Perfect artwork files
There are several things you need to bear in mind when creating artwork. So we've put together some tips that will help you produce the perfect artwork file. We explain the aspects of colour, size, format, line thickness, margins and the right resolution for your image files. And don't forget: Our checklist that can be ticked one by one. Download our checklist and follow the instructions step by step. Now there's nothing stopping you from producing perfect artwork files!
Document colours
- Prepare your files using CMYK as the colour mode, not RGB.
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When saving your files, select one of the following colour profiles:
PS0 Coated v3 - FOGRA51 for printing on coated paper
PS0 Uncoated v3 - FOGRA52 for printing on uncoated paper - Avoid using 4c for black text; instead, set the font colour to 100% K.
- When using special colours (Pantone or HKS), enter the desired values in the colour channel.
- Instructions for special colours: To avoid mottled or patchy colours, areas with another process colour (CMYK) overlaying a special colour should be created using knockout rather than overprinting. Likewise, special colours over a CMYK colour should be knocked out.
- If you order a greyscale item, the file needs to be created in greyscale.
- We recommend creating grey areas in shades of black to ensure a perfect print result.
Files in original size
- Create your files in their final trim size.
- If possible your files will be automatically scaled to fit the order format (without bleed). Please note that scaling a smaller format to a larger one can lead to a decrease in resolution quality. For example, scaling an A6 flyer to an A4 flyer can affect the quality of your final product. The lack of bleed on the outer edges can likewise lead to white edges around your product.
The right trim allowances/bleed
- To allow leeway for cutting differences in production, always add trim allowance to the size ordered:
- Standard trim allowance: 2 mm
- Envelopes: 1 mm
- Ad technology products, packaging, presentation folders, fan clappers and monthly calendars: 3 mm
- Textile stretcher frames: 15 mm.
- Do not use borders to frame the whole page. They can be partially cut, due to the mechanical cutting tolerance and can effect the appearance of the final product.
Safety margin
- Keep all contents at least 3 mm away from the edge of the finished size.
- Contents in spiral bound calendars or brochures should be kept at least 20 mm away from the binding edge.
- For folders, please leave a safety margin of at least 5 mm from the fold.
- Make sure colours, background pictures and layouts extend into the bleed area so as to avoid leaving white lines as a result of cutting tolerances.
- For artwork without a trim allowance or after scaling, we reserve the right to create a trim using a mirror. The missing millimetres are mirrored from the inner edge to the outside.
Page numbers for brochures
- For templates with multiple pages, create the individual pages in sequential order, starting with page 1 (front page) through to the last page (back page).
- Check that all superfluous pages have been deleted.
Images and graphic resolutions
- Pictures, images and graphics: 250 dpi
- Greyscales and colour images: 250 dpi
- Line artwork (e.g. texts in a small font size and drawings): 1.200 dpi
- Ad posters, advertising technology with text: 150 dpi
- Advertising technology products: 72 dpi
- Please save advertising technology products that are designed on a scale of 1:10 in a resolution of at least 1,500 dpi.
Line weights
- Lines should be at least 0.125 pt thick with an ink application of at least 40%.
- Lines that are too thin are automatically increased to a printable weight. (Exception: lines set to precisely 0 pt. We cannot guarantee that the weight of these lines will be automatically inreased.)
- Do not use borders to frame the whole page. They can be partialy cut, due to the machanical cutting tolerance and can effect the appearance of the final product.
File formats
- Always save your files in print-ready, uneditable formats, preferably PDF (PDF/X-4 or PDF 1.6), JPG, TIFF.
- Avoid using multiple layers (Optional Content) in your PDF files. Retain native transparencies to avoid colour space conversion.
Embedded fonts or paths
- Convert fonts to paths or embed them to avoid typeface discrepancies. Use fonts that don't have any licence restrictions and make sure the font coding in the PDF file is correct.
- Make sure there is sufficient contrast between background and font colours.
Would you like to know more precisely?
Our detailed artwork guide explains simply and clearly what has to be considered when creating a print-ready artwork file.
Download artwork guideHow can I find and use print templates?
Print template generator
Our product generator will provide you with the correct template and parameters for your selected product. Alternatively, you can access the configuration tool yourself to find and download your print templates.
Using the Templates
Adobe PDF
How to work with the PDF templates
The PDF documents contain all the <strong>important dimensions</strong> you will need to create a print file in a program of your choice. You can either add the dimensions yourself or import the template into your program.
- Please make sure that you design your file in the correct resolution (min. 300dpi) and colour space (CMYK).
- The circled numbers identify the pages which you want to design, whereby (1) is always the cover sheet of your finished product.
- The PDF file contains all the pages you need to create your product, which are usually the front and back pages (exception: one-page products).
- Please make sure that you save the pages separately and using clear names if your program does not have the option of designing two separate pages in one document.
- Please make sure that you delete all auxiliary layers before saving your artwork!
Adobe InDesign
How to work with the InDesign templatesSelect section
- After opening, first superimpose your layers: Windows - Layers
- "My layer" is your design layer
- Before saving, the layers marked in colour (orange, green) should be deleted to avoid printing these with the others. They are used solely for the purpose of orientation while designing your artwork.
Select page
- In the case of files with several pages, you will also find 2 pages in your template document so that you can work on the front and back pages separately.
- The circled numbers identify the pages which you want to design, whereby (1) is always the cover sheet of your finished product.
Edit template
- If you open a file and your borders, the fold lines or the text area are not recognisable, this is due to the size of your format.
- Use the magnifying glass tool to zoom into the template to precisely position your texts and images.
Adobe Illustrator
How to work with the Illustrator templatesSelect section
- After opening first superimpose your layers: Windows - Layers
- "My layer" is your design layer
- Before saving, the layers marked in colour (orange, green) should be deleted to avoid printing these with the others. They are used solely for the purpose of orientation while designing your artwork.
Select page
- In the case of files with several pages you will find one layer with the specifications for the front page and one with specifications for the back page.
- When designing one layer, filter the others out. When saving your design, ensure that you name your file accordingly!
- The circled numbers identify the pages which you want to design, whereby (1) is always the cover sheet of your finished product.
Edit template
- If you open a file and your borders, the fold lines or the text area are not recognisable, this is due to the size of your format.
- Use the magnifying glass tool to zoom into the template to precisely position your texts and images.
Use our product datasheet to get your prints right
We want you to get your prints right! That's why, when you select products wth special requirements, we provide you with specific product datasheets: from flyers with spot colours to custom envelopes, let us guide you through the process with our expert knowledge.
