We recommend that you always “proof,” or review, your design, details, and double check spelling for accuracy before sending artwork to us. Making corrections before a press proof can save you valuable time and costs. The following are technical artwork specifications intended for a professional designer to layout and submit the art work so it prints correctly. Additional charges will apply for us to “fix the artwork” that does not meet these spec’s. If you need help finding a label designer contact us we are happy to help.
ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS:
We will be printing with a digital printing press so the following is for a our digital work flow.
Attention to a few simple steps and details prior to printing will greatly contribute to a successfully printed label. We have listed some important artwork specifications below to help streamline your label production process.
FORMATS and FILES
Mac-based artwork is easily compatible to our Mac-based workflow. We can also work with PC files, and sometimes other formats than the ones listed below; however, these formats may require specialized time and incur additional charges. We will always inform you of these anticipated charges after we “preflight,” or preview, your files and before we begin work on your files.
Preferred Formats:
Adobe Illustrator EPS files
- All fonts converted to outlines In most cases, Native files in the following formats:
- Adobe Photoshop versions CS4 or earlier
- Adobe Illustrator versions CS4 or earlier
- Adobe InDesign versions CS4 or earlier
- Quark Xpress 6.5 or earlier
A Special Note about PDF Files:
We love PDFs! Most of our high quality labels can be printed digitally using PDF files.
Here’s how to do it:
- Save the file using the “Press Quality” preset.
- Convert your text to outlines.
- Do not use color conversation.
- Make sure there is no down sampling of the images (unless the images are above 800dpi).
Embedding, Linking, and Images:
- If you use Adobe Photoshop for editing scans & bitmap graphics and Adobe Illustrator for text, vector artwork, and placement of Photoshop bitmaps, please link to your Photoshop graphics in Illustrator. Please do NOT embed your Photoshop graphics within your Illustrator document.
- When saving your Illustrator document, please UNCHECK “Include linked files”.
- Please DO NOT embed linked files in your Illustrator document.
- Please DO NOT save Illustrator files as .eps, with or without embedded graphics. Illustrator format documents are more versatile for us.
- If there is an image placed in an Illustrator or InDesign document, please make sure that image is also sent separately with the main art file.
DESIGN DETAILS and DIGITIAL PRINTING
Instant Label offers labels that are produced through our digital printing process. Digital printing is a 4-color process so there are a few design considerations to be taken. If any of the following are of concern or if you have further questions, please contact us for greater detail or for further options or instructions that may assist you in your preparation and decision making process. In special cases, such as large quantities or exact color accuracy, we may also advise on and offer you traditional forms of printing with individualized pricing.
Design Considerations:
- Colors:
- Please create files using CMYK colors. We use the CMYK values from Pantone Process Coated Color Guide.
- Please be aware that files in RGB will have to be converted to CMYK. This conversion can cause color changes.
- If complete color accuracy is a concern, please select our press proofing to approve printed color.
- Spot White:
- In Illustrator, create a layer named “opaque white.” Create a spot color called “opaque white” as well, and place that color on that layer wherever white ink is desired under the CMYK inks.
- In Photoshop, create a spot channel called spot white and fill the channel where you want the white to print.
- Overprinting:
- This is not used in digital printing.
- Do not make the files with overprinting as this may alter how the label is printed.
- Bleed:
- A “bleed” extends the printing of the color beyond the edges of the label to ensure that color will reach each edge of the label.
- leeds should extend past the edge for 1/16 of an inch (.0625″). For example, if a label is 2″ x 1″, the bleed should extend to at least 2.125 x 1.125. This gives a .0625 bleed over all four edges.
- Edges and die cutting:
- There may be slight shifts during die cutting; it is best to leave at least 1/16″ of space around the image and within the die line.
- Resolution:
- All raster, image based, files need to have a resolution of 300 dpi or higher. While we can work with lower resolution the quality will decrease.
- Photoshop graphics that are IMAGES need to be 300dpi. Photoshop graphics that are text often need to be higher resolution than 300dpi. However, this may depend on your design and your needs. Basically, if it’s pure text (one color on another color), these should be 1200dpi. If it’s “artful” text (text & graphics integrated together, or a very artistic font), these should be between 600-1200dpi depending on the project.
- We can down sample high resolution Photoshop bitmap graphics that are linked to Illustrator.
- We can down sample a Photoshop file to a lower resolution, then simply change the link file in Illustrator to point to the new lower resolution version. (This is easier and faster than working with embedded graphics).
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In-house Editing:
- When Instant Label processes your artwork, we reserve the right to edit artwork that does not conform to the specifications listed below to ensure quality printing.
- You may also request that we conform your artwork to these specifications.
- Many changes are free, however, some unique, time consuming, or difficult changes made by us may be subject to additional charges. We will inform you of these charges.
SUBMITTING ARTWORK
All Artwork
- Please be sure to include your quote number, your name, and phone number.
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Multiple designs must be sent individually in their own file.
- Be sure all file names include the extension. (ex: .eps, .ai, .tiff, .psd)
- File Names: Please use detailed or personalized file names. (i.e. not “sticker.ai”)
Uploading Files:
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For small files, up to about 5 MB: email to
artwork@instantlabel.com - For larger files and multi-file jobs: web upload to our FTP site, www.filesdirect.com/labelartca
- If possible please put all the files into one clearly marked folder and compress that folder with a .zip or .sit format.
CD-R and DVD-R submissions:
- Please mail disks to: 290 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94612
PROOFS
Proofs allow the designer or customer to review and accept the design, details, art, color, text, shape, size, material, quality, etc. The proof process allows for corrections to be made before full printing is undertaken. Only after approval or waiver of proof, in which the customer commits to the accuracy and acceptance of the label, is the full order printed.
Proof Process
We offer free printed proofs from the same digital press that will print your actual full run of labels. You get the “real thing” before committing. We offer one set of free press proofs (subsequent sets are available for an additional charge). Press proofs use the same materials as your finished labels. This allows you to see, feel, peel the backing, and even apply the proof to your product to make sure everything is just right. With this proof process, your full order will only be printed after receiving your final proof approval.
- We pays for shipping charges on first proof.
- Design changes during the proofing stage may incur additional charges.
Waiving Proof Process:
There may be times in which you wish to waive this proof process, such as with rush orders or re-orders. You can also choose to have PDF proofs, which are emailed to you for approval so that you can confirm that we are printing the correct files, size, shape, design, and text. You may also request an in-house manager approval. Accepting these processes waives rights to further changes once full orders have been printed.