Design Layout Requirements
For layouts with white, you need to create a new swatch calling it White (Window-Swatches). Specify it as a spot colour and give it a clearly visible colour (e.g. 100% Cyan).
Then specify a new layer as the uppermost. All the elements to be printed with white must be selected and switched to the Overprint Fill mode (Window-Attributes), so that the white is printed over CMYK colours. White is for printing on a transparent film, transparent plastic, and various dark designer paper types.
A printed bright colour will be visible remaining bright if you put white under it. Also, when creating a layout, you need trapping, i.e. compensation for colour match defects by widening the edges of the solid areas by a certain value and thus preventing spaces between two contacting areas of different colours. Therefore, make the colour area a bit greater on the whole perimeter so that, when printing, that area should cover the white preventing the white to emerge from below.
For layouts with varnish you need to create a separate solid colour. Name it Clear and let it be like 100% Magenta. Like with white, make it a separate uppermost layout applying Overprint Fill to it. The varnish area must not overlay the crease or the cut line as the varnish can crack. Therefore, in your layout design the varnish must be at least 2 mm away from the crease and the cut line. We have transparent varnish and neon varnish. The latter glows when exposed to UV light. There is no difference preparing the layout, just tell us which varnish you want.
All files must be in the CMYK colour model. Where Pantone is used, choose the desired colour from the Pantone range, do not create it yourself. The colour profile is Coated FOGRA39. RGB is not acceptable. The colour gamut of the printer is much lower than that of RGB. RGB or LAB are converted into CMYK automatically during printing, that may seriously affect the colours.
No claims are accepted in relation to layouts in RGB.
In case of CMYK printing (digital, offset or large format) from a layout where Pantones are used, but have not been discussed, they will be converted into CMYK automatically during printing, that may affect the colours. In this case we are not responsible for colour rendering.
Being converted to CMYK, some Pantones change colour greatly. The Pantone fan suggests the comparison.
SPOT colours may be used only to mark cutting, varnish, stamping, etc. (Clear, White, CUT, etc.). Put Overprint on the spot colours. The following spot colour names are recommended to be used in printing and post-printing:
All SPOT colours that are not used, must be removed from the layout. To view the lines with SPOT colours in Acrobat Pro, select View -> Tools -> PrintProduction -> Open, then select Output Preview and Show->Spot Color. All the objects with SPOT colours will come out. Likewise, to view only RGB, LAB or Grayscale objects, select the corresponding item in the Show list.
It is a common error to make a small black text coloured in a process colour, e.g. (2/1/3/100). In this case the printed text will appear double and mottle due to the overlapping inks.
For the same reason, small black objects must be 100% black ink (C0, M0, Y0, K100) and overprinted.
Large black objects (text of large fonts, full tone areas) must be composite black, e.g. C50% M45% Y40% K100% or C70% M65% Y60% K100%. Process black looks rich compared to which one-channel black will look grey on large solid areas, with a background showing up through it.
To check out TIL in Acrobat Pro, open Output Preview: View – Tools – PrintProduction
In vector features the excessive total ink amount is corrected by simple re-colouring, in raster features – by dividing through the colour profile.
Nothing more than ready-to-print files. Customers are kindly asked not to supply original files, versions in other file formats, etc. If you requested design or page proofing, supply only the files required for your layout to be created or adjusted, with a description of what file is for what.
In the description (design/page proof specifications), the file names must correspond to the actual names of the files supplied. The file names must be in Latin letters without special characters.
The file name must contain the product name. For example, «WWF_broshure_cover.pdf», «konvert Romashka» or «Bloknot_A5_BLOCK». Do not name your files as 1.pdf or front.pdf to avoid a mix up of the printwork. Save preview files only as JPG (to avoid confusion with the PDF files to be printed).
Layouts prepared with Figma and Canva on-line editors will not be accepted!
- Where the layouts need die-cutting, kiss-cutting, contour cutting (for boxes, folders, envelopes, sticker packs, etc.), use PDF, EPS, AI. Please note, that the perforation on tickets is not cutting and is marked otherwise.
- Where the layouts do not need cutting (for business cards, leaflets, booklets, etc.), use PDF. Please note, that TIP and jpeg inserted in PDF, CDR or EPS remain TIF and jpeg (these files are not editable).
Layouts submitted in other file formats (CDR, INDD, PSD, TIFF, and especially MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are not ready to print and need further processing (resulting in a higher price). No claims related to printing from such file formats will be accepted.
The page size in a file must be the same as the trim size of your printed project + bleeds (the extra space to be trimmed off). The recommended bleed size is 3 to 15 mm, depending on the product type (see Preparation of layout files for various printed product types).
5 mm bleeds will be the best alternative. The design elements that reach the cut line must extend beyond the page trim line, so that the image is 3-5 mm out of the edge. It is done to avoid trimming such elements or having white lines, because the misalignment may be up to 2 mm for each technological operation (due to possible fluctuations of the sheet during printing, cutting, trimming, or shrinkage during lamination, etc.). For the same reason, thin frames and lines must not be too close to the cut line of your printed project. Otherwise, even with small fluctuations, the frames may become asymmetrical after cutting down the product. We do try to minimise fluctuations at each technological stage, but this factor is to be considered when making a layout. We are not responsible for defects arising due to failure to comply with the layout standards for bleeds.
- The most common errors are:
- Too little bleeds (<3mm).
- No bleeds at all.
- The bleeds are not a continuation of the object.
- The important elements, such as catalogue page numbers, are closer than 3 mm to the cut line.
If there is no opportunity to make a bleed, the text and the important graphics needs moving by at least 3 mm away from the cut line. In case of multiple printed sides, 5-10 mm indent from the cut line is recommended.
Bleed parameters when saving a PDF file on the example of Illustrator:
Bleed parameters when saving a PDF file on the example of InDesign:
To view the service fields in Acrobat, tick Show Art, Trim, & Bleed boxes, Edit -> Preferences -> General (or Ctrl+K) -> Page Display.
The service fields of various colours will appear.
TrimBox – the trim size (green)
BleedBox – the page size with margins (blue)
CropBox - the crop size (black),
In case the bleeds are available, the CropBox is displayed incorrectly.
If there is a ready-made PDF file, where the TrimBox parameters have not been set up and need setting, you can do it (using the link) in Set page Boxes:
View -> Tools -> PrintProduction -> View -> Tools -> PrintProduction -> Open, then select Set Page Boxes (on the right).
In Set Page Boxes select Trimbox, in Margin Controls and set the required trim size (check Constrain Proportions). Click OK.
Tips: how to save PDF files from Illustrator and InDesign on the example of Illustrator (InDesign has similar settings), proceeding from the preset Press Quality
- General: uncheck Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities.
2. Compression
3. Marks and Bleeds
The Offset value is to be the same as the Bleed value
4. Output
Then click Save PDF
The preset data can be saved for further use.
Please consider our design layout requirements. Failure to observe them may affect the lead time and the cost of your order. Your finished files must fit the following requirements and need no further modification or alteration.
If the customer’s files do not meet our technical requirements and no additional re-work has been agreed upon, then no complaints will be accepted in relation to the defects that may occur due to the inadequate layout.
Please check the files carefully as you receive them for approval. Once the layout has been approved for printing, the customer is responsible for orthographic, punctuation or other errors the layout may have.
Our designers or prepress are not proofreaders and, therefore, do not check texts for errors. Proofreading is a separate service to be ordered, if necessary.
NO COMPLAINTS related to images or texts WILL BE ACCEPTED!
Attention! The colours, the brightness and the contrast of a layout may be significantly distorted on the screen of a computer or smartphone. So, keep this in mind when making and approving the e-version of your layout. Also, a product printed with one and the same layout but with different equipment (digital or offset) or on different paper types may vary in colour due to the different ink types used and different paper properties. E.g., offset or loose designer paper takes paints a lot better than coated paper on whose surface the colours will look brighter and the coat will be more even.
If a certain touch of colour matters, a colour proof is recommended using the same material and the same printer to be used for the main print run. If you have a sample of the finished printed product made in another printing company and you want to replicate it, you have to understand that it won’t be exactly the same. Before any print run, a colour proof is to be made. There is a lot to consider in terms of material, lamination and print type.
The resolution of 1:1 raster images for digital and offset printing must be 225-320 dpi.
The whole text must be in curves (Type->Create Outlines), or the fonts embedded in PDF, or all the applied fonts attached.
The lines must be 0,2 pt min. Do not use hairlines, specify the exact width. Switch off the overprint function for all the objects but the black one.
All the effects (shading, feathering, fading, etc.) must be flattened (flatten transparency) and screened at least by 300 dpi BEFORE converting to PDF. Delete all extra and invisible elements from your layout, since they can pop up on the printed sheet unexpectedly.
Checking files for such elements is paid separately.
Checking files for such elements is paid separately.
Stamping layouts
Line width:
- For foil stamping on paper or cardboard (paper bags and folders), the minimal line width is 0,5 mm, the eye size (i.e. the hole dia. in “a”) is 2 mm.
- For blind stamping on leather or substitute (personal organisers, day planners, wallets, etc.), the minimal line width is 1 mm, the minimal eye size is 3 mm.
- For foil stamping on leather or substitute (personal organisers, day planners, wallets, etc.), the minimal line width is 1 mm, the minimal eye size is 5 mm.
The number of printed sides must be divisible by 2. The layout of the book is to be provided side by side, all the sides in one file in strict sequence. A 15 mm indent must be left on the spiral side so that no important element of design is affected by the holes. For screws, the minimal indent is 25-30 mm.
The number of printed sides must be divisible by 4. The layout is to be provided page by page. A layout provided as successive page spreads is a gross error. Be careful when numbering the pages! The book begins with the first odd page which is on the right, the even pages will be on the left. The cover is to be provided as a separate file, page by page in a strict order (1, 2, 3, 4).
It is not recommended to arrange the text, the headlines or the pictures flowing over from one side to the other (to be on the whole page spread), in which case allowance should be made for possible misalignment.
The number of printed sides must be divisible by 2. The layout of the book is to be provided side by side, all the sides in one file in strict sequence. The product’s cover with hotmelt and PUR adhesive is to be provided broadside, together with the spine, in one file. The spine dimensions depend on the number of sides and the paper density. The spine size of your product can be specified in our print house.
It is not advisable to make the spine in a colour different from that of the first and last sides of the cover as the crease may move by 1-1,5 mm (permissible error margin) which should also be considered when placing the text on the spine. Inside the cover, there must be an unprinted indent of about 5-7 mm left on the side of the gluing to allow better adhesion.
As the glued book may fail to open up by 180 degrees at the spine, unlike the case with hooked or spiral binding, the important elements such as the text, small pictures, logos, etc., should be at least 100 mm away from the spine at both sides. However, PUR adhesives allow wider opening and greater durability than the hotmelt.
It is not recommended to arrange the text, the headlines or the pictures flowing over from one printed side to the other (to be on the whole page spread). Otherwise allowance should be made for possible misalignment and partial gluing up of those elements or their inability to fully open. It is not only the case for the book itself, but also for the junction of the internal cover onto it.
The internal book consists of printed sheets bound with thread, normally making 15-20 pages. The cover is made of 2-2,5 mm cardboard pre-coated with laminated paper. The cover needs large bleeds of 20mm. The insides of the cover are connected to the book with end leaves - printed or made of designer paper. Each printed side must be on a separate page. The printed sides must not be provided in spreads. The sequence of printed sides must be carefully observed. The quantity of sides must be divisible by 4.
We can make custom envelopes (from any paper and of any form, we have numerous clichés available) or print on stock envelopes (С65, Е65, С5, С4).
When making print layouts for stock envelopes, the following is to be considered. For screen printing, ensure 1.5 mm minimal from each side. For digital printing, observe 4-7 mm indents from above and below, 15-17 mm from right and left. The gluing on the right and left edges of the envelope may affect the colour making it differ due to the difference in thickness. No printing on the reverse side of the stock envelope is technically possible.
There are no such limits for individual envelopes cut up with a cliché and then assembled. For printing over the entire area of the envelope, just ensure bleeds so that the picture’s sides are beyond the cutting blades.
Stickers with plotter cutting. If your sticker is 20 mm or smaller by one of the sides, you need plotter cutting. For this purpose, define the cutting contour in bright red and label it CUT, or in bright Pantone. The minimal distance from the cutting contour to the image is 1,5-2 mm. Avoid frames along the image perimeter, or put them about 3-5 mm further from the cut.
If your sticker is on a transparent film, don’t forget to put the white under CMYK. For further information on how to do it correctly, refer to Aspects of the layouts with white, varnish, neon.
Sticker pack is a leaflet that contains several notched stickers. Define the cutting contour for each individual sticker in bright red and label it CUT, or in bright Pantone. The minimal distance from the cutting contour to the image is 1,5-2 mm, and the image must have 2-3 mm bleeds from the contour. Here is our example of how it should be.
The brochure folds in half. Its panels are equal, each consisting of printed sides 1 and 4 on the face and pages 2-3 on the back (see the picture).
When folding, a flap folding underneath the other one is smaller, e.g. for A4 sheet, the sizes of the brochure folded parts will be 97-100-100 mm (see the picture).
For gate folding, the folded-in panels can be edge to edge at the midline of the central panel. For double gate folding, the folded-in panels must be 2-3 mm shorter than the outer ones.
For Z-folding, all the brochure panels are of the same width.
When making a calendar print layout, it is important to remember about the perforations for the spiral. In your layout, allow for a 15 mm distance from the cut edge (with future perforations) to the important elements. The same is true for a quarterly calendar with a small steel ring on the upper poster placed at the centre of the poster 10-15 mm from the cut edge. Remove the important elements of design so that they do not get under the ring. Let’s consider quarterly, flip-over and desk tent calendars.
Quarterly
They can be of three common sizes: mini, midi, and maxi. Other sizes are possible. All that is to be talked over and agreed upon between you and us. There are several winding types with 1 and 3 spirals, and several advertising area types. The blocks can have stock (the less expensive alternative) or custom prints.
They can be of any size, with 13 sheets, i.e. one cover and 12 months. The thick cardboard liner may have no printing. It has a spiral and a hanger. In your layout, allow for a 15 mm minimal distance from the cut edge (with future perforations) to the important elements.
They can be spiral bound, and of any size. Some have no spiral. The picture displays stock dimensions. For the spiral, allowance must be made for a 15 mm minimal distance from the cut edge (with future perforations) to the important elements
For LDPE bags layout, consider the printed area. As the printing will not cover the entire, you can take advantage of our layout. Use the Pantone colours. No half-tints or gradients are allowed.
Boxes have cutting lines, perforations and creases, each line type marked by its colour. The cutting line is red (CUT), the perforation is yellow (PERFOR), and the crease is green (CREASE). Define lines by tracing, not filling. The box drawing must be vector and lie on a separate layer from the image. The image and the background must have 5 mm bleeds. If the box is cropped with a liner, the bleeds are 20-25 mm. All the important objects and texts must be 3-5 mm away from creases and cutting lines. For flapped boxes, the drawing should be made so that the flap is not visible on the box face, when assembled.
