If you're a designer or you've hired a designer who plans to provide press-ready artwork, we can offer a discount from our standard prices. For first-time customers, the discount is 15%. After your initial order, the discount increases to 25%.

In order for a file to be press-ready, it must be in a vector-based format (like Adobe Illustrator, PDF, or EPS) or bitmap TIFF format.

Vector-based PDF or Illustrator files (ideal):

• Be sure that the artwork is entirely black and white (no grays) unless you want a halftone screen.
• Convert fonts to outlines.
• If you're printing in more than one color, separate the colors into groups or layers.
• Include at least 1/16" of bleed where applicable.
• Save your files in CMYK mode.

Bitmap TIFF files:

• Be sure that the artwork is entirely black and white (no grays) unless you want a halftone screen.
• Keep the image resolution high (ideally 900dpi or more).
• If you're printing in more than one color, each color should have its own file.
• Include at least 1/16" of bleed where applicable.
• To cut down on file size, it's a good idea to use LZW compression.

Design Considerations:

• Letterpress works best with line art and text. Large blocks of color are possible, but keep in mind that ink coverage may not be 100% even and saturated (it will have a more rustic/handmade look). Also, the heavy impression can tend to warp the paper if we don't use an extra-thick stock. Sometimes we might suggest that we print large blocks in a separate pass; however, this will add to the cost.
• The thickness of stray lines should be at least 0.35 pt. Lines that are directly adjacent to other art can be thinner.
• Light ink on dark paper isn't ideal with letterpress, although metallic inks can work in some cases.
• All paper is cut to order so we're not limited to any standard card sizes. However, if your piece needs to fit in an envelope, we suggest sizing the card 1/4" smaller than the envelope. Our envelope options and sizes can be found here.

If you have any questions about file formats, your design, or anything else, just let us know. And feel free to send your design files. We'll be happy to give feedback and suggestions.