PREPARING FILES

For best results please use the following guidelines. Before submitting your artwork for print, please spell-check your files. Printing By Johnson does NOT spell-check files that are submitted as print-ready.

 

If you are using a design-it-yourself program such as Canva, please note the following information. Most design-it-yourself programs are RGB-based. Printing By Johnson prints in a CMYK format. The conversion to CMYK happens after you design, as you are downloading your final file and can cause color conversion issues.

 

If you are new or newer to an online design-it-yourself program, please research how to design your piece for print BEFORE you begin to learn the program you are using to help ensure a high quality finish with Printing By Johnson. 

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File Format: 

We prefer high-resolution, print-quality PDF format.

 

We will accept high resolution jpg/jpeg (not compressed), Vector format (.eps, .ai, or .svg) with all fonts turned into outlines, InDesign files that are packaged with all links and fonts, Photoshop (.psd), Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Powerpoint (although we recommend that you provide a saved PDF from the Microsoft programs to lock in fonts and stop the format from dropping or shifting).

 

Please note that Powerpoint 2016 and 2019 (the older versions) will stop being supported by Microsoft in October of 2025. This could cause exporting issues with these versions.

 

Please note that Publisher will not be supported by Microsoft after October 2026. This could cause exporting issues with this program from now until Microsoft expires it.
 

File Size:

Please use our UPLOAD tab to share files, large or small, with Printing By Johnson. 
 

Resolution:

High-resolution is defined at 300dpi (dots per inch). Providing files that are less than 300dpi, or contain images that are less than 300dpi, can result in poor final prints. 

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Color Mode:

Printing By Johnson prints digitally in CMYK. Not RGB, not PMS. If you require PMS printing, please contact us or alert us when ordering that you require this service. We can accommodate your color and branding needs.
 

Bleed and Crop Marks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's a Bleed?

Bleed is color or images that extend beyond your final size of artwork. This allows our production team to trim that excess off and present you with a clean, finished piece that has color and/or images to the very edge of the paper.
 

Why Bleed?

The purpose of a bleed is to continue a color, image, or design to the trim edge. Due to the possibility of shifting in the trimming/printing process, a 1/8" bleed is required to ensure a white lines does not show. This allows for a professional, clean final piece.
 

What are Crop Marks?

Please create your press-ready digital files by adding crop marks. Crop marks are lines indicating where the paper should be cut to produce the correct finished size. 
 

Fonts:

Fonts should be embedded in PDF files. 

Fonts must be outlined or converted to outlines, paths or curves in EPS files. 
Some fonts have copyright restrictions and will not embed in PDF files. 
 

Margin:

All critical elements must be kept at .125 (1/8") inside the trim edge. Anything left close to the trim edge may be cut off during trimming. 

 

Books:

If you are planning a book that is to be saddle-stitched, please know that books and booklets should have a page count that is divisible by 4 (4, 8, 12, 16 and so on). This count does include the cover(s) and can include blank pages. Spiral-bound books do not have this requirement.

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Variable Data:

We provide data merging and numbering. To properly prepare your personal excel list please make sure to label the headers properly. Do not add commas to your excel. For example: