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File Setup and Preparation
General Print-Ready File Specifications
General Print-Ready File Specifications
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Written by Jukebox
Updated over a week ago

Preparing Your Print-Ready Files: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating artwork for printing can seem complex, but with the right instructions and tools, you can easily prepare your print-ready files. This guide is designed to assist you, particularly if you're using Adobe InDesign or Illustrator, to ensure your printed materials look exactly as you envision.

Step 1: Use Our Templates for Perfect Alignment

For every product we offer, we provide detailed templates to guide your design process. These templates illustrate where to place your artwork and indicate the areas for bleed and crop marks, ensuring your design fits perfectly with the product you're ordering.

To access these templates:

  • Visit the product page for the item you wish to order.

  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on 'Download Template'.
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Can't find a template? No worries! Reach out to our customer support at contact@jukeboxprint.com, and we'll provide the template you need.

Step 2: Setting Up Your File

When setting up your artwork in Adobe InDesign or Illustrator, it's crucial to start with the correct size. Your document size must match the dimensions of the product you are ordering, including the necessary bleed and safety margins.

Key Specifications for Your Artwork:

  • Bleed: Ensure a .125" bleed on all sides of your artwork. This means adding .25 inches to both the width and height of your document to allow for any design elements or backgrounds that extend to the edge of your finished product.

  • Safety Margin: Keep a .125" safety margin inside the trim line. This helps ensure that no critical design elements are cut off during the trimming process.

  • Resolution: All images in your document should be set to 300 PPI (pixels per inch) or higher to guarantee high-quality prints.

  • Color Mode: Your artwork must be in CMYK color mode to ensure color accuracy in the final print.

Step 3: Saving Your File

For optimal printing results, we highly recommend saving your files as PDF or EPS. This ensures that all design elements are securely packaged and can be easily processed by our printing systems.

When exporting your file, remember to:

  • Include a .125" bleed on all sides.

  • Save in CMYK color mode.

  • Name your files clearly to expedite your order processing (e.g., "BusinessCard_Front.pdf", "BusinessCard_Back.pdf").

Following these steps will help ensure your artwork is print-ready and meets our specifications, leading to a smooth printing process and high-quality final products. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our customer support team is always here to help.
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​​The Complete Guide to Preparing Your Business Card Files

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