Artwork Specifications and Design Templates

At GreenDigitalPrinting.com we understand not everyone is a professional graphic designer, so you will be able to find general design rules, information on proofs and proofing, graphic design templates and more, right here on this page.

Option 1: Send Us Press-Ready .PDF Artwork Files
Design and proof your own artwork files, and then send us your press-ready file in .PDF format for printing. We even have an easy to use .PDF creator for you to use if you need it. [LEARN MORE]

Option 2: Send Us Artwork Files For Review and Proofing
Send us your artwork file in one of the formats we support, and we will review your artwork (which is referred to as pre-press) to make sure it's going to print properly and then we'll provide you with a proof for your final review and approval. [LEARN MORE]

Option 1: Send Us Your Press-Ready .PDF Artwork File

We require your artwork to be supplied 1-up with required bleed, gutter and crop marks, and press-ready in .PDF file format.

• 1-up means just one copy of your design. Please do not step-and-repeat your artwork - we'll take care of that.
   
• Bleed is required when any element of your design touches the 'finished edge' of the design.
  [ VIEW AN EXAMPLE ]
   
• Gutter helps to prevent you from crowding text and images too close to the finished edge of the product. [ VIEW AN EXAMPLE ]
   
• Crop marks are used as guides for cutting the product down to its finished size. It's important that the crop marks are not moved or altered. [ VIEW AN EXAMPLE ]
   
• Press-ready means that your artwork file has been supplied ready-to-print without the requirement for modifications. You do not get a proof - we send your artwork file straight to print unless you specifically request a proof (for an extra fee).
   
• .PDF is short for "Portable Document Format". This file type has been adopted as the standard for document sharing and commercial printing.

	It's very important that you use our design templates (located at the top of this page in the column on the right) and you follow a few basic design rules that we have.
	Not sure how to create a .PDF file? Download and install our PDF-maker... it's quick and easy to use!
	Artwork files (including .PDF) viewed on your computer monitor do not represent true colour. Click here to learn about colour accuracy.

Option 2. Send Us Artwork Files For Review and Proofing

If you are not supplying your artwork as press-ready .PDF files you can request us to review your artwork files to make sure they will print properly, and then send you a proof for your final approval.

• We support the following graphic design software for both PC and Mac operating systems:
  Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Indesign.
   
• If you are not using one of the design programs as noted above, please provide your designs in .eps file format (encapsulated post script).
   
• Free 30 day trial versions of Illustrator, Photoshop and Indesign can be downloaded for PC and MAC from adobe.com

	It's very important that you use our design templates and you follow a few basic design rules that we have.
	Artwork files (including .PDF) viewed on your computer monitor do not represent true colour. Click here to learn about colour accuracy.

Using Our Templates

Please use the graphic design templates supplied on this webpage.

If you supply a template from another print company it might not meet our sizing requirements so there is a chance it could be rejected which, in turn, could delay your order.

On our templates you will see four different visual aids to help you with your design. It's important you understand how to work with these.

• Crop Marks are indicated by solid black lines in each corner. We use the crop marks as guides when cutting the product down to its finished size so it's important that you DO NOT alter or move the crop marks.
   

• Finished Edges are indicated by the solid red line. This represents the size of the finished product after it has been cut.
   

• Bleed is indicated by the dotted blue line. If any colour or image in your design touches the finished edge you must extend it past the finished edge for another 1/8" (3mm). This is called "bleed". [VIEW AN EXAMPLE]
   

• Gutter is indicated by the dotted green line. Use the gutter to prevent you from crowding text and images too close to the finished edge - this helps to make your design more legible and visually balanced. Gutter is typically no less than 1/8" (3mm). [VIEW AN EXAMPLE].

Basic Design Rules

• Your design page properties should be set to CMYK mode (not RGB). If you are using Photoshop, before you begin designing make sure the resolution of your design page is 300dpi (or 300ppi).
   

• For sharp and clear looking print results all photos/graphics should already be 300 dpi (or 300 ppi) before you add them to your design.
   

• Bleed is required when any element of your design touches the 'finished edge' of the design.
  [VIEW AN EXAMPLE]
   

• Use of Gutter helps to prevent text and images crowding the finished edge of the product. Use a margin of no less than 1/8" (3mm) to create some space... it will make your design more legible and visually balanced. [VIEW AN EXAMPLE]
   

• Crop marks are used as guides for cutting the product down to its finished size. It's important that the crop marks are not moved or altered. [VIEW AN EXAMPLE]
   

• When you're looking at a computer monitor, sometimes it's hard to tell how large or small your text and graphics actually are. Due to this it is always recommended that you do a test print of your design on your own printer so you can see just how legible your design really is.

Proofs and Proofing

The purpose of "proofs" is to give you one last chance to review your design for overall accuracy and completeness of the design components before it goes to print.

• Electronic Proofs - Design files are reviewed and electronic proofs (normally in .PDF file format) are e-mailed to you. Electronic proofs are for confirmation and warranty of the physical layout only - they are not for colour reference and do not provide colour warranty. A clearly worded written approval is required (approval via e-mail is accepted).
   
• Hard-Copy Proofs - Electronic proofs must be approved prior to the supply of hard-copy proofs. Hard-copy printed proofs are for confirmation and warranty of the physical layout and colour accuracy. A clearly worded written approval is required (approval via e-mail is accepted.
   
  Up to 5% to 10% colour variation between hard-copy printed proofs and the finished product may be unavoidable due to inherent printing tolerances. Colour adjustments of hard-copy proofs may not be possible.

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• Any errors or omissions that you do not correct in the proofing stage will be present in the finished product. View your .PDF proofs with Adobe Acrobat and ensure the "Overprint Preview" function is turned on.
   
• It is the sole responsibility of the client to review all details of the supplied proof which includes (but is not limited to) layout/design, page sequencing, dimensions, spelling and punctuation. In order to proceed with production the client must submit a clearly worded written approval of the written proofs, via fax or email. A verbal approval cannot be accepted.
   
• By providing an approval in writing, the client and indemnifies and holds GreenDigitalPrinting.com (and Precision Disc) free from responsibility and liability for any errors or omissions in the proof that are not found and corrected by the client.
   
• If revisions to existing files are required or if new artwork files are required after proofs have been generated, the proofing process must begin again. Due to the extra work involved an additional proofing charge will be required for each additional round of proofs (except in instances where the required change to the proof is due to our error in generating the proof).