Digital File Specifications

File Specifications and Recommendations

Thomas Press accepts a variety of digital file formats for print. We’ll make every effort to work with you to assure that the quality of your project meets your expectations. The following recommendations will help to assure best results:

File Formats

PDF – Acrobat .pdf files are the preferred file format for print. Files should be prepared for print in CMYK mode with image resolutions at 300 dpi or higher and all fonts embedded.

Adobe Indesign – Package for print provider or include 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 can be submitted in .ai, .pdf, or .eps file formats For best results, submit files at final size with fonts converted to outlines. Spot colors or CMYK colors should be defined in the image file.

Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word – Microsoft Publisher and Word files are not recommended for commercial print. For best results convert native files to .pdf format at finished size. If you have difficulty with file conversion, Thomas Press will accept Word and Publisher files in native format. If possible, provide images and fonts as separate files.  Prepress charges will apply for file conversion and for changes required before print. Proof approval will be required.

Other Software Platforms – While it is possible to prepare art for print on a variety of software platforms, Thomas Print may not be able to accept native files. Please let us know if you need assistance with file conversion to .pdf or another acceptable file format.

Bleeds and Safe Area

Bleed: ⅛” all sides. Include crop marks with your art if possible.
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 large format print is 150 dpi at final size.

Fonts and Graphics

Fonts and graphic images 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.

Please note: Fonts are not embedded in Microsoft applications and substitution problems may occur.

Pagination

Multi-page documents (books, manuals, booklets) should be submitted in single page format and in page number order. You may include page numbers within the file or request their addition per your specifications.

Proofing

You’ll want to make a final check of your art after prepress changes have been made. Thomas Press  provides .pdf proofs upon request and we may require a proof if file modifications or changes are required.

PDF proofs may vary in color from monitor to monitor unless color calibration is applied. Hard copy proofs are a more reliable indicator of final color. Thomas Press will supply a hard copy proof for a minimal charge upon request.