Adobe InDesign Application Guidelines

Create a new file ( File > New Document ).

Define the desired dimensions of your document. Make sure "Gutter" and all fields in Margins section are set at zero (0), and set the bleed to .125 inches for all sides.

If your artwork does have bleeds, we require a .125" bleeds on all four sides of your artwork (For example, a 4" x 6" postcard image with bleeds would have dimensions of 4.25" x 6.25" in your artwork file.) If your image has a white border on all four sides, bleeds are not required. If your image is not white on all four sides, you MUST include bleeds in your files.

If your artwork has borders, please note that our cutting machines have a variance of about .0625 or 1/16 of an inch. When using a border in your artwork, you should design with at least .25 or 1/4 of an inch of white space from your border to the cut line to help ensure a symmetrical appearance.

Download the Template for your desired product and place into document ( File > Place ).

A cursor will appear indicating where the Template will be placed once you click in the document. Click and drag the template to the proper position.

Create a new layer for your artwork ( Layer > New > Layer ).

If you are adding existing raster artwork (such as a TIFF), make sure the artwork in saved at the proper resolution before placing and is saved in CMYK Color.

If you have any artwork which uses black, note the difference between solid black and rich black. Solid black will print as a somewhat flat color, whereas rich black will appear darker and more glossy. Avoid using a rich black for any text below 10 pt or 14 pixels in height, as the printing process may cause the text to blur. Common color values for rich black are C:60% / M:40% / Y:20% / K:100%.

If you have any gradients in your artwork, keep in mind that any gradient areas with less than 10% sautration may not print as accurately as more heavily saturated areas.

Make sure all layers are unlocked.

Select everything ( Edit > Select All ).

Convert text to outlines ( Type > Create Outlines ).

Please note that once text has been converted to outlines, it can no longer be edited. So, be sure to save a copy of your file before converting text to outlines if you feel future text edits may be necessary.

Also make sure to show all hidden characters ( Type > Show Hidden Characters ) and delete any that appear. Hidden characters can sometimes cause the file to fail when printing.

Use the Menu to export the file ( File > Export ).

Choose PDF as the file format.

Make sure the Color Mode is set to CMYK.

OR

Go to (File > Package )

Window pops up asking for printing instructions click continue, Next window comes up asking where to create the package folder to Select your Desktop make sure the Copy Fonts, Copy Linked Graphics, and Update Graphic Links In Package are all checked Then Click SAVE.

The packaged Indesign folder you just created should appear on your desktop. Simply Zip it or Stuff It and upload that file to us.