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Artwork Specifications
These are our suggested artwork specifications for best quality printing. We understand you might not always have the ability to get a high end graphics file. We will work with you to create a high quality label from what you can supply us. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us and we will help you with what will work best. We also have a variety of templates for you to use at your request.
What is print ready?
Print Ready is a term used to describe a file that has all the specifications necessary to produce high-resolution printed output, without requiring any additional alteration or intervention. In other words, we can use the file “as submitted” to successfully create the desired print materials. The following are items to be taken into consideration when preparing a file for print.
Size & Bleed
Set up size proportionate to the exact size you are ordering (1:1 scale)
Bleeds
For art that bleeds (color goes to the edges) – Add an extra 1/8 inch to each side that bleeds. For example, a standard card (6 x 4.25) that bleeds on each side, make your canvas size 6.25 x 4.5 (1/8 inch x 2 sides). Remember: this extra 1/8 inch will be trimmed off.
Safezone
Keep all important information and images between at least 1/16” – 1/8” inside the edge on all sides – this will prevent critical information from being trimmed off when shift occurs on press. Shift is a natural part of the flexographic printing process, and taking “safe zones” into account is standard procedure.
Image Resolution
Higher DPI means higher resolution. Resolution is not “size”, but it’s often confused with it because higher resolution images are often bigger, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. If you are providing a raster file, please refer to our chart below. You can also provide us with a vector file, which scales without losing quality.
Unwind
Unwind has to do with the way the label comes off of a roll. Please see the charts below for a visual explanation of unwind. There are links to download PDFs of each image if needed.
Acceptable FIle Formats
| File Type | Quality | Program | |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Quality 300dpi+ | universal file format | ||
| AI | N/A | Adobe Illustrator | |
| PSD | 300dpi+ | Adobe Photoshop | |
| JPG | 300dpi+ | universal file format | |
| EPS | N/A | universal file format | |
| TIFF | 300-350dpi | universal file format | |
| BMP | 1200dpi | universal file format |
Raster VS vector
Raster
(enlarged to show pixels)
A grid of pixels creates a raster image. These pixels are the basic units of color on a computer display, and the number of pixels depends on the size of the image. The larger the image, or the higher the pixel count, the clearer the image will print. It is recommended your file be at least 300 dpi for all raster art files.
Some of the raster files Palco accepts are: JPG, PSD, TIFF, BMP, and some PDFs.
Vector
(Vector files will display crisply no matter the size)
A vector image is composed from mathematical formulas that create shapes like lines and curves, and you can scale them infinitely without losing print quality. Because of this, we prefer vector art files for printing. Vector artwork files generally result in the best print quality.
Some of the Vector files Palco accepts are: .AI, EPS, and some PDFs.
Colors
CMYK & PMS
All products are printed in CMYK + Pantone Spot Colors. If a specific PMS color is needed, please let us know when you submit the order as we will need to run a color match proof. If you are concerned about color, we offer a color matching service to help you find the specific color you need for your artwork.
We will do all our best to match colors but because of variations inherent in the printing process we cannot guarantee an exact match.
If files are submitted in RGB, color shifting will take place. Colors you see on your monitor or output from most inkjet printers will NOT accurately reflect the actual colors we print on our CMYK 4-color process printing.
The PDF proofs we provide are only an approximation of the colors and are not exact. Palco will try to warn you about files that do not match your color printout but cannot be held responsible for color differences when a high-quality color proof has not been provided.
Downloads
For more in depth information regarding our artwork file requirements & more, download our Label Artwork Specifications PDF.
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