Tools for your business

Here are a few graphic design and printing tools to help you with your orders.

1. Length Converter

Use the unit converter to convert from one measurement to another.

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2. Area Calculator

Use these calculators to determine the square footage of an area and much more.

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3. Quality Free Fonts

If you are looking for a font you can’t beat free fonts from Google.

Get Free Fonts

4. Color Theory

Colors matter, especially in commercial design and printing

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5. Raster vs Vector Graphics

There are two main type of image files: Raster and Vector. Raster images are created with pixel-based software or captured with a camera or scanner. They are more common in general such as jpg, gif, png, and are widely used on the web. Vector graphics are math-defined shapes created with vector software and are not as common; used in CAD/engineering, 3D animation, and Graphic Design for processes that reproduce an image onto an object such as engraving, etching, cut stencils.

vector-imageraster-image

File preparation guidelines

If you are sending us files for printing, please make sure to follow the guidelines to avoid extra charges.

1. File sizing

If you include bleeds in your layout, your files should be 0.25″ larger than the product size that you are purchasing. (i.e. 24”x60” banner = 24.25”x60.25” graphic file).

2. File Type

We accept PDF, EPS, TIF, JPG, AI and PSD. Be sure to embed fonts or convert to outlines before saving. We recommend using PDF/X-3 format when possible. If unable to make a PDF, be sure to package your file for an outside printer with all fonts and linked images.

3. Outlined fonts

Before you submit artwork for print, be sure to outline all fonts. This will ensure your message is crisp and readable with no fuzzy edges. Using your illustration program, please convert all text “to curves” or “create outlines” in your files.

4. Bleeds

A bleed refers to the artwork that extends beyond the finished size of the product. To make sure your artwork prints to the edge of your piece, please allow for an additional 1/8” (.125”) on each applicable side.

5. Cut Line

When sending an EPS or PDF, make sure you include crop marks so we can cut the job correctly.

6. Margins

If your graphic files contain a border, the border must have a minimum 1/8” (.125”) from all surrounding edges. If you leave less than .125”, your finished product may result in unequal borders from top to bottom and from side to side. Ideally, you want to create the border with 1/4” (.25”) from all surrounding edges.

7. Color mode

Please convert your artwork files from RGB to CMYK; this will deliver the most reliable print and will prevent unexpected changes in color. If your project requires close color matching, it is always a good idea to include a hardcopy proof for us to compare. Your choice of paper will also impact color; a smooth uncoated paper will give colors a more muted appearance while a coated or gloss paper will add vibrancy.

8. Resolution

If your image is less than 300 or 600 dpi, you should replace it with a new image instead of trying to fix it. Images that come to us at lower quality than what is recommended will be output as sent. To guarantee the best quality, do not enlarge images beyond the original size in the design process. Files that need to be enlarged more than 200% should be at least twice the resolution to help ensure the quality of the final print.

9. Safety zone

Do not place any critical images or text beyond the safety zone, which is at least 1/8” (.125”) from the final trim size. This helps avoid it getting cut off when the finished piece is trimmed.

10. Typographic / Grammar errors

Make sure you have proofread your artwork to ensure the spelling and grammar is correct. We will not be held responsible for typographical or grammar errors.