Top Safeguard Full Color Questions & Answers

You can ensure a successful outcome of the printed artwork files and avoid file related delays by following our file preparation guidelines and the information below:

1. Bleeds, cut line and safety:  Safeguard W2P Full Color requires a 0.25" (.125", or 1/8", bleed on every edge) bleed around the perimeter of the artwork to ensure accurate cutting (e.g., artwork for a 4"x6" postcard should extend to 4.25" x 6.25"). If the image has a white border on all four sides, bleeds are recommended but not required. If the image is not white on all four sides, you must include bleeds in print-ready files.

The type (text), logo or other important design elements should be 0.125" (1/8") inside the cut box on each side. This will guarantee the text and important elements will not be cut into based on the natural cutting variances that may occur.

More information about bleeds, cut line and safety.

2. CMYK color mode: Color mode must be in CMYK to be a print-ready file. If file(s) are submitted using any other color mode, such as RGB or Pantone, the file(s) will be converted to CMYK during preflighting. Conversion from one color standard to another may result in a color shift or colors dropping out. A hardcopy proof is available for most of our products to view an accurate color representation of the artwork before going to press. More information about CMYK color mode.

3. File format: We accept six different file formats. They must be saved correctly to be accepted by our system. File types we accept are EPS, PDF, PSD, TIFF, PS and JPG saved from the following design software programs: Adobe Photoshop® CS, Adobe Illustrator® CS, Adobe InDesign® CS, Adobe PageMaker, Macromedia Freehand®, QuarkXPress®.

Tips: Photoshop (.PSD files), must be flattened prior to exporting. We are unable to accept native files. For example, you can submit an .EPS file vs. an Illustrator .AI native file.

Art files from the following software must be converted to an acceptable file format: Microsoft Publisher, CorelDraw and Microsoft Word. We are unable to guarantee files created in MS Word or MS Publisher will produce high-quality images and text.

4. Text to outlines: If the file was created from vector-based design software such as Adobe Illustrator® CS, Adobe InDesign® CS, Macromedia Freehand® or QuarkXPress®; we highly recommend that you convert all text to outlines. This will ensure that the text will not shift or drop out when printing. For instructions on creating outlines, please check the help option in the vector design software you are using.

5. Image resolution: For an image to print properly, the image resolution must be at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) at the final output size.

To see if the file has the proper resolution in Acrobat, set your view to 300%. If the artwork appears pixelated beyond this point, then the artwork is low resolution. If the artwork appears crisp at 300%, then this is a good indication that the resolution is print ready.

To see if the file has the proper resolution for printing in Photoshop, click on Image>Image Size. View the resolution section. The resolution should be set to 300 dpi and the dimensions at the correct size for the product size you are ordering.

A common misconception is that you can convert a file from 72 dpi to 300 dpi. This is both true and false. If the image is 4 by 6 inches at 72 dpi, the image will actually be smaller when importing it to a 300 dpi document. This is not the same for files that are large in size at 72 dpi. For example, if the file is 28 inches by 40 inches at 72 dpi, then the file is large enough to import into a 300 dpi document.

If the files are 300dpi, but the images are low resolution or pixelated, you will need to obtain higher resolution pictures or elements. If you are unable to do so, you may still proceed with the order. However, you will need to post a note on the job or email support@safeguardw2p.com and state to, "print as is for low resolution." Based on this authorization we will continue "as is" with the printing of the file. Otherwise, you may receive notification that the file has been unattached from the order due to resolution concerns.

6. File set up for borders: The cutting process for printed materials has a mechanical tolerance of about 0.0625 or 1/16 of an inch. When using a border in the artwork use a minimum 1/4" thick border plus 1/8" bleed for a total border size of 3/8" thick. If you have a border that was only 1/8" on every edge, and the cut on one edge fell inside the cutline, you would then end up with an unsymmetrical card. By thickening the border it makes the variance much less noticeable to the eye and also allows for slight trimming if necessary.

Also, if you have a composition that is framed by text or other elements being positioned in a way that if any variance occurs it will appear unsymmetrical, this is also considered a border and the elements should be scaled inward accordingly.

More information about file setup for borders.

7. Rich black: If the file incorporates solid areas of black in the background elements, logo or large text, 100% black (K) C0% / M0% / Y0% / K100% will not result in solid black print. 100% (K) will print more as a dark gray. To ensure the richest black values you should convert all solid areas of black to "rich black." Rich black is made by mixing other colors of ink with black ink to produce a much darker, deeper black on press than can be achieved by using black ink alone. To create rich black, the CMYK values must be 50% Cyan (C), 40% Magenta (M), 40% Yellow (Y), and 100% Black (K) or (50, 40, 40, 100).

The banner product has a slightly different rich black value based on how CMYK values translate on the banner press. If submitting a file with solid areas of black for our banner product, please use the rich black banner values (80, 70, 70, 100).

8. Crop marks: Printer marks are markings on the outside document bounds that can be included in a print-ready file. These markings include: crop marks, registration marks, color bars and file information.

We recommend that no printer marks be included in the print-ready file submitted.

This is due to the fact we are a gang-run printer, and we will be printing your file with other jobs on a larger press sheet. We also have an automated process for adding printer marks to submitted files on our end when the user is submitting their files through the online Preview to Approve Crop Tool feature. If your file is submitted with no crop marks, you will not need to re-position or move your file during the crop tool process.

9. Graphic services: Whether you need a business card, brochure or booklet, the Creativ Design Team in Lansdale can deliver the attention-getting, creative design you need. For design requests, please email us at creativ@gosafeguard.com for a quote request.

Booklets, catalogs, newsletters and calendar printing files must be submitted in a multi-page PDF format. You should not submit a separate PDF files for each page. Please note that all pages in the PDF file must be in the proper sequence required: outside front cover is page one, inside front cover is page two, etc.

Safety requirements vary with booklets, catalogs, newsletters and calendars depending on the number of pages. You should choose the appropriate template depending on the size and number of pages. A higher number of pages mean that we require more text safety. This is because when a booklet is bound and cut, the outer spreads will be cut to the ordered size, but as you get towards the center spread the spreads become shorter and shorter. This allows all pages to sit flush at the opening when the booklet is closed.

Prepress applies special layout with booklets to ensure the spreads are cut as necessary. This special cutting is not noticeable to the eye when flipping through the pages. However, if text is too close on the edge on the inner spreads the customer runs a higher risk of the text being cut into. Please use the following text safety based on the page count of the booklet:

• 32 pages and under require 1/4" of text safety.
• 76 pages and under require 3/8" of text safety.
• 80 pages and over require 1/2" of text safety.

You should also ensure that all fonts are outlined or embedded. We also highly recommend that you save the multipage PDF file with Acrobat 4.0 Version 1.3 PDF compatible settings from the export dialogue box. This will ensure that all transparencies are flattened.

Our banners have different file preparation guidelines than other products. Please follow these banner print-ready guidelines to ensure a successful outcome:

1. Scale from feet to inches: The dimensions of a banner file should be scaled 12 to 1 so that 1 foot equals 1 inch. For example, if a banner is ordered at 2' x 2' then the file itself should be created at 2" x 2" with a .125" (1/8") bleed on each edge for a final submitted dimension of 2.25" x 2.25".

2. Banner resolution: For optimal print quality, banner files should be submitted at 1200 dpi resolution. Banners viewed from a distance may be submitted at lower resolutions and will appear clear. Depending on the distance the banner is being viewed from we recommend the following resolutions:

• From 5 feet or less, submit at 1200 dpi
• From 5 feet or more, submit at 900 dpi
• From 10 feet or more submit at 600 dpi
• From 50 feet or more, submit at 300 dpi

3. Recommended file type: Overall, any file submitted vector such as an EPS or PDF exported from Illustrator will produce the highest-quality banner print if all the design elements are vector. Please ensure that when submitting vector files you follow all of recommend guidelines for outlining fonts and flattening transparencies found here.

4. Banner bleed and safety: Banners must be submitted with a .125" (1/8") bleed on every edge to allow any background texture or color to extend fully to the edge of the banner. Text must also be kept 1/8" inside the finished dimension to ensure that no text is trimmed or appears right along the edge of the banner. These specifications are required so as to provide with the highest quality end product. Please note that if the banner uses pole pockets, put all text and design elements at least 1/3" inside of the cut line or they may be sewn through.

More information about banners file setup.

Printing turnaround time will vary depending on the product. The available turnaround time options can be selected in the instant quote tool for all standard products on the Safeguard W2P website.

Printing turnaround time begins once the order has been placed, the print-ready files have been uploaded to your account, attached to the printing job, approved for printing (or proof approval) and the payment for the order has been approved.

Also, if the files are not print ready, this may result in turnaround time delays.

If the job or proof is approved by 6:00 p.m. PST (9:00 p.m. EST) and the payment is also approved, printing turnaround time begins the next business day. For example, if attaching a file for a one business day turnaround time job before 6:00 p.m. PST on Monday (with payment approved), the job will be completed on Tuesday.

Note: The Plant is closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and these days are not considered in calculating production turnaround time.

Before we can begin printing the job, you must upload and attch the file(s) to the job.

Option 1 (Upload and Attach on Product Page):  You have the option of uploading and attaching a file on the product page. On the product page, click on the “Upload Now” button for the side in question. Next, click the “Back” link if needing to upload a file for a two sided product.

Note: If you are uploading a two-page PDF with front and back pages, the system will automatically split the file into two separate front and back files and load them into the front and back thumbnail previews.

The crop tool will now auto load and you may review both sides by toggling between the “front” and “back” text links at the top of the crop tool.

Next, click the “Save” button. We recommend that you submit the files without crop marks and printer marks. However, if the file includes these marks, you will need to position the file accordingly in the crop tool prior to saving.

You may now proceed with the ordering process and the files will now be attached to the order once you check out. With this option, you will not need to attach the files after the order has been placed.

Note: The file image thumbnails shown during the crop tool submission process are simply compressed low resolution versions of the print file for quick and easy previewing. We will be printing from the print file vs. the low res thumbnails previewed.

Option 2 (Upload and Attach after Order Placed): Click the "My Account" button at the top right of any page on our site, select “My Jobs” and locate the job in the account.

Next, click on the “Need Artwork” link which will direct you to the “Job Details” page. On this page, please click on the “Upload Now” button for the side in question. Next, click the “Back” link if needing to upload a file for a two sided product.

Note: If you are uploading a two-page PDF with front and back pages, the system will automatically split the file into two separate front and back files and load them into the front and back thumbnail previews.

The crop tool will now auto load and you may review both sides by toggling between the “front” and “back” text links at the top of the crop tool.

Next, click the “Save” button. We recommend that you submit the files without crop marks and printer marks. However, if the file includes these marks, you will need to position the file accordingly in the crop tool prior to saving. The last step is to click the “Approve to Print” button.

You have now successfully attached your file to the order. The file(s) will now proceed to a prepress queue for review and preflighting based on your turnaround time. If there are any file concerns, customer service will contact you.

Crop tool exceptions: Certain products such as booklets, calendars, posters, banners, die-cut products, envelopes, large-format brochures and custom atypical products do not pass through the "Preview to Approve - Crop Tool." When clicking the "Preview to Approve" button for these products, the file(s) will go directly to our prepress for review and preflighting.

With CMYK process printing, it is impossible to guarantee 100% color accuracy. However, you can maximize color quality by ensuring that all submitted files are in CMYK color mode and that the correct CMYK color calibration is set for the desired color match.

We highly recommend that you order a hardcopy proof for any jobs that are color sensitive to the customer. Hardcopy proofs are guaranteed to match in color within 90% of the approved proof.

Our hardcopy proofs are printed in the Oakland facility on a Digital HP Indigo press calibrated to simulate the final printed piece if printed on our Komori offset press. We try to print all hardcopy proofs on the same paper ordered, and try our best to provide all proofs at the size ordered. Due to the HP Indigo sheet size restrictions, 11" x 17", some products will not be produced in actual size.

Safeguard W2P offers three rounds of hardcopy proofs when this option is ordered. For example, if you receive the first proof and need to make a revision, you can reject the proof online and resubmit an updated file to begin the processing of your second round). The turnaround time for a job does not begin until the hardcopy proof is approved by the dealer. If you job has the hardcopy proof option, you can approve or reject a proof by clicking the "Pending Proof Approval" link on the "My Orders/Quotes" page. On the resulting "Job Details" page, you may click the "Job Approval" button and choose from the approval or rejection options on the resulting page.

Note: the cut off time to attach files for same day processing of a Next Day Hardcopy proof is 9:00 a.m. PST (12:00 p.m. EST).

Custom or "atypical" requests for quotes through Safeguard W2P are available as long as the stock exists on the website. To request a custom quote, please send an email with complete specifications to support@safeguardw2p.com.

The custom quote response time is generally within one to four business hours within the hours of operation of 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. PST (9 a.m. - 9 p.m. EST).

Note: More complex custom quote requests may require up to 24-48 hours for review. The Safeguard W2P customer service team will respond within one to four business hours to confirm if additional time is required to validate capabilities and price complex quote requests.

Once you have received the custom quote and approve the costs, please respond to the quote email with the approval. Since we will be placing the custom order in your account, please provide additional details, such as: P.O. number, end-user name (customer company name), full shipping address, desired shipping method, the specs and price quoted. Once we place the custom order, we will notify you via email. You may then log into your account, upload and attach the files to the order to begin the production turnaround time.

We can accommodate shrink-wrapping upon request. You may post a note on the job or contact us via email at support@safeguardw2p.com. Shrink-wrapping is available upon request in bundles of 100 for a $.45 per bundle fee. For example, if you have a 1,000 quantity postcard order, the additional shrink-wrapping fee for 10 bundles would be $4.50. Upon receiving your request for shrink-wrapping, we will respond with a quote and request your approval prior to processing the request.

Note: For requests for smaller bundle amounts or shrink-wrapping for very high quantity jobs, additional fees and additional turnaround time may be required and will be communicated in the quote response.

We can accommodate the split shipment of a job to multiple locations upon request. You may post a note on the job or contact us via email at support@safeguardw2p.com. Please include the shipping addresses for the separate locations as well as the desired UPS shipping method. We will respond with a quote and request your approval prior to processing the request. Please take note of the following split shipping details:

• We are only able to split up to two to six locations.
• There is an $8.99 split ship handling fee added.
• We will need to recalculate and quote the shipping fee for each split ship destination.
• The shipping prices will depend on the weight of each package, the location and the desired shipping method.

Safeguard W2P offers several die-cut products, including: die-cut business cards, die-cut flyers and die-cut stickers. These standard products can be ordered on the Safeguard W2P site. We are also able to offer die cutting for other products as a custom atypical request.

We have a number of stock dies, ranging from circles and ovals, to Rolodex cards, table tents and door hangers. You can browse some of our standard dies at our Die Gallery, or if simply needing an oval, circle or rectangle shape, you can email us at support@safeguardw2p.com to confirm if we have the size you are looking for.

If we do not have the die you are looking for in stock, we can create a custom die for you. Custom dies are $40.00. For a custom die quote, email an EPS or PDF with an outline of the exact size and shape of the cut that you are looking for to support@safeguardw2p.com. The custom die creation fee is a one-time fee. We will keep the die blade on file for any future die-cut product re-orders that require your new custom die.

All die-cut jobs will require the following files to be provided:

1. A print file uploaded to the site and attached to the order, following all of our normal guidelines. The print file should not have the die line incorporated into the file as we do not want the die line to print.

2. A vector file (.eps or .pdf file format) showing only the die line as a black or red outline. This file should be emailed to customer service at support@safeguardw2p.com.

3. An FPO (For Placement Only) file showing the die line superimposed on top of the print file, uploaded to the account for reference but not attached. You may also email this file to customer service.

If you are using a standard die and have placed your die-cut product order, please email customer service or post a note on your job specifying which die you are requesting to use for the order. For example, you can post a note stating, "use 2x4 oval die."

Die cutting (even with the creation of a custom die) does not add to the turnaround time selected on the website - assuming files are print ready and all of the files are supplied promptly. The die will be created while the order is printing and be available for use when the order reaches the die-cutting finishing stage.

Note: Die cutting is the only way for us to provide a final piece that is smaller than 2" x 2," except for the slim business card offered on the website. It is also used when you need something cut to a size not offered on the site (like 2.0625" x 7.625").

When trying to achieve reflex or navy blue values, it is important that the magenta value is not too high, as blue + red (cyan + magenta) = purple vs. blue. Depending on the blue you desire the best practice is to ensure that the magenta values are no more than 60% for reflex blue and no more than 70-75% at the most for richer/darker blues.

Important: When color is a concern, we strongly recommend a hardcopy proof as this is the only way to guarantee color (within 90%). The digital hardcopy proof is calibrated to the specs of our press and will show how the CMYK values will print. The hardcopy is also used during production to control color because we gang run with other jobs which can cause variations in color.