File Submission & Guidelines

Printing Guidelines

To be sure your art files are ready to be sent, please follow these guidelines before uploading to our FTP.

We accept Macintosh and PC files. If you have any questions, call our Art Department at 732-247-6828 x 104.

All files should be accompanied by the images (graphics, photos, etc.) used in your documents, as well as the applicable fonts.

EPS files should have fonts converted to outlines or curves.

PDF files should be optimized for Press. Include .125″ bleed, crop marks, and set crop mark offsets to .167″

Optimum resolution for photographs is 300dpi at 100%.

For promotional items, check the maximum imprint size and imprinting limitations based on decorating techniques.

We accept the following file formats

Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) Preferred
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Adobe PageMaker
Adobe Photoshop
QuarkXpress
Microsoft Publisher*
Microsoft Word*
Microsoft Excel*
Microsoft Powerpoint*

*Microsoft files depend on the printer style for formatting, and often behave unexpectedly. Production time may be needed in order to properly output these files and additional charges may apply.

Artwork, including fixing poorly created or improperly submitted files, finding files, and revisions, will incur a $110.00 per hour charge. Need help with your design project? Let us transform your design idea into a finished piece, or you may submit your own designs by following the instructions below:

Provide a High Resolution PDF with proper bleeds and crop marks in the correct color space as described below.

Bleeds: Bleed is when printed matter extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming. Any bleed must extend at least 1/8” beyond the edge of the page. Include crop marks and set crop mark offsets to .167”.

Color Space: If printing full color, the ideal color space to submit files is CMYK, which ensures proper color values. If printing PMS colors, please use Pantone colors to call out the color. Do not use RGB.

Borders and Safeties: All graphics not intended to bleed must be a minimum of .167” from the trimmed edge. This will ensure proper trimming/binding output.

For High Resolution PDFs:

For best results, please ensure your file is designed to the correct print size and minimum resolution of 300 dpi at 100% of printed size for images before submitting to us.Create your document in Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress or in any program you have. Any bleed must extend at least 1/8” beyond the edge of the document. Make sure your fonts are real and are able to be embedded in a PDF file. Export your file to a PDF with compression turned off, bleed set to .125”, crop marks turned on and crop mark offsets set to .167”.

For Small High Resolution PDFs:

Export your document to a PDF file. Open the PDF in a Vector Drawing Program (Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Macromedia Freehand, etc.). Convert all fonts to Outlines (Curves) and make sure the only colors in your pallet are the ones you want to print. Any bleed must extend at least 1/8″ beyond the edge of the document. Send a PDF with compression turned off, bleed set to .125″, crop marks turned on and crop mark offsets set to .167″.

All files received are to be accompanied by a paper proof (preferred) or a PDF file for a proof. If we do not receive a paper or PDF proof, we will have to make one and get it approved before we can continue with the proofing process.

If changes have to be made, they have to be done in the PDF or paper proofing process. We do not charge extra for minor changes at this stage. After a paper or PDF proof is approved, we will provide either an Ink Jet color print or a Digital Production Proof.

This proof has to be viewed and approved by the customer before the job goes on press. The approved proof must be in our possession in order to begin printing, as we use that proof for printing positioning, color, and bindery positioning.

Changes made after the Ink Jet or Digital Production Proof is produced will be charged at the rate of $110 per hour, plus the cost of a new Ink Jet print or Digital Production Proof, which must also be viewed and approved.

After the final proof is approved and returned, our turnaround time until delivery is generally 5 working days.

This time may occasionally be shortened, but it is best to allow for the full 5 days to make sure you get your pieces finished when you need them. The 5-Day turnaround can also be lengthened by certain bindery or finishing procedures.

If you have trouble sending through our upload, you can send big files to us for free with www.wetransfer.com

Stock selection is essential to the look of a finished project. Ink absorbs differently on each substrate, which can significantly affect how colors appear, even when the same ink is used.Be sure to keep this in mind when choosing to print on coated or uncoated paper.

Please be sure when sending us your booklet design that your file is a pdf in single page format and not in printer spreads. Please see the following link to view some helpful information when setting up your file.

We use imposition software that will create the pagination during the preparation process.

Download Mariano Press Perfect Bound Guide

The die line must be made using a vector design program such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign. When the actual die is created, a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine will be used. This machine uses CAD software to send the design commands to the CNC machine and requires vector lines to operate. Programs such as Adobe Photoshop use raster lines that are created using pixel blocks which then create small jagged edges along the perimeter of the line. These jagged edges are not usable when working with die lines.

The most important step is to convert the color of the die line into a PMS color that will be named “Die Line”. The purpose of making the die line its own PMS color is so that it separates correctly when making plates. The CMYK parts separate accordingly for printing and our “Die Line” PMS will separate as one separate plate for the die.

As always, Mariano Press, LLC is here to help guide you with any questions regarding the set up of your die line.

File Submission Form

Please be sure to read all of the applicable guidelines to the left to ensure that there will be no delays or additional charges.
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