SETTING UP YOUR FILES

For assistance in creating your files and preparing them for uploading, please refer to the instructions provided with your template. Templates and instructions are available on our Get Started page.

If you are not using one of our templates, please follow the specifications below for creating your artwork. You will also need to download our General File Preparation Guide in order to properly arrange your cover and cards, and create the PDF files you’ll need for uploading.

MINI BOOKLET CARD DIMENSIONS

Document size = 4.125″ x 2.125″ (104.775 x 53.975 mm) or 1238 x 638 pixels.
This includes a 1/16″ bleed on all sides.
Card trim size = 4″ x 2″ (88.9 x 50.8 mm)
The longer dimension includes a .5″ perforated extension.
Card safe zone* = 3.325″ x 1.875″ (84.455 x 47.625 mm)

MINI BOOKLET COVER DIMENSIONS

Document size = 9.5″ x 2.125″ (241.3 x 53.975 mm) or 2850 x 638 pixels.
This includes a 1/16″ bleed on all sides.
Trim size = 9.375″ x 2″ (238.125 x 50.8 mm)
Safe zone*: 9.25″ x 1.875″ (234.95 x 47.625 mm)
Final booklet size: Slightly larger than 4″ x 2″ after binding

LARGE BOOKLET CARD DIMENSIONS

Document size = 5.625″ x 3.625″ (142.875 x 92.075 mm) or 1688 x 1088 pixels.
This includes a 1/16″ bleed on all sides.
Trim size = 5.5″ x 3.5″ (127.0 x 88.9 mm)
The longer dimension includes a .5″ perforated extension.
Safe zone* = 4.875″ x 3.375″ (123.825 x 85.725 mm)

LARGE BOOKLET COVER DIMENSIONS

Document size = 12.625″ x 3.625″ (320.625 x 92.075 mm) or 3788 x 1088 pixels.
This includes a 1/16″ bleed on all sides.
Trim size = 12.5″ x 3.5″ (317.5 x 88.9 mm)
Safe zone*: 12.375″ x 3.375″ (314.325 x 85.725 mm)
Final booklet size: Slightly larger than 5.5″ x 3.5″ after binding

MIGHTY BOOKLET CARD DIMENSIONS

Document size = 8.0″ x 5.625″ (203.2 x 142.875 mm) or 2400 x 1688 pixels.
This includes a 1/16″ bleed on all sides.
Trim size = 7.875″ x 5.5″ (197.739 x 139.7 mm)
The longer dimension includes a .625″ perforated extension.
Safe zone* = 7.125″ x 5.375″ (180.975 x 136.525 mm)

MIGHTY BOOKLET COVER DIMENSIONS

Document size = 17.375″ x 5.625″ (441.325 x 142.875 mm) or 5213 x 1688 pixels.
This includes a 1/16″ bleed on all sides.
Trim size = 17.25″ x 5.5″ (438.15 x 139.7 mm)
Safe zone*: 17.125″ x 5.25″ (434.975 x 133.35 mm)
Final booklet size: Slightly larger than 7.785″ x 5.5″ after binding

*Critical elements such as text, images and logos need to be inside the Safe Zone. Artwork that falls outside of this safe zone may get cropped during the trimming process, as sometimes slight shifting occurs.

RESOLUTION

Your files should be created at 300 dpi. If any images in your file appear pixilated when viewed at 100%, they will print pixilated. We do not recommend using images formatted for web viewing in your design because they are not optimized for print-quality resolution.

COLOR MODES

For color: CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, black)
For black and white: Grayscale Color Mode

FILE FORMAT

Regardless of which software application you use to create your design, you MUST save your documents as high-resolution .PDF files for uploading to our site. Be sure to use the Adobe preset when saving your file as a PDF. This preset eliminates color, font and trapping variables that can lead to printing problems, and ensures the highest quality resolution for your artwork. For more information, refer to Saving Your Artwork as a .PDF File.

CARD ORIENTATION

All cards and card covers print head-to-head (or right-side-up.) If you design your cards in a vertical orientation, you’ll need to rotate your artwork 90° clockwise for printing. Please do this before you export or save as high resolution .PDF files. For more information, see our Card Orientation Guidelines.

THINGS TO AVOID

Not saving your PDFs using the PDF/X-1a: 2001 preset. To ensure proper uploading and printing, your PDF files MUST be created using this preset.

Incorrect file specifications. Make sure you’ve either used one of our templates, or created your files according to the file specifications provided above or in STEP 1 of our General File Preparation Guide.

Not turning off your guidelines layer. Our templates contain guidelines to help you position your artwork. Remember to turn off the layer containing these guidelines before creating your PDF files.

Disregarding the safe zone. To ensure that no important information is trimmed off, make sure all critical elements of your design fall within the Safe Zone.

Pixilated images. Your files must have a resolution of at least 300 pixels/inch. If any images in your file appear pixilated when viewed at 100%, they will print pixilated. We do not recommend using images formatted for web viewing in your design because they are not optimized for print-quality resolution.

Using the incorrect color mode. Make sure your files are in the proper color mode: CMYK for color, and Grayscale for black and white.

Borders. We do not recommend using borders in your design due to potential shifting in the trimming process. If your design absolutely requires one, please place it well within our Safe Zone.

Not using a bleed. If you want any part of your artwork to bleed off the edge of your cards or cover, make sure it extends to the edge of your document.

Adding crop marks. These are not necessary. Please do not include them in your files.

GETTING ADDITIONAL HELP

If you’ve double-checked your work against our guidelines, and are still having difficulty creating your artwork files, please contact us at help@shineboxprint.com.