File Preparation Guidelines

To ensure high-quality printing of your designs for coasters, business cards, and playing cards, we've compiled comprehensive guidelines on bleed, sizing, file preparation, and uploading photos. Please read the following information carefully to prepare your files correctly.


Bleed and Document Size Specifications

Proper bleed and sizing are crucial to achieving a professional-looking final product without any unwanted white borders or trimmed-off content. Below are the specifications for each product type.

Coasters

  • Final Size (Trim Size): 3.74" x 3.74"
  • Bleed: Add 0.125" on all sides
  • Document Size Including Bleed: 3.99" x 3.99"
  • Safe Area: Keep important content within 3.49" x 3.49" (0.125" inside the trim line)

Business Cards

  • Final Size (Trim Size): 2.125" x 3.375"
  • Bleed: Add 0.125" on all sides
  • Document Size Including Bleed: 2.375" x 3.625"
  • Safe Area: Keep important content within 1.875" x 3.125" (0.125" inside the trim line)

Playing Cards

Poker Size Playing Cards

  • Final Size (Trim Size): 2.5" x 3.5"
  • Bleed: Add 0.125" on all sides
  • Document Size Including Bleed: 2.75" x 3.75"
  • Safe Area: Keep important content within 2.25" x 3.25" (0.125" inside the trim line)

Bridge Size Playing Cards

  • Final Size (Trim Size): 2.25" x 3.5"
  • Bleed: Add 0.125" on all sides
  • Document Size Including Bleed: 2.5" x 3.75"
  • Safe Area: Keep important content within 2.0" x 3.25" (0.125" inside the trim line)

Travel Size  Playing Cards

  • Final Size (Trim Size): 2.125" x 3.375"
  • Bleed: Add 0.125" on all sides
  • Document Size Including Bleed: 2.375" x 3.625"
  • Safe Area: Keep important content within 1.875" x 3.125" (0.125" inside the trim line)

For Best Print Results

To ensure your design prints correctly and looks professional, please follow these file preparation guidelines.

  • Resolution: For the best print quality, we recommend using the highest resolution artwork possible. While 300 DPI is the standard minimum, our advanced machines print at 1200 DPI or higher, ensuring exceptional clarity and detail. Using lower-resolution artwork may result in pixelation or blurriness, so we encourage using high-resolution files to match the capabilities of our cutting-edge technology.
  • File Formats: Acceptable formats are PNG, JPG, JPEG, AI, EPS, PDF, and HEIC. For the best results, we recommend submitting vector files like AI, EPS, or PDF with fonts outlined.
  • Fonts and Text: Convert all text to outlines or embed fonts to prevent font substitution issues.
  • Images and Graphics: Ensure all images are embedded within your file, not linked externally.
  • Color Mode: We use digital printing, so either CMYK or RGB color modes can be used, and your designs will be printed accurately.
  • Safe Area Consideration: Keep all critical artwork elements like text and logos within the safe area to prevent them from being trimmed off. When using the ColorVERB Customizer to design your product, the safe zone is marked with green. 

By following these guidelines, you'll ensure a smooth printing process and receive high-quality products that meet your expectations. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our customer support team.

 

Recommendations for Uploading Photos

When uploading photos to be printed on our products, it's essential to meet specific quality standards for the best print results.red

File Formats

  • Accepted Formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG, and HEIC. For the best quality, use high-resolution JPEG or PNG files.

Preparing the Photo

  • Sharpness: Ensure your photo is clear and in focus. Avoid blurry or out-of-focus photos.
  • Cropping and Composition:
    • Adjust your photo to match the product's aspect ratio, including the bleed area, to prevent unintended cropping.
    • Safe Area: Keep important elements (like faces, text, or focal points) at least 0.125" inside the trim line to avoid them being cut off.
  • Color Correction: Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation as needed. Screens emit light and may display photos brighter than they will appear when printed.
  • Avoid Over-Editing: Excessive filters or effects can degrade image quality. Use them sparingly to maintain clarity.
  • Lighting and Exposure: Use photos with good lighting. Underexposed or overexposed photos may not print well.
  • Avoid Low-Quality Sources: Do not use screenshots or photo downloaded from social media, as they are often compressed and low-resolution.
  • Check Image Quality After Resizing: After adjusting the size, zoom in on your design to ensure it remains clear and sharp.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • Image Rights: Only upload photos you own or have permission to use. Avoid copyrighted photos or those downloaded from the internet without proper licenses.
  • Content Guidelines: Ensure your photo complies with our content policies (e.g., no offensive or inappropriate material).
  • Artwork Upload Responsibility: As the uploader, you are solely responsible for ensuring that any artwork you submit complies with copyright laws. We do not verify ownership or permissions, so it is essential that you have the legal right to use any image you upload.