Check these 6 points before sending
PDF – preferably PDF/X-4 (or PDF/X-1a)
CMYK colours
300 dpi at final size – 150 dpi for large format
3 mm bleed and crop marks if the print needs to be trimmed
Text converted to outlines – or fonts embedded
Filename without spaces, special characters, or Danish letters
Resolution
Images must have the correct resolution at the final size. Larger files do not provide better prints – only longer upload and processing times.
Standard print
Minimum at final size.
Large format
Minimum at final size.
How to check the resolution
1
Create the document at full size. If that is not possible, use 50% or 25% – never 33%, as it causes inaccuracies when we scale up.
2
Open your PDF and zoom to 100% (200% at half size, 400% at quarter size).
3
If it looks good on screen, the print will look great too.
AI-generated images often look great on screen, but frequently have too low a resolution for print. Check them in the same way.
Bleed and crop marks
If the print needs to be trimmed after printing, the file must have bleed, crop marks, and a safety margin. This prevents white edges from appearing if the cut shifts slightly.
Bleed
min. 3 mm beyond the edgeCut edge
where the print is cutSafety margin
text and logo 3–5 mm insideCrop marks
min. 5 mm from the edge
Bleed
Extra on all sides. Backgrounds, colours, and images should extend to the edge.
Crop marks
From the edge, so they are not included in the final print.
Safety margin
Keep important text and logos away from the trim edge.
Banners with pole pockets: keep extra distance from the edge so the stitching does not go through text or logos.
Export as a PDF with bleed and crop marks included – InDesign and Illustrator can do this automatically.
Text and logos in vinyl
If text or a logo is to be applied and cut in vinyl, the file must be in vector format. Vectors can be scaled to any size without becoming pixelated – JPG and PNG files cannot.
Submit
Vector file: Illustrator (AI), EPS or vector-based PDF
Text as curves: Type → Create Outlines – or include the font
One colour per layer: each colour as separate, closed paths
Avoid
Open paths: the cutting machine cannot interpret the shape
Shadows, gradients and transparency: only flat, solid colours can be cut
JPG/PNG of the logo: must be vectorized (redrawn) first
AI-generated images often have too low a resolution for foil cutting. If the resolution is correct, it is not a problem.
Layers for cutting and folding
If the file contains cutting lines, fold lines, and layout – for example for contour cutting and displays – it must be submitted in three separate, named layers.
Layer 1
Cut layer
All lines where the material is to be cut (contour cutting/die-cut lines). Closed vector line in a dedicated spot color, e.g., 100% magenta.
Layer 2
Fold layer
All crease, fold, and V-cut lines – in a different spot color than the cut layer, so they are not confused.
Layer 3
Layout
The design itself: text, colors, images, and logos, placed according to the cut and fold lines. Include bleed if it is to be cut out.
Remember
Name the layers clearly: “Cut layer”, “Fold layer”, “Layout”.
Keep layers separate – do not mix lines and design on the same layer.
Submit as a layered PDF, AI or EPS file, with the layers preserved.
Fold lines should only go to the edge of the layout – not beyond it.
Remove anything unnecessary from the file. We have to clean up hidden elements before we can start – and that comes at a cost.
Use the colours and names from the template on the product page exactly as they are. Our machines read both the colour and the name.
Templates and support
Templates
Under each product, you will find the template and color swatch specific to that product.
Unsure about the setup?
Call, email, or drop by Mesterlodden 19 in Gentofte.
Have a project in mind? Let's talk about it.
Call, email, or drop by. We are ready to help at Mesterlodden 19 in Gentofte.
