File Preparation

1. Resolution

In order to achieve a better quality print, the image resolution must be minimum of 300 DPI (dots per inch). For example, a 4” x 6” postcard must contain minimum of 4 x 300 + 6 x 300 dpi which is 1200 x 1800 dpi. Uploading an image with lower resolution than 300 dpi will result in blurry and off-color print.

2. Color

To ensure that the color mode of your artwork is CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). If you submit a non-CMYK file, converting any other types of color modes to CMYK will result in color shift or color degradation.

3. Bleed and Cut Line

In order to cut your jobs in a proper manner, we need to have 0.125" extended borders on each side of the image(s) even if your art work has white bordering around the images. For example, for 5” x 7” postcard, we recommend 5.25” x 7.25” for print production.

4. Safety Zone

When designing your job, consider placing the text at least 0.125" away from cutting marks (Crop marks) of each sides of the final cut size.

When sending an .eps or .pdf file, make sure you include crop marks (as shown) so we can cut the job correctly.

5. Custom Size

Momo Print & Design offers custom size for most of our products. If you choose custom size, it is important that you submit your files with a 0.125" bleed added to total size of the artwork.

For example, if you want to order a postcard with final dimensions of 9.25" x 12.25", please submit the file at 9.5" x 12.5". Please add bleed to your document even if all the edges are white.

6. File Type Accept

We would prefer that you send us .pdf or .eps files with outlined fonts. These files are easier to process. However, we accept .psd, .tif, .tiff, .ai, .eps, and .pdf files. Please remember to add crop marks to your image(s) and flatten your files before uploading. When you create a pdf file, make sure to select Press Quality so you don’t lose any resolution on the images.

7. Bleeds

Artwork should be submitted at the final size plus 0.125” of bleed on each edge. For example, if the final size is intended to be 5” x 7”, please submit the artwork at 5.25” x 7.25”. Please include a bleed area on your artwork even if it is white on all four edges.

8. Rich Black

To achieve Rich Black, meaning a darker tone other than the mere black alone, one must mix solid black ink (100% K) with other CMY ink values. By selecting to print with black alone (100% K), the print may result in a black not as dark as one may have desired.

9. Fonts and Lines

When creating files on vector based software such a illustrator, inDesign, or Freehand, all text must be converted to outlines before generating the final PDF file. If working out of Photoshop, simply flatten the image. Do not use fonts smaller than 8 pts. Note that small or very narrow fonts may not render well on print against dark backgrounds.

Keep all lines at least .25 pts thick. While thinner lines may be visible on screen, they may not show on print.