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How to setup up a custom design file

If you're building your own custom design file instead of using the design tool on our product pages, here are some general good practices for submitting files:

Image

All designs must be submitted as a flattened PDF (PDF/X-1a, which is compatible with Acrobat 4/PDF version 1.3) in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color mode. Remove all crop marks and any other printer's marks. Outline all fonts. All bitmap and raster images must be at least 300dpi (dots per inch) to ensure the best quality printing. Use flat black (C=0%, M=0%, Y=0%, K=100%) rather than rich black. Use of black or any heavily saturated color must be under a combined CMYK value of 240% (ex. C=40%, M=50%, Y=50%, K=100%). All spot, RGB, and PMS colors must be converted to CMYK. Remove all ICC profiles before creating your PDF.

Bleed

Remove all overprint - it is not necessary and will not print correctly. PrintHQ requires 0.125 inches of bleed area around the perimeter of your artwork to ensure accurate cutting. Include bleed area in all files, regardless of whether or not your artwork reaches its edges. Borders, if included, should be a minimum of 0.125 inches PLUS 0.125 inches of bleed for a total size of 0.25 inches or greater on each side.

Orientation

Files should be right reading and appear on screen in the same orientation as intended for the viewer. If the file is a portrait card, then the file should be sent "view portrait." If the file is a landscape card, then the file should be sent "view landscape." Carefully review your PDF/X-1a for color, text, and general appearance. Generally, what you see in your PDF/X-1a is how it will print.

Sizing

Some example sizes of printing pieces:

5" x 7" Flat Card: Bleed Size=5.25" x 7.25", Cut Size=5" x 7"

5" x 7" Foldover Card: Bleed Size=10.25" x 7.25", Cut Size=10" x 7"

Business Card: Bleed Size=3.75" x 2.25", Cut Size=3.5" x 2"
...

Browse our Frequently Asked Questions

What is an outlined font and why is it important?

An outlined font means we don't need the font to print the file. How to create these depends on how you create your files. Here are a couple of short tutorials which will help you if this is new to you:

If you use Photoshop, click here.
If you use Illustrator, click here.
If you use CorelDraw, click here
Why is there a white border around my image when I upload it?

This border is due to incorrect file dimensions. The file must have the exact width and height noted for each product. You can find these specifications on each product page. We have changed to industry standard bleeds, which is 0.125 inches on each side. If you have templates which have our original bleed size of 0.1 inches on each side, you can still use them, however keep in mind that white border within the bleed area will appear in the preview. Be sure that your artwork is centered in the preview and that the artwork extends beyond the guidelines and into the bleed area. For example, the file dimensions for a 5" x 7" card should be 5.25" x 7.25".
How do I go about setting up a foldover card?

Please make sure that all files are right reading. They should appear on the screen in the same orientation as intended for the viewer. Our software will rotate the files for you to prepare them for our presses. The score will be exactly down the middle of the longest edge. On screen, one edge is indicated as double the width of the folded card. For example, a 3.5" x 2" foldover card has a total width of 4" and a height of 3.5" when the card is not folded.
What if the size or stock option is not available?

If we do not offer the product size or paper stock that you need, please email info@stationeryhq.com for assistance. We can give you a quote to process your order as an offline job. Minimum charge for offline orders is $150.
Where do you ship from and how long will shipping take?

We ship from Fremont, California 94539. Shipping to the East Coast via UPS Ground will be about 5-6 business days.
How should I set up my design files? CMYK? Bleed?

Please take a look at our Helpful Guides for more information.
What are the diameters for the rounded corners on cards?

Rounded corners are 1 inch in diameter (0.5 inch radius).
What is the turnaround time on orders?

Once orders are placed, they are fulfilled within 2 business days if less than five line items. Five to nine line items ship within 3 business days, and orders with more than ten line items (different products) may take longer than three business days (but we will try for faster). For foil stamped cards we need to order a die so those can take up to seven business days.
Do you include pricing information on packing slips?

No, our packing slips simply contain a list of the items in the order with their descriptions.
What are the USPS Shipping Guidelines?

Even though USPS has really attractive rates, their delivery times are not guaranteed. This means that even though a shipment may ship on a Monday with a Priority Mail service, USPS does not guarantee that the package would be delivered by Wednesday. Often USPS can take much longer than expected and the tracking is not often updated promptly as the shipment travels from our facility to your destination. We cannot replace any packages shipped via USPS that do not arrive on a specific date. However, if the package does not arrive 10 business days after shippedm we will replace the order at no charge.
Will I receive a printed proof?

No printed proof is provided. You will see a live, digital proof while you are creating your product. What you see in the preview is how your product will print and you'll be required to acknowledge that you understand this before you can finalize your order.
What if there is an error on my order?

If you received your order and it has been damaged in shipping we will reprint and reship a new order to you at no extra cost. Please CONTACT US immediately and we will review your order. Please note: PrintHQ.com is not responsible for any user caused errors such as: spelling errors, poor photo quality, misplaced/incorrect artwork added by the user .
Can I return my order?

Orders are custom made just for you with the information and artwork you provided so we cannot offer refunds or returns. If your order is damaged in shipping, please contact us immediately and we will reprint your order.
Where do you print my stuff?

At our state of the art shop in Fremont, California.