Bleeds

When setting up your page, you’ll want to remember
to include a bleed. A bleed is when you let your colors,
images, and texts extend across the trim of the page.
This ensures there is no white margin (or border) around
the document after printing. When you are exporting
your document, remember to add 1/4 inch of space for
your bleed.

3.5″ x 2″ Business Card

Safe Area Margin: keep all artwork or text within this area
Production Buffer: artwork or text in this area may get trimmed
Finished Size (3.5″ x 2″)
Bleed Area: artwork or text in this area will be cut off
Art Size (3.75″ x 2.25″)

Color

When preparing a document for print design, set the
color mode to CMYK. This stands for cyan, magenta,
yellow, and black. Be careful that your design software
isn’t set at RGB, which is used for the web. CMYK dates
back to the printing press when each color needed to be
applied separately. Now, printing is a little more efficient,
but due to the setup of our design software and printers,
the industry-standard still operates from a CMYK basis
to ensure the proper color is used.

Image Formats

The two major image formats you need to know about
are raster and vector. Each of these popular image file
formats has its own specifications.

Raster Graphics (Bitmaps) — are made up of rectangular
pixels. Each of them contains one color. They are
arranged in a grid to form the final image.

File formats for Raster:
• .tiff (Tagged Image File Format)
• .psd (Adobe Photoshop Document)
• .pdf (Portable Document Format)
• .jpg (Joint Photographics Expert Group)
• .png (Portable Network Graphic)
• .gif (Graphics Interchange Format)
• .bmp (Bitmap Image File)

Commonly used for:
• Pixel-based
• Best for photographs
• Shareability
• Large file sizes

Vector Graphics — Composed of paths to form different
shapes like polygons which eventually form the image.
Those paths are connected with dots, only visible
while editing.

File formats for Vector:
• .ai (Adobe Illustrator document)
• .eps (Encapsulated PostScript)
• .svg (Scalable Vector Graphic)
• .pdf (Portable Document Format; only when
saved from vector programs)

Commonly used for:
• Mathematical curves and lines • Smaller file sizes
• Logos, type, and geometric designs

Raster Graphics

Raster graphics are made up of rectangular pixels. Each of them
contains one color. They are arranged in a grid to form the final image. Raster graphics are most commonly used for pixel-based, best photographs, web-based images, share ability and large file sizes

• .tiff (Tagged Image File Format)
Perfect for photos. Editable. High-quality for print, photos and graphics. Transparent. Large file size.

• .psd (Adobe Photoshop Document)
Native, layered documents. Editable to manipulate and retouch images. Create web images. Creating image-based artwork for InDesign.

• .png (Portable Network Graphic)
High quality images for web graphics. websites, banners and emails. Transparent. Compressed. Small file size.

• .gif (Graphics Interchange Format)
Perfect for web image and animations. Portible. Small files sizes under 150kb. For simple icons and web graphics.

• .bmp (Bitmap Image File)
Perfect for photos. Transparent. Editable. Large file size. Not scalable. For web and print.

• .jpg (Joint Photographics Expert Group)
Quick loading times. Non-transparent white background. Small file size. Non-editable, flat image. For web and print.

• .pdf (Portable Document Format)
All design previews. Final file for printers. Suitable for sharing. Transparent. Scalable. Editable. For print and web.

Vector Graphics

Vector graphics are composed of paths to form different shapes like polygons which eventually form the image. Those paths are connected with dots, only visible while editing. They are most commonly used for mathematical curves and lines, logos, type, and geometric designs and smaller file sizes.

• .ai (Adobe Illustrator document)
Original Illustrator file. Fully editable with multiple layers and objects. Create graphics, such as logos, illustrations or icons.

• .eps (Encapsulated PostScript)
Suitable for logo and print design. Vector logo for client, designer or printer. Resizable. Editable.

• .svg (Scalable Vector Graphic)
Suitable for logo, icon and illustration design. Transparent. High resolution. Editable. Scalable. For print.

• .pdf (Portable Document Format; only when
saved from vector programs)
Only when saved from vector programs. Final file for printers. Sharable. Scalable. Transparent. Downloadable. Editable. For print and web.

InDesign Files

Editing software used for laying out for multi-page documents, containing text, vector graphics and images. InDesign files are created for desktop publishing and layout applications.

• .indd (InDesign Document)
Page layout and typesetting for marketing and branding materials such as business cards, brochures and catalogs. Fully editable and layered.

Start Measuring

U.S. envelopes are always stated in inches with the
shortest dimension first.

• Measure with the flap at the top.
• Flap length is measured from the top fold score line to the tip of the flap.
• Seal gum is measured from the edge of the seal to where the gum line stops.
• Throat depth is measured from the top fold score line to the top of the bottom flap.
• The Side flap is measured from the side fold to its farthest point at the envelope center.

Size of a Window

• The standard window is 1-1/8 inches high and 4-1/2 inches wide and is placed 5/8 inch from the bottom edge of the envelope.
• In size 6-3/4 envelopes, the window is 7/8 inch from the left edge.
• In size 10 envelopes, the window is 7/8 inch from the left edge.
• On double window envelopes, the second window (designed for return information) is 1/2 inch from the top and left edges, and measures 3/4 inch high and 2-1/2 inches wide.
• Other window sizes and locations can be produced, if the window is:
• Not more than 1-1/2 inches high.
• Not more than 5 inches wide.
• At least 1/2 inch from the bottom edge of the envelope.
• At least 3/8 inch from any envelope edge.

How to Measure a Window Position

• Measure with the flap at the top.
• Window size is always stated as height x width.
• Window positions are always measured by their distance from the left edge of the envelope and the distance from the bottom.

Window Cover Material

• Must be made of a non-tinted clear or transparent material (e.g., cellophane or polystyrene).
• Must permit information, as viewed through the window material, to meet the print-contrast ratio standards to ensure efficient processing.
• Glassine may be used for window cover material.
• All edges of the window cover material must be glued securely to the envelope.

Attributes

Writing — A letterhead-weight stock, typically 24# or 28# writing, and often has a watermark.
Text — Is thicker than a writing paper, but not as thick as a cover paper (card stock). Text-weight paper is usually a 70#, 80# or 100# text.

Cover — Cover stocks are heavy in weight, rigid and not easily folded. Common weights for cover stocks include: 65#, 80#, 100#, 120#, and 12pt.

Bond — Bond paper is made up of cotton rags or cotton textile fibers, which gives it a thicker, more substantial texture. High-quality bond paper is composed of anywhere from 20% to 100% cotton rag fiber, which gives the paper its durability. This type of paper is stronger than paper which made solely from wood pulp. Because of its unique composition, bond paper has a specific weight. Bond paper weight (or thickness) is at least 20 lb bond weight or 50 lb text weight.

Grams Per Square Meter (GSM) — GSM is how manufacturers and printers identify the measurement of paper. The higher the GSM, the heavier and thicker the paper.

Tip:     When in doubt, request a stock sample.

Things to Note

• A high wood fiber content can increase the thickness and weight of paper.
• To achieve certain visual and tactile results, some paper processors include additives to the pulp.
• The type of processing used can affect the density of the paper, with a higher-density pulp creating thinner paper and a lower-density pulp creating thicker paper.

Weight is important in print because the wrong weight of paper can lead to issues while printing. For example, if you choose a very light paper for a brochure, you may be able to see through the sheet which ruins the look of the print on both sides.

Understanding How to Use the Chart

Bond, Text, and Cover are usually in lb (#). Sometimes they can be referred to in points (pt).

Let’s say that the short run brochures offer:
• 100 lb. Gloss Book
• 100 lb. Matte Book
• 80 lb. Gloss Cover
• 80 lb. Matte Cover
• 80 lb. 100% Recycled Uncoated Text
• 80 lb. 100% Recycled Uncoated Cover

Numbers can be deceiving with paper weights, which is why it’s important to refer to the chart. For example, the 100 lb. book stock can equate to 54 lb cover, while the 80 lb. cover can equate to 146 lb. book. This means that the 80 lb. cover can be about 45% thicker than the 100 lb. book. The recycled 80 lb text (aka book) can be equivalent to roughly a 44 lb. cover. So the two recycled stocks, while the same weight, can be different thicknesses.

How to Read a Stock Name

Have you ever received a sample of paper stock and wondered what all the numbers and colors mean on the label?

Here is a guide to reading the stock label so you’re not left wondering.

Engraving (Intaglio) — Type and graphics are etched into metal plates. The recessed images are then filled with engraving ink and paper is stamped under two tons of pressure per square inch resulting in a raised image with startling clarity, color purity and depth. This results in a “bruise” on the back side of the stock. It is often run on thick or duplex stocks.

Pro: Archival life. Perception of the highest degree of professionalism.

Con: 1 color per pass. Bruise on the back limits 2-sided content.

Foil Stamping — Uses heated metal dies to apply foil to paper. It creates reflective images and enables the use of light colors on dark stocks. Applied flat but is frequently combined with embossing to maximize impact. Available in dull or glossy finishes.

Pro: Prints on dark stock, document authentication, shiny metallic prestige.

Con: May not be laser printer compatible. Not ideal for fine type. Some stocks may cause peeling.

Letterpress (Typography) — Converts art and text into a rigid material (metal or photopolymer) which is used to print with any ink color. Yields recessed images which give a unique dimension and impression of a historical printing technique. Offers a handcrafted look and feel. Like engraving, it has a very tactile quality with a slight debossing effect where ink is laid.

Pro: Handcrafted look and feel.

Con: 1 color per pass. Very fine type may break up, solid ink coverage can appear uneven, and print area is limited to 8×10.

Tip: Do not use coated paper due to potential of ink offsetting to back of sheet. A heavyweight but soft paper will give the best results

Embossing and Debossing — Embossing adds dimension by using a metal die to raise the paper. Debossing is achieved by using a reversed out metal die to stamp (recess) the image into the paper. Both embossing and de-bossing can create elegant and subtle multi-dimensional images.
• Blind Emboss – embossed image on paper without ink
• Registered Emboss – embossed image is registered with an ink printed image
• Foil Emboss – image has foil and embossing using a single brass die. Also known as hot leaf emboss (HLE).

Pro: Enhanced visual appeal and elegance. Ideal for large quantity orders that require a foil and embossed image b/c only a single press pass is needed.

Con: Multi-level embossing may jam in office printers. Die cost.

Tip: Avoid fine lines.

Die-cutting — A die is a thin, razorsharp steel blade that allows multiple pieces of paper to be formed into a specific shape or pattern.

Both custom dies and common cut/ shape dies are available. Dies can shape the entire perimeter, just one corner or edge, or cut out a shape from within the center of a piece. Die can be designed to create perforation.

Pro: Unique edges and patterns.

Con: Can require a knockout tab. May have a long
lead-time.

Laser Cutting — Process where a laser beam burns through the surface of your substrate to leave a high-quality intricate design.

Pro: Ideal for cutting out hand-written text, lace-like creations, rounded edges or shapes.

Con: Tiny flames are created by the precise lasers which may leave a slightly burnished edge.

Offset Lithography (Flat Printing) — Image produced using flexible aluminum, polyester, Mylar or paper printing plates. Image is laser image on a plate by Computer-To-Plate technology, known as a plate setter. The plate is affixed to a cylinder. Dampening rollers apply water covering the blank areas and allowing only the ink to adhere to the image area on the inking rollers. The ink is transparent. When printing on colored stocks, it changes the color of the ink.

Pro: High speed and larger sheet size for a lower cost.

Con: More set-up for complexity and longer turn time.

Digital Lithography (Flat Printing) — Uses CMYK inks. Digital printing eliminates many steps associated with traditional printing and can provide cost savings over offset lithography.

Artwork – digital files preferred. Can be submitted in all major software types of files. It is ideal for booklets, brochures and other literature.

Pro: Great for a short run, print on demand with no inventory. Easy copy change. Full-color proofs.

Con: Not all PMS colors can be matched in CMYK.

Thermography (Raised Print) — In either matte or dull for a shiny surface appearance. A plastic resin powder is dusted over “wet” lithography ink and the combination is heated to fuse together, causing the resin to swell and create tactility. Avoid using fine type, serif typefaces and extremely detailed artwork with small features

Pro: Raised printing. Up to 2 colors per run, 9×10 image area.

Con: Shiny pockmarked solids. Very thin type may not rise. May not be laser printer compatible.

Laser Raise (raised print) — same as above, but special resin used in conjuncture with an ultra violet light cures the resin to a hardness that makes the raised print compatible with laser printers

Silk Screen — The process of transferring a stenciled design onto a flat surface using a mesh screen, ink, and a squeegee.

Sleeking — An on-demand foil solution for short-run digital applications. To transfer the foil to paper, sleeking uses pressure and heat that specifically bonds to digital ink and some toners.

Pro: No dies are needed.

Con: Paper selection may be limited. Sleeking technology can apply a simple finish, such as gloss or matte, a metallic background, such as gold or silver, or a dramatic holographic impression in spot locations or full coverage.

Spot Gloss — The process of applying a high gloss UV coating to a selected area on a printed piece. A common use of spot UV is to draw attention to a certain area of the printed piece.

Gilded (Painted) and Foiled Edge — Using engraving ink or metallic spray paint to color the edges of the paper.

Mounting (Pasted) Cards — Gluing multiple pieces of paper together to create one thicker sheet.

Burnishing — Flattening or raising the texture of metallic engraving ink depending on the type of die used.

Lamination — Lamination is a finishing process where a thin layer of plastic film is applied to paper or cardstock. Its primary goal is to enhance the durability and appearance of printed materials.

Matt Lamination — A smooth, non-reflective finish that softens glare while giving your print a refined, professional feel.

Soft-Touch Lamination — A velvet-style coating that creates a soft, tactile surface with a premium, high-end look.

Gloss Lamination — A sleek, glossy layer that boosts colour depth and contrast for bold, high-impact designs.

Scoring — The process of making a crease in paper or cardboard, so it will fold easily. Scoring helps improve the appearance of the fold because it provides a consistent guideline and reduces the potential for the paper to buckle or crack. Scoring finish is also less likely to cause harm to toner-type inks or thick color coats.

Perforating — A procedure that creates a series of very fine holes in paper or card stock, usually along a straight line, to allow a portion of the printed piece to be easily detached by hand. Used for a variety of purposes, such as coupons, response cards, and remittance slips.

Centre — A single perforated line positioned through the middle for clean, easy separation.

Ticket — One perforated line set at the right-hand third, ideal for tear-off sections.

Numbering — Involves the printing of ascending or descending identification numbers so that each printed unit receives its own unique number. This unique number can appear in one position, or in multiple positions, on each document. Frequently used on contracts, invoices, purchase orders, quote forms, checks, raffle tickets and more.

Collating — The action of taking multiple different printed pages and putting them together into a complete set.

Padding — Applying a flexible adhesive along one edge of a stack of same-sized sheets. The adhesive secures the sheets as a unit, but allows the topmost sheet to be easily removed as needed. In most cases, padded sheets incorporate a chipboard backer for rigidity. Common examples include notepads, memo pads, and order pads.

3-Hole Drilling — refers to the process of creating round holes in paper using a rotating bit, such as the hole patterns needed for sheets and dividers placed into ringed binders.