General Information About File Preparation
1. File formats
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We accept files for book interiors and all refinement masks (e.g. UV varnish) exclusively in PDF format.
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For covers, dust jackets, endpapers and bookmarks, PDF files are preferred, but TIFF files are also accepted if necessary.
2. Important technical details
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Bleed: If the artwork extends to the edge of the design, add at least 3 mm bleed.
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Text: Prepare small black text and barcodes as 100% K (black only), without additional CMY values.
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White elements: Make sure white elements do not have overprint enabled. Otherwise, they may disappear in print.
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Marks: Registration marks and trim marks must not overlap the design area or bleed.
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Gradients: Avoid gradients below 5%. To reduce visible banding in gradients, add 2–4% noise.
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Minimum colour coverage: For standard printing: minimum 5% colour coverage; For economical printing: minimum 10% colour coverage.
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Minimum line thickness: Minimum vector line thickness: 0.25 pt (0.088 mm).
3. Preparing a PDF file (recommended)
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PDF standard: Save files using the PDF/X-1a standard. This format automatically handles most print-related settings.
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Colours:
- Convert all spot colours (e.g. Pantone) to CMYK.
- Rich Black: For large solid areas, maximum ink coverage should not exceed: C:30 M:30 Y:30 K:100 (total 190%).
- Recommended colour profile for colour printing: Coated FOGRA 39.
- For black-and-white printing: Gray Gamma 1.8 or Gray Gamma 2.2.
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Image quality: Minimum resolution: 300 DPI.
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Fonts: All fonts must be embedded in the file or converted to outlines.
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Effects: All transparencies and special effects must be flattened.
4. Preparing a TIFF file (optional)
If you cannot generate a PDF and need to send a TIFF file:
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Flatten layers: All layers must be merged into a single background layer.
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Colours and resolution: Use the same settings as for PDF files: CMYK (FOGRA 39), minimum 300 DPI.
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Compression: Save the file without compression or using LZW compression.