Artwork Guidelines

We love it when you supply your own print ready files.

To ensure your files will print 100% correctly, in high quality and the way you have designed them, we perform quality file checks free of charge. This involves using advanced software which checks all elements of your file including pictures, logos, type, backgrounds, CMYK (we will convert files to CMYK automatically) etc. If any problems are found we will report these to you and it is your choice if you want to proceed or correct any errors.

You can send us your files by:• Uploading your files when you order any product. You do this at the checkout stage.• When you have completed your order you will receive a confirmation email, you can reply to this email with your files attached.• Sending your files directly to us by email contact@flyers-leaflets.co.uk• Use any free file sharing servers such as Mailbigfile.com, Wetransfer.com, Dropbox, Microsoft, Google etc.• If all else fails, by post.

Need us to design the artwork for you? No problem!

Our graphic design team can create an eye catching design for you, please see here.

Help and information on how to achieve the perfect artwork files

The information below is designed to give you help in sending us the correct file specification. We are always here to help and we can usually solve many file problems for you. Supplying an artwork file for commercial print is not quite the same as printing your file on a desktop printer. Please read through the information carefully before submitting your files for print.

File Formats

We can print directly from the following file types:

.PDF (PORTABLE DOCUMENT FORMAT)

.JPG (JPEG)

.EPS (ENCAPSULATED POSTSCRIPT)

.TIF (TIFF)

.PS (POSTSCRIPT)

We can work with most design programs from Mac and Windows applications. We have to convert these file types to .PDF for print. You can convert the files yourself using one of the many free websites that will convert your files into a .PDF format.

Microsoft files (i.e. Publisher/ Excel/ Word etc)While we say we can work with most file formats, Microsoft office files can sometimes cause problems when being converted. For instance, if you use what we call a 'gradient fill' (i.e. a colour fading from one colour into another), the fill can sometimes 'crash'. Similarly, if you use a 'tint' or certain mixed colours, the conversion may interpret this as a 'cross hatch' effect or the colours will change from what has been set. If in doubt, please check with us.

Sizes

Whether you are ordering A6, DL, A5, A4 or A3, please take note of the measurements we need for your artwork, allowing for 'bleed' as explained further below. We have page size templates which you can download. Visit our templates page. We can resize your artwork to fit these sizes, however, it is especially important if you are ordering folded leaflets that you make sure each folded 'panel' sits comfortably within the folded areas (i.e. a 6 page DL leaflet needs each panel to measure 99mm x 210mm or a 4 page A5 needs each panel to measure 148.5mm x 210mm).

Fonts

Please ensure all fonts are either converted to outlines, curves or are embedded in the file - if this is not done, our system could substitute the missing fonts for others and your printed leaflet could look drastically wrong. You should check your text carefully on the proof we send you.

Images and Photos

Ensure all images used in your file are at least 300dpi (dots per inch). Using low resolution images (i.e. 72dpi images which you will usually find on websites) will result in a 'jaggy, pixelated or blurred' look - even though a 72dpi image will look fine on your monitor it will look terrible when printed.

Colours

The printing process is made up of four colours; Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (known as CYMK) - these colours make up full colour photos etc. Please ensure your files are supplied in CMYK so you can be confident of getting the colours you expect. We will convert any RGB files to CMYK before print, this may alter the colours slightly to what you see on your RGB screen and some colours may not print as vibrantly. It is your responsibility to check that the colours have converted correctly.

Bleed

It is essential that there is a 3mm 'bleed' to all outer edges of your artwork. Bleed is when the background colour/image is extended 3mm past the 'trim edge' (the finished size) and stops any white edges showing around your leaflet when they are cut to size.If you require your file checking before you purchase any item then please send your artwork to info@ecolourprint.co.uk to be checked. To ensure there is no confusion please specify in your email that you require a file check only.

Safe Area

This is the space between the edge of your leaflet and any text or images that go near the edge of your design. Please ensure you leave 3mm 'safe area'. If you do not allow a 3mm 'safe area' on your design, any text/ images that are too close to the 'trimming edge' could get 'chopped' into. If we feel your file does not have enough 'safe area', we will add a 3mm white border to the edges of your leaflet and reduce the size slightly to allow this.

Imposition and Page Layout

Ensure you only send your files 1-UP (i.e. ONE leaflet on ONE page). Do not supply 2 or more leaflets on the same page - we usually print your leaflets batched with up to 8 or 16 other orders on larger B2 sheets and cannot separate your file otherwise.

Transparencies and Layers

Please ensure all transparencies or layers are flattened in the files you send us. If in doubt, converted your whole file into a bitmap (i.e. JPG).

Proofs and File Checking

With the very latest pre-press software in place, we will open your file and check for quality issues and convert RGB colours to CMYK, we will not check spelling, colours or design. We then send you a proof via email for you to check your file. You will need to approve this proof via email before we can commence with your order.Once you approve and return the proof via email we will then start our printing process and despatch within the stated time for the product you have purchased.