File Preparation Guide
Professional Printing Made Simple
📁 Accepted File Types
Best quality, fastest turnaround
AI / EPS
Vector graphics, scalable
PSD
High-resolution images
JPG / PNG / TIFF
Photos & images (300 DPI min)
ZIP
Multiple files or large projects
We cannot guarantee layout accuracy from Word documents or Excel files. For best results, save or export as PDF.
📏 Common Print Sizes
Business Cards
3.5" × 2" (standard)
3.5" × 2" + 0.125" bleed
3.5" × 2" (standard)
3.5" × 2" + 0.125" bleed
Flyers
8.5" × 11" (letter)
8.5" × 14" (legal)
8.5" × 11" (letter)
8.5" × 14" (legal)
Postcards
4" × 6" (standard)
5" × 7" (large)
4" × 6" (standard)
5" × 7" (large)
Posters
11" × 17" (tabloid)
18" × 24" (large format)
11" × 17" (tabloid)
18" × 24" (large format)
Banners
2' × 4' (indoor)
3' × 6' (outdoor)
2' × 4' (indoor)
3' × 6' (outdoor)
Brochures
8.5" × 11" (tri-fold)
8.5" × 14" (z-fold)
8.5" × 11" (tri-fold)
8.5" × 14" (z-fold)
🎯 Bleed & Margins
Understanding Bleed Area
Bleed Area (0.125")
Safe Zone
Keep text & logos here
Keep text & logos here
Bleed ensures no white borders after cutting
Bleed Requirements:
- Add 0.125" (3mm) bleed on all sides
- Keep text 0.25" from trim edge
- Extend background colors to bleed edge
- Check crop marks if provided by designer
🔍 Resolution & Quality
Images
300 DPI minimum
CMYK color mode preferred
300 DPI minimum
CMYK color mode preferred
Text
Minimum 8pt font size
Embed or outline fonts
Minimum 8pt font size
Embed or outline fonts
Large Format
150 DPI acceptable
Vector graphics preferred
150 DPI acceptable
Vector graphics preferred
Pro Tip: Images downloaded from websites (72 DPI) won't print clearly. Use high-resolution images from your camera or stock photo sites.
🎨 Color Guidelines
Color Modes:
- CMYK: Best for print (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
- RGB: Screen colors - we'll convert but colors may shift
- Pantone: Exact color matching for logos/brands
Colors on your monitor may look different when printed. Request a proof for critical color matching.
Common Color Issues:
Black Text
Use 100% K (black)
Not C:100 M:100 Y:100 K:100
Use 100% K (black)
Not C:100 M:100 Y:100 K:100
Rich Black
For large black areas:
C:30 M:30 Y:30 K:100
For large black areas:
C:30 M:30 Y:30 K:100
📋 Pre-Press Checklist
- Spell check all text content
- Verify phone numbers and email addresses
- Check image resolution (300 DPI)
- Confirm bleed area (0.125" minimum)
- Outline or embed fonts
- Convert to CMYK color mode
- Save as high-quality PDF
- Include quantity and paper specifications
📤 File Submission Tips
File Naming: Use descriptive names like "BusinessCards_JohnDoe_Final.pdf" instead of "Document1.pdf"
When Uploading Files:
- Maximum file size: 500MB per file
- Use ZIP files for multiple related files
- Include specifications in file upload form
- Mention any special finishing requirements
- Provide contact information for questions
⚡ Rush Orders
Need it fast? We offer same-day and next-day turnaround for many projects:
Same Day
Business cards, flyers
Files by 10 AM
Business cards, flyers
Files by 10 AM
Next Day
Most standard projects
Files by 3 PM
Most standard projects
Files by 3 PM
24-Hour Quote
All quote requests
Guaranteed response
All quote requests
Guaranteed response
Questions? We're Here to Help!
Phone: (540) 687-5710
Email: orders@mrprintofmiddleburg.com
Upload Files: mrprintofmiddleburg.com/#send-files
Veteran-Owned • Middleburg, VA • Professional Printing Since 2020