Digital File Requirements

Acrobat PDF

Layout Programs: Please lay out in one of the following: Illustrator or InDesign CS or lower, Quark 5 or lower. If you are not experienced on one of these three programs, please plan for the studio to create your designs.
 
Text: All type must be vector based. The studio operates on a Mac platform. Fonts should either be Mac compatible, or in outline form.
 
Raster Based Image Files: Scan line drawings at 1200 dpi and save as bitmap files. Grayscale images should be scanned at 300-360 dpi. We will output with a 120 lpi screen. Some grayscale images may not be well-suited for letterpress. Please check with the studio.
 
Vector Based Graphics: Minimum stroke width on stand-alone lines is .25 points.
 
Margins and Bleeds: If you provide a half inch margin on all sides, your project will work on any press without special handling. Most items are printed one up, and unless we’re informed in advance, estimates are set up without the extra paper and trimming needed to allow for bleeds. If your design does not provide a half inch on all margins, please check with the studio to see if you need your estimate revised to allow for extra paper and trimming. Standard sized business cards are an exception and can always be designed with bleeds and tight edges.
 
Floods: In letterpress printing, floods do not reproduce in the same manner as in offset printing. When using the types of papers and printing most clients desire for letterpress work, floods tend to appear paler and more mottled than in offset printing. However, If a flood is still desired, we are happy to discuss paper options that will enhance the laydown of the ink.

Envelopes: Please make sure that the size of the envelope you are planning to use corresponds with the shape of the flap in your design. For example, 3.5x5" cards frequently go in a Baronial (pointed flap) envelope. If you have 3.5x5" RSVP cards, you would want to ensure that your design for the invitation envelope is on a pointed, not square, flap. Always feel free to check with the studio if you have any questions.

Delivering Files: Send files less than 10 MB via email to files@paintedtonguepress.com.
Files can also be mailed or delivered to the studio on CD or Zip drives. It is recommended that you use Illustrator or InDesign to create outlines from text and embed images. Quark users who also have Illustrator can export as an eps file from Quark, open in Illustrator, Select All, and choose Create Outlines from the type menu.