Here is a list of the main points to consider when creating artwork for us to print and the information here should be all that you need to provide us with problem free, print ready artwork. We have tried to cover the most important aspects of setting up your artwork but it would be impossible to provide information for every possible scenario so if you need to know something that hasn’t been included here just ask Jeff or if you prefer, call us and we will do our best to help.
Artwork
Bleed
Bleed is a printers term for colour that is printed beyond the finished size of a page. Due to the cutting process not always being 100% accurate, illustrations that spread to the edge of the paper can leave unsightly white slivers of unprinted paper along the edge of the page. This can be avoided by ensuring that the background of your artwork flows beyond the finished size required. If the background is white, then bleed is obviously irrelevant, it would however, be good practice to always supply finished artwork with bleed in place. We require that, where needed, a bleed of 2.5mm be used. Additionally, it would be a good idea not to place any text or important imagery too close to the finished edge.
Paper sizes (Finished and with bleed)
The image above shows the most common of the standard paper sizes including both the finished sizes and bleed sizes. All artwork should be supplied at a resolution of at least 300dpi (dots per inch) in order to be of a suitably high quality. See below for a full list of our standard paper sizes up to and including A0.
| Name | Finished size | Size with bleed |
|---|---|---|
| BCard | 85 × 55mm | 90 × 60mm |
| A7 | 105 × 71.5mm | 110 × 76.5mm |
| A6 | 105 × 148mm | 110 × 153mm |
| A5 | 210 × 148mm | 215 × 153mm |
| DL | 210 × 99mm | 215 × 104mm |
| A4 | 210 × 297mm | 215 × 302mm |
| A3 | 297 × 420mm | 302 × 425mm |
| A2 | 420 × 594mm | 425 × 599mm |
| B2 | 500 × 700mm | 505 × 705mm |
| A1 | 594 × 804mm | 599 × 845mm |
| A0 | 840 × 1188mm | 845 × 1193mm |
Colour issues
RGB Images may suffer from colour shifts due to CMYK converstion prior to printing. It is therefore suggested that all files are supplied in CMYK colour mode as not all RGB colours can be reproduced with the CMYK printing process.
When using large areas of solid black, the colour breakdown should be 100% black 50% cyan. Black areas without cyan cause ink saturation problems and should be avoided. It is also worth steering clear of 4 colour blacks as they prevent the ink from raising too high and can cause other areas of colour to appear washed out.
File types
Wherever possible, files should be supplied as flattened, CMYK artwork at a minimum resolution of 300dpi in either JPEG or TIFF format. Vector files (Illustrator, Freehand, etc.) are prone to numerous software bugs and if possible should be avoided as a format for finished artwork. If there is no option but to send vector files, please ensure that all fonts are converted into outlines. Be aware that when conversion or software errors occur there may be a charge for putting the files right. Please avoid sending Microsoft Word documents for print as this is not a print ready application and extra charges will be incurred due to reworking unsuitable artwork.
Supplying artwork
When sending artwork please ALWAYS include the following details:
Job name
Size required
Quantity
Paper stock
Any additional instructions
Delivery address
Billing address
Contact number
Note: The contact number supplied should be for the person who is paying for the job. If payment should be taken from someone else, please supply their name and contact number.
Sending by email
Email all details (See checklist below) along with the attached artwork files. If you have a designer sending files on your behalf, please forward them the details so that they can be supplied along with the finished artwork.
Uploading by FTP
You will need to contact us here and request an FTP account before you will be able to upload your artwork to our server. Once we have supplied you with your account details you will then need to download and install a program called an “FTP client” in order to upload your artwork. You will find links to two common and free to use FTP clients below.
Free FTP is an FTP client for PC users with a user guide available here.
Cyberduck is an FTP client for the Mac.
1. Download and install Cyberduck.
2. Open Cyberduck and select File > Open connection.
3. Enter ‘Server’ as ‘urbanprinting.co.uk’
4. Enter your username and your password.
5. Click Connect.
6. You should now be able to log in to your FTP account.
7. To upload a file simply drag the file onto the window.
Sending on disc
When supplying artwork by disc please include a covering note or “Read Me” text file including your contact details as well as all delivery and printing instructions. Discs containing urgent jobs should be sent using registered or special delivery as 1st class post can take 2 to 3 days to reach us.
The “Read Me” or Covering note should include the details listed above;
Our address can be found on the Contact page.
