Common Design Mistakes
We offer a few very common mistakes that customers make when submitting files to print. We encourage all customers to view this page and avoid making any of these mistakes to aoid problems with your order.
1) Not Leaving A Bleed
“Not Full Bleed” – Background is not fully extended to the edge. This will cause white strips to be around your card after it is cut.
Background extends all the way to the edge on both sides. Card will be trimmed properly.
2) Out Of Zone Printing
“Out of Zone” – The text is outside of the safe zone. This information will be cut off.
All the text and important graphics are well within the safe zone.
Background extends all the way to the bleed zone.
3) Pixelated Design Files
“Pixelated” – Text and / or images are not print ready hi-resolution. Your files must be in 300 pixels / inch resolution. We do not recommend using web images for print. Also, do not use images or files you find online - even apps that allow you to make designs in most cases are not suited for printing and if they are will charge you hefty fees.
File and images used are in proper print resolution specifications and will print correctly and clear. Use our free design studio whenever possible to avoid worrying about any set up steps or prep guidelines as they are all incorporated into our design studio. Let me remind you that our online design studio is free to use.
4) Border design within the cutting margin
“Borders” – We do not recommend borders due to the nature of our cutting. You will need to either remove the border, or put them well inside the safe zone. Do not place a border on the trim or bleed zone, it will be cut off or removed but in most instances your order will be put on hold and delayed resulting in additional costs.
Border, if desired, is placed well inside the safety zone and contact us prior to placing an order so we can instruct you on how to proceed. Keep in mind the border wil always appear uneven and it is not recommended.
5) Uploading A Blank File Without Text Or Images
“Blank Card” – Created or uploaded card with no text, images, or any other information.
All text and images were correctly created.
6) Designing Or Uploading A File Without Text
“No Text” – Created or uploaded card with no text.
All text information is present and correct.
7) Designing Or Uploading A File With Incorrect Crop Marks
“Crop Marks” – Incorrectly placed or unnecessary crop marks will cause your image to upload incorrectly. Only Illustrator or PDF files require crop marks if created on larger than spec artboards.
Remove crop marks will allow file to be uploaded correctly for print.
