Folded Card File Guidelines

• Our preferred file type is a high resolution PDF. We do not accept JPG, PNG, or GIF files.

• All print-ready images should be 300dpi. Less than that may severely affect image quality.

• All color images should be set to CMYK. If you send us RGB images, they will be automatically converted to CMYK, and there may be a color shift. For more information on RGB vs. CMYK, please see our Placing an Order FAQ.

• Set your file up as the flat size. For example, a 5" x 7" folded will be 10" x 7" flat, with the back of the card being on the left, and the front of the card being on the right. Set a guide in half of the layout to easily see where the fold will go and arrange your artwork accordingly. This will also make it easier to see how bleed functions in an item that will be folded.

• If your document has a bleed, it must extend the finished size by 0.125″ on the top, bottom, and outside edges. The middle of the layout, where the fold is, does not need bleed. If you do not know what a bleed is, please see our Placing an Order FAQ. Please note that envelopes cannot have bleed.

• All text must be within 0.25″ from the edge of the sheet. Please note, this is measured from the edge of the finished size, not the bleed margin.

• Please note that not all typefaces will print well at less than 8pt size. If your document contains very small type (such as for business cards), we highly advise paying for a printed proof.

• Send all pieces at their proper finished sizes, plus the bleed, if applicable. For example, a standard full-bleed 5" x 7" file should have dimensions of 7.25″ x 10.25″. Do not place the card in the middle of an 8.5″ x 11″ file.

• Send all files as either one (if the inside of the card is blank) or two pages (if the inside of the card is printed)  with no printer's marks whatsoever, and no imposition. Please include your bleed margin.

• If sending Adobe Illustrator files, please outline all fonts and embed all images before sending.

• If sending Adobe InDesign files, use the File -> Package function to collect all of the fonts and images. If you do not do this, your project will not open properly on our computer. If you are using Adobe Typekit fonts, they will not package but should automatically be added to our software when the document is opened.