• 702.301.3500
  • info@inkedyeti.com

A print-ready file is essential to every Smartpress order submitted for online printing. In short, it’s a PDF with high resolution images in the CMYK color space with the appropriate bleed:

  • All of your images should be high resolution. We recommend images are:
    • 300 PPI for small format projects like booklets, cards or brochures.
    • 150 PPI for large format projects like custom signs and banners.
  • Use CMYK colors for the most accurate comparison between what you see on your screen and what is produced with the printing press.
  • Your design files must have the appropriate bleed so that any variances in production don’t affect your print. Most printers have an 1/8″ variance in case the machines drift slightly in any direction. Because of this, your finished size should be expanded by 1/4″.

“The most efficient and accurate way to bring a print project to life is by providing a print-ready file,” said Smartpress Prepress Supervisor Julia VanDalen. “This is a high-quality PDF provided to match the specifications of an order with CMYK color space, size, high-resolution images or vector art and appropriate bleed.”

We need the following to print your direct mail marketing pieces:

  • A mailing list that follows our Mailing List Template in any of the following formats: CSV, TXT, XLS (Excel) and DBF.
  • The top portion of the NCOA Acknowledgment Form filled out.

You can upload both your mailing list and the NCOA form when you upload any other files or artwork when placing your order.

We provide design guidelines for common creative mailers, like booklets, postcards, self-mailers and envelopes. Along with easy-to-follow templates, our guidelines include everything from size and address specifications to artwork placement, tabbing and more.

In order for us to provide the most accurate postage costs, our mailing team needs to “clean” your mailing list – this prevents duplicates and confirms address accuracy. From there, we’re able to confirm the final postage cost. We will not print until you approve your postage cost.