BlueFire Marketing
Get your file print-ready.
A few simple rules make the difference between “looks great” and “why is the edge white?” We check every file anyway, but here’s what we look for.
1. Add 1/8″ bleed
Extend any background color or photo 1/8″ past the edge on every side. A 3.5″ × 2″ card becomes a 3.75″ × 2.25″ file. We trim it off, so there’s never a white sliver at the edge.
2. Keep text in the safe zone
Keep words, logos and phone numbers at least 1/8″ inside the trim line, so nothing important gets cut.
3. Use 300 dpi images
Photos and logos pulled from a website (usually 72 dpi) look sharp on screen but print blurry. Use the original files at 300 dpi.
4. Design in CMYK
Printers use CMYK ink. Files in RGB are converted automatically, and very bright blues and greens can come out a little duller.
5. Embed or outline your fonts
Save your PDF with fonts embedded, or convert text to outlines, so your text prints exactly as designed.
6. Send a PDF
A high-quality PDF is best. Two-sided pieces: send a two-page PDF (front, then back) or one file per side. We also accept JPG, PNG, TIFF, AI, EPS and PSD.