Welcome to our Resource Center
Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about print processes, terminology, setting up files, and more. We also provide information about digital print file specifications and formats.
Still have questions? Contact us and we’ll get back to you with answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between RBG and CMYK, and which one is best for printing?
RGB is best for digital designs and CMYK is best for printing. Both of these color modes mix colors to create different color possibilities, but they do not use the same process. What you see on your screen is additive color, which means it starts with a black screen, then adds pixels of red, green, and blue (RGB) to create color. In contrast, CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) is a subtractive process that uses white as the natural color of the print background.
To ensure color accuracy, digital RGB colors need to be converted to CMYK for printing. Design software like Adobe Photoshop allows you to convert the color mode of your photography from RGB to CMYK to get a better idea of how your images will appear in print. The conversion can be done when creating the print-ready PDF.
Spot Colors – How can I make sure my brand colors are always the same?
CMYK colors are built from a combination of inks, but sometimes you’ll want a very specific color, or spot color, which comes from an exact mix of ink that produces colors defined by the Pantone Matching System (PMS). That’s why spot color is frequently called Pantone Color or PMS color.
If you don’t know the exact Pantone colors for your brand or logo, it is possible to convert colors from RGB images on your website. Because of the difference in appearance between the RGB color you see on a computer monitor and CMYK color used in print, it’s best to select the correct color from a Pantone swatch book to ensure the correct color.
Image Resolution – Why do the photographs in my brochure look blurry or jagged?
This issue has to do with differences in the way images are produced on a computer screen and on paper, as well as the way your eyes see the images. On a screen, what you actually see is pixels (dots) of light that constantly refresh. Whereas on paper, your eyes require more dots to put together a clear image. The dots are made with ink, not light, and they’re smaller and packed together more tightly than the pixels on your screen. For this reason, small images downloaded from the internet won’t print clearly.
For best results, photos and raster (that means dots) art should be provided at 300 DPI resolution at the final printed size.
Crops and Bleeds – How do I get the printed area to go all the way to the edge of the paper?
Actually, the printed area or image has to extend past the edge of the “finished” sheet of paper. This extension is called a “bleed” and it’s produced when the paper is trimmed to the final size after printing. When bleeds are required, we print on a sheet of paper that’s larger than the final size of your finished product, then cut into the printed area to produce the finished product.
Crop marks provide an indication of where the printed sheet should be trimmed. If you use layout software like Adobe InDesign, you’ll be able to easily specify crops and bleeds in the art you provide for printing. If you’re using other software, you’ll need to work with a sheet size that is ¼” taller and wider than the final size of your document.
File Specifications
File Formats
APG accepts a variety of digital file formats for print. We’ll make every effort to work with you to ensure the quality of your project meets your expectations. The following recommendations will help to assure best results.
- PDF – A print-ready file prepared for print in CMYK mode with image resolutions at 300 DPI or higher and fonts embedded.
- Adobe InDesign – This can be packaged for print provider and includes all images and fonts.
- Photoshop or other image file – PSD file with layers and fonts included. Flattened Photoshop files or raster (.jpg or .tif) images from other photo editing platforms should be submitted at 300 DPI in CMYK color mode. Our ability to alter or correct flat image files is limited.
- Adobe Illustrator – Vector files in AI, PDF, or SVG formats are recommended for large format reproduction. For best results, submit files at final size with fonts converted to outlines. Embedded raster images should be in CMYK color mode and a minimum of 150 DPI at final size.
- Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft PowerPoint – Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint files are not recommended for professional print. For best results convert Publisher files to PDF format at finished size. APG will accept Publisher and PowerPoint files in native format. If possible, provide images and fonts as separate files. Prepress charges will apply for file conversion and changes required before print.
- Microsoft Word – Microsoft Word files are not recommended. For best results, convert Word files to a PDF before submitting files.
Bleeds and Safe Areas
- Bleed – ⅛” all sides
- Safe area – Allow a minimum safe area (margin) of ⅛”
Color Mode and Image Resolution
All images and files should be submitted in CMYK color mode. Recommended image resolution for offset and digital print is 300 DPI at final size. Recommended image resolution for wide format print is 150 DPI at final size.
Fonts and Graphics
Fonts and graphics should be embedded in PDF files. Please include or package font files and images separately if submitting native files. For best results, convert fonts to outlines in vector images (.ai, .eps, .pdf) for wide format print.
Pagination
Multi-page documents (books, manuals, booklets) should be submitted in single page format and in page number order. You may include page numbers or request addition per your specifications.
Proofing
You’ll want to make a final check of your art after prepress changes have been made. APG provides PDF proofs for every project for your approval. PDF proofs may vary in color from monitor to monitor unless color calibration is applied. Hard copy proofs increase color accuracy. They are available by request and will be delivered for approval by your APG sales representative. If color must be absolutely precise, we encourage you to schedule a Press Check to approve color and print quality before production begins.
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