Artwork & File Setup Guide
Premium printing starts with a clean file. Prepare print-ready artwork for business cards, hang tags, insert cards, and invitations on ColorPlan 18pt / 350gsm.
Quick Start
- File: Print-ready PDF (vector preferred)
- Color: CMYK
- Resolution: 300 DPI (for images)
- Bleed: 0.125 in (3 mm) each side
- Safe zone: Keep key elements 0.125 in (3 mm) inside the trim
- Minimum line weight: 0.3 pt (CMYK), 0.5 pt (foil/emboss)
- Export: PDF/X-1a:2001 (recommended)
1. Trim Size, Bleed & Safe Zone
Your final size is the trim size (finished size). Build your artwork with:
- Bleed: Add 0.125 in (3 mm) around all sides
- Safe zone: Keep logos/text 0.125 in (3 mm) inside the trim line
- If your design includes a border/frame, increase the safe zone to reduce visible misalignment after cutting
Example:
If the finished size is 3.5 × 2 in, your file should be 3.75 × 2.25 in including bleed.
Common Sizes with Bleed
| Product | Finished Size | File Size with Bleed |
|---|---|---|
| Business Card (Standard) | 3.5 × 2 in (90 × 50 mm) |
3.75 × 2.25 in (96 × 56 mm) |
| Square Card | 2 × 2 in (50 × 50 mm) |
2.25 × 2.25 in (56 × 56 mm) |
| Hang Tag / Insert Card | Custom size | Add 0.125 in each side |
[Visual Example: Bleed & Safe Zone Diagram]
A diagram showing the relationship between:
• Bleed area (red) — extends 0.125 in beyond trim
• Cut line (black) — final trim size
• Safe zone (green) — keep text 0.125 in inside trim
2. Color Mode (CMYK)
For predictable results, submit artwork in CMYK. RGB files can shift in print, especially in deep blues and saturated tones.
Need exact brand color? If exact color matching is critical, contact us before ordering with your Pantone targets (Uncoated "U" recommended for ColorPlan). See Pantone section below.
How to Set CMYK:
- Illustrator: File → Document Color Mode → CMYK
- Photoshop: Image → Mode → CMYK Color
- InDesign: Default is CMYK for print
[Visual Example: RGB vs CMYK Color Shift]
Side-by-side comparison showing:
• Left: RGB (bright, vibrant colors on screen)
• Right: CMYK (duller, print result)
Highlight difference in saturated blues, oranges, greens
3. Resolution & Image Quality
- Images / raster artwork: 300 DPI at final print size
- Vector graphics (logos): Preferred for sharpest results
- Avoid enlarging low-resolution images—this causes softness and pixelation
How to check image resolution: In Photoshop, go to Image → Image Size → Resolution
[Visual Example: 72 DPI vs 300 DPI]
Side-by-side comparison:
• Left: 72 DPI (pixelated, blurry)
• Right: 300 DPI (sharp, crisp)
4. File Formats & Export
Preferred: Print-ready PDF (vector-based when possible)
Also accepted: AI / EPS / SVG
Export Checklist:
- Convert fonts to outlines (or embed fonts in PDF)
- Flatten transparency when exporting if required
- Keep backgrounds extended into bleed
Photos (JPG/PNG): Acceptable for simple designs, but text and fine lines will print best from PDF.
Best Practice - PDF Export Settings
From Adobe Illustrator:
- File → Save As → PDF
- Preset: [PDF/X-1a:2001]
- Marks and Bleeds: Crop Marks ON, Bleed 0.125 in (3 mm)
5. Typography, Lines & Fine Detail
ColorPlan 18pt / 350gsm has a beautiful, natural texture. While elegant, this texture can break very thin lines. We require slightly thicker lines than standard coated paper to ensure crisp results.
Minimum Requirements for ColorPlan Paper:
| Element Type | Minimum | Recommended | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text Size | 6 pt | 8 pt+ | Thin serif fonts: 8 pt min |
| Line Weight (CMYK) | 0.3 pt | 0.5 pt+ | Prevents ink break on texture |
| Line Weight (Foil) | 0.5 pt | 0.8 pt+ | Too thin = Foil won't stick |
| Line Weight (Emboss) | 1.0 pt | 1.5 pt+ | Thicker is better for 3D effect |
[Visual Example: Line Thickness on ColorPlan]
Show comparison of line weights on textured paper:
• 0.25 pt — Too thin, breaks on texture
• 0.3 pt — Minimum (acceptable)
• 0.5 pt — Recommended (crisp results)
• 0.8 pt+ — Optimal for foil
Font Guidelines:
- Avoid thin serif fonts under 8 pt — thin strokes may disappear on textured paper
- Choose medium or bold weight fonts for best legibility
- Always outline fonts: Type → Create Outlines in Illustrator
6. Black Ink Guidance
There are two types of black in CMYK printing:
| Black Type | Formula (CMYK) | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Black | C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=100 | Small text, foil/emboss files |
| Rich Black | C=60, M=40, Y=40, K=100 | Large black backgrounds (deep, luxury black) |
Important for Specialty Finishes: Use Standard Black (K=100) only for foil and emboss files. Rich Black will cause production errors. See detailed explanation in Section 7 below.
7. Foil, Emboss & Specialty Finishes
Our core expertise — foil stamping and embossing on ColorPlan create a premium, tactile experience. These finishes require precise file preparation to achieve clean, professional results.
Production Notes for Specialty Finishes
Foil and emboss files must be prepared differently from standard CMYK printing. Missing any of these requirements will cause production delays or defects.
The Golden Rules for Special Finishes:
Rule #1: Vector Only
Foil files must be vector paths (AI or PDF). Raster (JPG/PNG) files cannot be used for foil dies.
Why? Foil dies and emboss plates require precise edge definition. Raster images have jagged edges that won't transfer properly. Vector ensures clean, crisp impressions.
How to check: In Illustrator, go to View → Outline Mode (Cmd/Ctrl + Y)
- ✓ Clean outlines = Vector (good)
- ✗ Rectangle boxes = Raster images (not suitable)
Rule #2: Separate Files/Layers
Isolate the foil design from the printed artwork.
You must provide:
- Main File: Full CMYK design (your base artwork)
- Foil/Emboss File: Black-only (K=100) vector showing special finish areas
File naming example:
smith_businesscard_MAIN.pdfsmith_businesscard_FOIL.pdfsmith_businesscard_EMBOSS.pdf
Rule #3: 100% K (Black) — The "Two Blacks" Rule
This is the most common mistake. Please check carefully.
There are two types of black in CMYK printing, and using the wrong one will cause problems:
| Black Type | Formula (CMYK) | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Black | C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=100 |
FOR FOIL/EMBOSS FILES Small text, foil areas |
| Rich Black | C=60, M=40, Y=40, K=100 | FOR MAIN FILE ONLY Large black backgrounds |
Critical: Set the foil area color to C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=100
Why? The production machine only reads the K (black) channel to create the mold. Rich Black will cause production errors.
How to set in Illustrator:
- Select foil/emboss objects
- Window → Color → CMYK sliders
- Set: C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=100
Rule #4: Do Not Move (Sync Artboards)
Ensure the foil file is in the EXACT same position as the print file. Use "Paste in Place" to align perfectly.
When you separate your files (Main vs. Foil), even a tiny shift in position will cause misalignment in production. Your foil will not line up with your printed design.
Use "Paste in Place" to align perfectly
- Open your MAIN file
- Select the objects you want in foil (e.g., logo)
- Copy:
Edit → Copy (Cmd/Ctrl + C) - Open your FOIL file (same artboard size!)
-
Paste in Place:
Edit → Paste in Place (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + V) - Object appears in the EXACT same position
Golden Rules:
- The artboard size must be identical for both files
- Objects must be in the exact same position
- Never move, resize, or rotate objects between files
Additional Guidelines for Special Finishes:
- Keep foil/emboss elements within the safe zone
- Minimum line thickness: 0.5 pt for foil, 1.0 pt for emboss (thicker is safer)
- Avoid extremely thin foil lines—slightly thicker shapes produce cleaner edges
- Do not apply gradients to foil/emboss layers (use solid shapes only)
- Outline all fonts in foil/emboss files
[Visual Example: Main File + Foil File Structure]
Show side-by-side comparison:
• Left: Main file (full CMYK design with colors)
• Right: Foil file (K=100 black shapes only)
• Arrows showing alignment markers and "Paste in Place" workflow
8. Pantone Color Matching (Optional)
If you have Pantone targets for exact brand color matching:
- Contact us before ordering with your Pantone color names
- Important: Use Pantone names ending with "U" (Uncoated) for ColorPlan paper
- We'll confirm availability and provide exact pricing
Email to: hello@wovepress.net
Subject: Pantone Color Inquiry — [Your Project]
Example: "I need Pantone 185 U for logo, Pantone 7453 U for text"
Subject: Pantone Color Inquiry — [Your Project]
Example: "I need Pantone 185 U for logo, Pantone 7453 U for text"
Why "U" (Uncoated)? ColorPlan 18pt / 350gsm is an uncoated paper. "U" suffix = Uncoated standard. "C" suffix = Coated paper (don't use).
9. Proof Before Printing
A digital proof is available upon request so you can confirm layout and text before production. Printing begins after approval.
What Happens Next:
- Choose options and quantity
- Upload your file at checkout (or email after placing order)
- We review and prepare a proof (if requested)
- After approval, production begins
- Item ships with tracking
Timeline: Production typically takes 7–10 business days after proof approval (varies by finish and quantity). Reliable shipping to the USP via express courier (typically 1–2 weeks (around 5–14 days), depending on location and service.). Tracking number provided immediately upon dispatch.
Preferred File Checklist
- PDF (vector preferred)
- CMYK color mode
- 0.125 in (3 mm) bleed on all sides
- 0.125 in (3 mm) safe zone for text/logos
- 300 DPI for all images
- Fonts outlined or embedded
- Line weight: 0.3 pt+ (CMYK), 0.5 pt+ (foil)
- Foil/emboss files: Standard Black (K=100), vector only
- Used "Paste in Place" for perfect alignment
- Files clearly named (MAIN, FOIL, EMBOSS)
Need Help?
Upload your file and add notes at checkout.
If you need guidance, we can provide a proof and help you finalize a clean, print-ready file.
Email: hello@wovepress.net