Solutions to Common Errors
Listed below are the most common errors we find in digital files submitted to us for printing. Please keep in mind that if your job has any of these errors it will be placed on hold until the problem is corrected. 48HourPrint.com makes every attempt to contact you and will keep a log of these attempts, but your best insurance against a delayed job with us or any online printing company is an understanding of the following problems and solutions.
Incorrect Color Mode
Most graphics software programs give customers the choice to work in either the RGB or CMYK color mode.
CMYK: C=Cyan M=Magenta Y=Yellow K=BlacK
RGB: R=Red G=Green Blue=Blue
Scanners and digital cameras create images and computer monitors display images using a combination of just three colors, RGB.
Offset printing presses print full color pictures and images using a different set of colors, CMYK.
This is a 4-color process or full-color printing.
All files submitted for order must be created using CMYK to best ensure color accuracy. Otherwise, if the submitted files are created using RGB, the files, once uploaded, will be converted to CMYK in order to print the order on a printing press. This conversion will likely create a slight color shift in the final printed piece.
Please refer to our CMYK Color Chart for color values.
Wrong Size
Digital files must be built at the correct bleed size. Whenever possible, please download and use our free Guideline Templates to ensure correct page size.
Critical Artwork or Text Close to Trim
Text or images that are not meant to be trimmed off the edge of your final printed piece must be 1/8" (.125) from the edge of your layout (also known as Safety).
Images that are meant to go to the very edge of your design must extend into the bleed area 1/4" (0.25).
Due to the very small shifting that occurs during cutting, it is NOT recommended that you use a border less than 1/4" (.25). 48HourPrint.com can not guarantee that small borders will be the same on all sides after trimming if you have used a border less than 1/4" (.25).
Does Not Meet U.S. Postal Regulations
The Post Office requires that all mailed postcards meet certain criteria. Any divergence from their guidelines can result in a delay in processing or increase the postage. These guidelines are not set by 48HourPrint.com or any printing company. They are standard guidelines set by the postal service for all mailed products. Please review these postal regulations before designing your artwork.
Low Resolution Images
All submitted files must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will reproduce poorly on press as the image will look fuzzy and/or pixelated.
If your images are from a website on the internet, there is a good chance that the resolution will not be high enough for printing. The internet displays images at 72 dpi so that the images appear quickly over an internet connection, but such images should not be used for printing.
If you submit low resolution files for printing, you will be prompted to replace them with high resolution images or be asked to sign an online waiver acknowledging that you are aware of the resulting loss of quality and that you will accept the final image as is.
Missing Fonts/Images
If you used a page layout program such as Publisher, QuarkXpress, or InDesign, you must provide all fonts, typefaces, and high resolution images used in your layout. If all fonts, typefaces, and high resolution images are not supplied, you will be prompted to upload your fonts, typefaces, and high resolution images in order to proceed with creating an online proof for your review and approval.
If your files come from a Mac, please be sure you stuff the fonts, type faces, and high resolution images with the rest of the project files.
Wrong File Type
Our online printing services and production process is such that we can only accept specific file types. Online we currently except .JPG, .EPS, .PDF and .TIF files.
Corrupt File
As files travel across the internet, they are sometimes stripped of vital code that identifies them and their original file types. Without compressing them, your files may reach their destination as incomplete or "corrupted" digital files.
Do you still have unanswered questions? You can find many more answers and suggestions within the Preparing Files section of the Help Center or in the File Preparation category in the Frequently Asked Questions section.