File Preparation

Wondering how to set up your files for online printing? Trying to decide what artwork format to include? Get all you need to know about file preparation, from saving PDFs to packaging InDesign files and more.

Print-Ready Files

3 MIN READ
Level: medium

If you have questions about preparing print-ready files or any of our online printing services, please contact customer service to chat with an expert.

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How to Set Up Your File

3 MIN READ
Level: medium

Wondering how to set up your file for print? Start by reviewing the artwork guidelines for your specific Smartpress product. Each Smartpress product includes one or more artwork guideline documents to demonstrate how to set up your artwork. You can find links to these files on each product page. These files are in PDF format […]

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How to Save Your PDF

9 MIN READ
Level: advanced

There are many ways to create a PDF file, but not all of them work well for professional online printing. The way in which you create a PDF can dramatically alter the quality of your printing…

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How to Set Up Color in Your File

3 MIN READ
Level: advanced

If you have questions about how to set up color in your file or any other printing services, please contact customer service, and we’ll be happy to help.

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Large Format File Setup

3 MIN READ
Level: medium

Large format file setup for online printing can seem daunting, but with a little know-how and a few tips and tricks, you can print banners, canvases, posters and more quickly and easily. The key differences from small format file setup are image resolution, final file size, and the installation or finishing options required for some […]

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How to Set Up a File for Step and Repeat Banners

3 MIN READ
Level: basic

Learn How to Set up a Step and Repeat Banner for Print This article walks you through five steps for how to set up a step and repeat banner for print using Adobe InDesign. It also covers recommended logo sizes, layout tips, using the Step and Repeat function, offsetting logos for a custom look and […]

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Editing Files with Photoshop, InDesign & More

3 MIN READ
Level: medium

When preparing files for print, the Adobe Creative Cloud application you use depends on the type of artwork or document you’re creating. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat each have different strengths. Choosing the right program can make it easier to create, edit and export print-ready files. Here’s a quick look at what each application is […]

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Packaging InDesign Files

4 MIN READ
Level: medium

How to Package InDesign Files for Printing Learn how to properly package your InDesign files for professional printing. This article walks you through essential steps like setting the correct document size and bleed, checking trim and fold lines, converting colors to CMYK and using Preflight to catch technical errors. You’ll also find tips for handling […]

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ICC Profiles

3 MIN READ
Level: advanced

An ICC profile is a standardized set of data that describes how a device handles color. In online printing, ICC profiles help manage color consistently as it moves between devices such as cameras, monitors, scanners and printing presses. In online printing, ICC profiles refer to a set of data that describes color characteristics, limitations and […]

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FTP Service for Large Files

1 MIN READ
Level: basic

How to Upload Large Print Files If your files are too large to upload through our browser-based tool or you’re having trouble uploading them, you can use the Smartpress FTP service to transfer your files for printing. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, a method of transferring files between computers. Our FTP service supports file […]

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