images and pictures should be 300 dpi.

►Rasterized text or logos should be 1200 dpi.

►Screen values should be between 133 lpi and 150 lpi.

 

Digital Proofs

 

We provide PDF files as electronic soft proofs. These digital proofs intend to show you the layout and design elements of your job, but cannot be a guarantee of colour accuracy. If colour accuracy is of extreme importance to you, please ask for a hard copy proof, orand ask for a quote for Litho or Screen printing your CDs and DVDs.
 

IMPORTANT:

 

We accept no responsibility for any variation between your digital artwork and eventual film or digital output.

 

For full colour work where colour is 'critical' we recommend you approve colour proofs generated from final film or a High Quality paper output.

 

Screen and Litho printing are your best choices if you need to match to specific pantone colours or when colour accuracy are critical to you or your client.