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Artwork Preparation Guide

Artwork Preparation Guide

Your files will be processed by a DEMG pre-press technician to maximize print quality. While we review and optimize files to the best of our ability, it remains the client’s responsibility to ensure all artwork is set up correctly according to our guidelines. DEMG is not responsible for errors in supplied files, including but not limited to spelling mistakes, incorrect sizing, low resolution images, or improper colour setup. We strongly recommend carefully reviewing all artwork and following the specifications outlined below to ensure the best possible final result.

  1. Accepted File Formats – We accept files in .PDF (preferred), .AI, .EPS, .PSD, .JPG, and .PNG formats.

  2. Colour Profiles – Files should be set up in CMYK colour mode to match the print process. RGB files will be converted to CMYK, which may result in colour shifts. All images should be a minimum of 300 DPI at final print size.

  3. Fonts – All fonts must be outlined. Embedded fonts may not process correctly.

  4. Dielines – Dielines must be supplied as a single vector path, stroked (not filled), using a separate spot colour named “Dieline,” and placed on its own layer. Dielines should be set to overprint.

  5. Vector Graphics – All type, logos, linework, and shapes should be created as vector artwork to ensure sharp, scalable results. Raster images (such as photographs) must be embedded at a minimum of 300 DPI at final size. Avoid rasterized text or logos, as they may appear soft or pixelated in print.

  6. Black & Rich Black – Black text should be set to CMYK 0/0/0/100. For large solid black areas, we recommend a rich black of CMYK 40/40/40/100 for deeper coverage.

  7. Trim & Bleed – The document size must match the final trim size. A minimum bleed of 0.125″ (1/8″) is required on all sides. Keep all critical content at least 0.125″ inside the trim (safe margin).

  8. Double-Sided Printing – Files must be set up with correct orientation and alignment for front and back to ensure proper registration.

  9. Spot UV, Metallic Foils & White Ink – For specialty finishes, provide one file for CMYK artwork and a separate file indicating the finish areas using spot colours. All finish elements must be vector and set to overprint.

  10. Unnecessary Objects – Remove all hidden or unused layers, guides, and elements prior to submission. PDF comments, form fields, and annotations will not print.

  11. Borders – Avoid placing borders close to the trim edge. Slight variations in trimming may result in uneven or off-center borders.

 

 

Artwork Upload Instructions

Your files will be processed by a DEMG pre-press technician to maximize print quality and guarantee results.

  1. Accepted file formats – We accept files in pdf, .jpg, ,.jpeg, .png, .psd, .eps, or .ai.
  2. Colour Profiles – RGB vs CMYK? While some printers can print in RGB mode, the conversion process to CMYK may produce unexpected results. It’s recommended to use a CMYK profile to match the printer process Ensure that your PDF is high resolution and that all images are using CMYK profile at 300 DPI.
  3. Fonts – All fonts must be outlined (not embedded). This avoids us having to find your font’s when prepping your file for print.
  4. Dieline’s must be a single path stroked using a separate spot colour called Dieline and should be on its own layer.
  5. Vector Graphics – Please provide vector only artwork for type, logos, shapes and all other artwork. Only provide embedded raster artwork for actual 4/C images.
  6. Black & Rich Black – Black type should have the following values: CMYK 0/0/0/100. For “Rich black” we recommend using CMYK 40/40/40/100.
  7. Trim & Bleeds – The trim size of the Illustrator file must match the final trim size of the label. For bleed, we recommend a minimum of 0.125 inches all around.
  8. Double Sided Printing – Files must be submitted with the correct orientation to ensure proper back up.
  9. Spot UV, Metallic Foils & White ink printing – For orders with custom finishing please supply a single file for your CMYK printing (if necessary) and a separate file with your spot UV layer representing the custom finish. Remember to set overprints on any Dieline.
  10. Unnecessary Objects – Make sure to DELETE any hidden layers that are not intended to print (ie: setup guides, unused layers or other hidden elements) to ensure no risk of them appearing on the final print.  Please note that form fields, comments, or annotations in PDFs will not be printed.
  11. Borders – It is best to try to avoid using borders in your design. If a border is too close to the trim, the trim may be slightly off-center.