Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop Layout Rules
If you would like additional information on the rules listed below please refer to our Tips and Tricks page.

Plan ahead when using Photoshop

1. Document Size: Create your document with measurements that match the final trim size of your piece unless you have a bleed. If your document has a bleed then add .25" to your document size. This extra area will be trimmed off during the finishing process.
   Examples:
   If you are creating an 8.5''x11'' tri-fold brochure NO BLEEDS, your document size should be 8.5''x11''.
   If you are creating an 8.5"x11" tri-fold brochure WITH BLEEDS your document size should be 8.75 "x11.25".
   
   If Your Photoshop Image will be a backgroud used in a page layout application then your image size should be 1/8" (.125") bigger than your final trim size. When you use it in page layout software, it should extend outside the page size if used as bleed.

   If you have a previously configured document and you did not allow .25" for the bleeds, then; Go to the Image pull down menu and select Canvas Size. Add .25" to your width and .25" to your height. Make sure that you have the center block selected on the Anchor

2. Bleeds: If your document contains images or colors that extend to the edge of the page, it is considered a document with bleeds. To ensure that these images appear correctly, without any white space between the image and the edge of your document, it is important to extend any bleeds .125” beyond the edge of the document. You do this by creating a document that is .25" larger than the finished size of your printed piece. Please refer the information above in the Document Size section. This extra area will be trimmed off during the finishing process.
   
3. Live, or “safe” Area: Make sure that all your images and text are inside of a “safe” margin of .25” around the inside edge of your document. Note, if your document has a bleed then your safe margin will be .325" around the inside edge of your document.
   
4. Colors: When creating artwork in PhotoShop, all the files should be in CMYK mode. If you have a previously configured document in RGB mode, convert the files from RGB to CMYK mode yourself because you'll have more control over the conversion. If you don't like the colors after that, you can still alter them in the CMYK mode. Use caution with area's that are solid Black. Use layered files when you convert your RGB file to CMYK . Place all of your Black (solids) onto their own layer. Once in CMYK designate those layers as Black to avoid over saturated Black Builds. Please refer the section below titled Black Builds. To check your color mode or change your RGB file to CMYK go to the Image drop down menu and select Mode and check CMYK Color.
   
   Black Builds: Use caution when you have a solid area that is Black. Four-color process (CMYK) shoud be used to create a deep, dark, black, however if the total percentage of all four colors is greater than 340% your document will not print properly. Ink will saturate the stock and you will not be pleased with the final product. The only exception to this rule is text, please see the Black Text / Font section. We have developed stetting that we know work well on our presses. Please use these setting when designing your document.
   
   The optimum settings for Black are:
   75% Cyan
   70% Magenta
   40% Yellow
   100% Black
   
   If your black builds exceed 340% we will correct it for you for an additional fee of $10.00.
   
5. Linked Images Images such as pictures, logos and other artwork that accompanies your file must meet our criteria to ensure quick and accurate turnaround of your job. Make sure your linked images are:
   1. In CMYK mode – regardless of their original software application.
   2. Saved in TIFF or EPS format – Do not send files in JPG, BMP, PICT or GIF.
   3. All images must be a minimum of 300 DPI for photo images and 600 DPI for bitmap (black and white scanned) line art. Vector art files from programs such as Illustrator or Freehand should be saved as EPS files for placement into your layout.
   4. Confirm that all your links are present before sending your files.
   5. Do not use OPI
   
6. Fonts / Text: Use actual fonts such as Helvetia Bold or Times Italic to modify your type. Do not use the style bar to make these distinctions, as the styles may not translate.
   
   BLACK TEXT / FONTS: When creating black type please give it the following CMYK break down;
   100% Black
   0% Cyan
   0% Magenta
   0% Yellow
   
   WHITE TEXT / FONTS: When creating white type please do not select the text to overprint. If you do the white text will show up on your PDF proof but will not print on your printed piece.
   
7. DPI: All images used for printing at Growll.com should be a minimum of 300 DPI at the size used for layout. Images should be 300 dpi resolution; 400 DPI if your image has text, 1,200 dpi for bitmap (black and white) line art.
   
8. Scanning: Scanned images that you plan on importing into layout software should be saved in a TIFF (.tif) or EPS (.eps) format to insure the best color and sharpness possible. File formats such as GIF or JPG compress the picture and can cause it to look blurry and off-color when printed. Scan your images a little larger than final size they will appear in your layout to avoid DPI problems.
   
9. Scaling Images Scaling the image after importing it into page layout software will change the effective resolution. If you have a 300 DPI image and you scaled the image up to 200% in a layout program such as QuarkXPress, for example, then the final resolution will then be 150 dpi – too low for quality printing.
   
10. Keep a layered file: When submitting a Photoshop file it's always a good idea to keep a layered copy of your file on your computer. Just in case you catch a mistake on the proof, it will be easier to change.
    
11. You can save your file as one of the following file formats;

• PDF
• .psd
• .tif