Ready to send us your artwork? Here's everything you need to know about file formats, color setup, and preparing your design for letterpress production.
All artwork should be vector-based, submitted as a PDF (.pdf) or Adobe Illustrator (.ai) file with all type converted to outlines. Vector files produce the sharpest possible plates because the artwork scales cleanly to any resolution.
If you're working with a designer, they'll know what this means. If you're preparing files yourself, save from Illustrator or InDesign — not Photoshop — for any layout that includes text.
Vector graphics are made of mathematically defined lines and curves rather than pixels. They scale to any size without losing quality — which is exactly what we need to generate high-resolution printing plates. Any artwork created in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or similar design software is vector.
Photoshop files are pixel-based (raster), not vector. They can work for illustrations but are not suitable for type or clean line work.
Each ink color in your design should be on its own layer or specified as a separate spot color. Use Pantone Solid Uncoated (U) color numbers when selecting your ink colors — for example, PMS 296U for navy or PMS 7413U for marigold.
Colors on screen always look different from colors printed on uncoated paper. A physical Pantone Solid Uncoated swatch book is the most reliable way to choose colors. If you don't have one, we're happy to help you select colors that will look great.
Yes. Hand-drawn illustrations, calligraphy, and lettering can all be letterpress printed. The artwork needs to be scanned and converted to vector format before we can make a plate from it.
Scan your illustration or lettering at a minimum of 300 dpi — higher is better. Convert the scan to pure black and white (not grayscale) for the cleanest conversion to vector.
In Photoshop, you can increase the resolution, convert to bitmap mode, then save as a .TIF file. In Illustrator, use Image Trace to convert the bitmap to vector paths, then save as a PDF. If any of this feels unfamiliar, just send us the high-resolution scan and we can handle the conversion.
Set your artboard to the exact finished size of your printed piece. A 5" × 7" invitation should be on a 5" × 7" artboard. A 3.5" × 2" business card should be on a 3.5" × 2" artboard.
If your design bleeds (extends to the edge), add 0.125" (1/8") of bleed on each side. Most design software has a bleed setting — use that rather than manually enlarging the artboard.
Submit your artwork with a quote request and we'll review everything before production. We check every file and will let you know if anything needs adjustment.