File Production Tips and Tricks, Print Ready PDF

The specifications below are meant to be used when creating your print files prior to sending them to Mitchell Graphics. Regardless of the program(s) used, these specifications are recommended to ensure your project is produced as efficiently as possible. If you have any questions refer to the help center on our website or contact your Customer Service Representative.

Document Settings

• Page size should match the finished trim size.
• Elements that bleed should extend .125” outside the finished trim size.
• Elements that do not bleed should be .1875” inside the finished trim size.
• If your project folds it requires specific panel sizes. View our Folding Product Templates for details.

Fonts

Include a copy of all fonts used in your document and those used in any supporting graphics.

Images & Graphics

Include a copy of all linked images and graphics. All images and graphics should also meet the following requirements.
• Color and grayscale images should be 300 dpi at their intended print size.
• Bitmap graphics and line art should be 1200 dpi at their intended print size.
• Color images and graphics should be converted to the CMYK color space.

Hardcopy & PDF's

Include an updated hardcopy or PDF proof with your files. These are referenced during the preflighting process to verify the content of your file.

Preferred Applications

The following programs are the industry leaders when it comes to page layout and design for print. In addition to their unrivaled capabilities, they also produce the most dependable results.
• Adobe InDesign
• QuarkXPress

Preferred Supporting Applications

These are also industry leaders in print but play a supporting role. Files produced from these programs are placed into the page layout programs like the ones above. In general, Photoshop is used for photo work (raster images) and Illustrator is used for graphic work (vector images).
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator

A Note About Other Applications

We accept the following programs but warn users of the inconsistent behaviors that occur. In general, these programs require more time in prepress which results in additional cost.
• Microsoft Publisher (PC only)
• CorelDRAW (PC only)
• Freehand (discontinued in 2007)
• PageMaker (discontinued in 2004)

File Transfer

We accept files on CD, email or via our website. Email transfers should be limited to 10mb in size. Stuff or Zip all files into a single compressed file before sending for optimum results.