STEP 1:

To avoid unnecessary delays, begin by providing your contact person at Fey Printing with your complete project specs. Please include all sizes, inks, paper choices and quantities desired. This is the most important step in the file prep process!

STEP 2:

Build your document layout and all support files in CMYK Mode (not RGB). Image resolution should be 300 ppi or greater, but no more than 400 ppi. Also, prior to importing your images into your layout, scale them to roughly the same size that they will be used. This will keep your final file size manageable.

STEP 3:

Confirm that your file’s document page size is equal to the final printed page size. Then extend all bleeds  0.125" beyond the outside edges of your page.

STEP 4:

Your document page order should reflect the same order as it will be read, once your piece is printed. Build multi-page documents using single pages. If you choose to create two page readers spreads, do so using two separate pages placed side by side.

STEP 5:

If your layout uses spot (PMS) colors, designate them as such in the swatches palette. Then delete any unused colors.

STEP 6:

Special techniques such as foil stamping, embossing and die cutting should be treated as spot colors. Give each a relevant name (e.g., Gold Foil, Cut, Score, etc.), place the artwork on an individual layer, and set it to overprint.

STEP 7:

Always use Separations Preview to check your layout for correct use of inks and overprints before submitting files. Then check it one more time!

STEP 8:

Using the Package feature, collect your layout and all support files into a single folder. Then compress the folder and its contents into a single .zip file. Not only will this make your file upload size significantly smaller, but will also guard against corruption during the file transfer process.

STEP 9:

If your compressed file size is 5mb or less, feel free to email it to us. Files larger than 5mb can be uploaded via an online file transfer service such as Dropbox, Hightail, or WeTransfer (free and simple).

STEP 10:

For reference, send a low-res PDF of your project to your contact person at Fey. Bonus points for mailing us your handmade comp, inkjet printouts, and cocktail napkin doodlings. It all helps us to understand your creative vision!

WHAT TYPES OF FILES CAN I SEND?

PREFERRED LAYOUT SOFTWARE

For complex layouts including large multi-piece promos and swatchbooks where precision really matters, Adobe Illustrator is our in-house layout software of choice. For everything else, Adobe InDesign is fine. By the way, Photoshop is a powerful tool for image manipulation, but not a good choice for page layout. 

SOFTWARE NO FLY ZONE

Files created in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and Powerpoint are not acceptable for high quality printing. If your files exist only in Word, Excel, Publisher, Powerpoint, or a similar program, reach out to us for help determining the best path forward. 

WHAT ABOUT PDFs?

Sure! We welcome the submission of high resolution PDFs, but please understand that they are essentially uneditable files. In addition to following steps 1 through 7 outlined above, be sure to include trim marks and remove any and all compression before creating your PDF. 

WILL MY PDF PRINT SHARP & CLEAN?

Since a PDF is a locked file, we really have no way of checking its quality other than giving it the same onscreen eyeball test that you would. Creating a PDF is very much like cooking a meal for a friend. The outcome all depends on the quality of ingredients that are used in the recipe. That's why for best results, we recommend following Steps 1 through 7, above.

AT FEY, WE BELIEVE DESIGNERS SHOULD BE FREE TO DESIGN

When it comes to complex projects with multiple die-cuts or folds, are you vexed by calculating correct panel sizes? Not sure where to begin with spine and gutter widths? When deadlines are tight, we know that a call from your printer asking you to modify and resubmit your files can be a deflating experience. Let us eliminate the guesswork for you. 

Before you begin your next work of art, we’ll create a custom paper dummy for you using your chosen paper weights. Upon your review and approval, you will receive a matching die line from us to use as a template. Think of it as your project blueprint. Being the creative force that we know you are, we get that crunching numbers is likely not your thing. So put down that calculator forever and give us a call, because we're here to help!