File / Graphic Requirements

preparing files low resResolution is also known as dpi (dots per inch) or ppi (pixels per inch). It indicates the number of colored dots or pixels that make up one image. The higher the dots per inch/pixels per inch, the greater the resolution and the clearer the resulting final print will be. 

 

In order for an image to print correctly, all file formats must be submitted at a resolution of 300 dpi at 100% of the final print size. When file resolution is lower than 300 dpi, the final print will have a drop in the image quality. For signage, please submit files with a resolution of 150 dpi.

 

We require that you provide us with print-ready digital files in CMYK or RGB color mode depending on the product type. Provide all black and white artwork in grayscale color mode. We do not accept any other color mode.

 

CMYK indicates Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Keyline (Black). These 4 colors of ink are used for offset printing. Cyan is a shade of blue found in the 4 primary color printing process. Magenta is a shade of hot pink found in the basic 4 color printing process.

 

RGB color mode combines three colors, Red, Green, and Blue. Your computer monitor, scanner, and digital camera all use a combination of these three colors to produce the final colors. Presses, however, require four different colors, CMYK, to produce the final printed material. Thus, RGB must be converted to CMYK for print.

  • You can convert a file from RGB to CMYK, but cannot convert a file from CMYK to RGB. If you attempt to do so, some of the image data in that file may be lost and become unrecoverable.
  • Keep in mind that your image may be created in RGB, but it will print in CMYK.
  • RGB color mode may look sharp on your computer screen, however, it will not print as it appears.
  • Convert RGB files into CMYK in Photoshop by simply clicking on Image > Mode > CMYK

If you're not sure how to convert image files, The Print Bug is happy to help.

The following formats are acceptable for uploads: TIF, .TIFF, .EPS, .AI, .PSD, .BMP, .GIF, .JPG, .PNG, .PDF. Recommended: To reduce file size, please upload in .jpg format. For all other file formats, ensure all layers are flattened.

  • .TIF (Tagged Image File) - High-quality graphics format that is often used for storing multi-colored images. Supports layers, multiple pages, raster images, vector images, lossy compression, and lossless compression.
  • .TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) - High-quality graphics format that is often used for storing multi-colored images. Supports layers, multiple pages, raster images, vector images, lossy compression, and lossless compression.
  • .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) - PostScript file used primarily in the transfer of images to different operating systems.
  • .AI (Adobe Illustrator file) - Vector graphics file that uses paths connected by points.
  • .PSD (Photoshop Document) - Image file created by Adobe Photoshop; supports various types of Photoshop image options, including image layers, adjustment layers, etc. We recommend that .PSD files be flattened prior to being uploaded.
  • .BMP (Bitmap) - High-quality graphics format which allows it to produce large file sizes and uses image compression algorithms that can decrease file size.
  • .GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) - Uses lossless compression that may not degrade the quality of the image. GIFs store image data using indexed color, with a maximum of 256 colors.
  • .JPG (Image Compression File) - Compressed image format that uses lossy compression; commonly used for storing realistic photos (digital photos), since it is able to compress substantially with minimal loss in image quality.
  • .PNG (Portable Network Graphics) - A bitmapped image format with lossless data compression. Gradients come out smoother and do not have the distortions that may appear in a .JPG. Used mainly for archiving files. Does not support CMYK.
  • .PDF (Portable Document Format) - The most preferred file format to be set in pre-press quality. Ideal for viewing on multiple computers, because it preserves the formatting, fonts, and other elements within the document on different computers, as well as when it is printed.

 

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