To avoid any delays in your printing and to guarantee the highest quality of the final result, it is very important to provide us with a correct, print-ready file. Naturally, the Creafor team is ready to support you with the necessary technical information and creative advice, so that together we can achieve the best result.
However, please note that we assume that supplied files meet our technical requirements; if a file is not print-ready and requires editing by our prepress department, this additional work will be charged as a supplement.
For extra security before production starts, we'll deliver you on application Please provide a PDF proof for checking.
To avoid white edges after cutting, we ask for a 3 mm bleed, so let colours and photos run slightly over the edge. Keep important elements such as text 5 mm away from the cutting line (safety margin). Finally, add cutting lines.
Close-up (< 1 metre): For standard printed materials that you view up close (leaflets, brochures, posters at eye level), a resolution of 300 ppi at full size is required for sharp results.
Distance (> 1 metre / XXL): For large-scale displays viewed from a greater distance (such as XXL banners, yard signs or facade advertising), 100 ppi at full size is sufficient.
Always check your file for unwanted overprint using the ‘Preview overprint’ in Acrobat; Creafor is not responsible for incorrect settings. In addition, make sure that all transparencies (such as shadows from Photoshop) are correctly flattened when exporting to PDF.
Make sure all images used are embedded in the file. This prevents missing links and missing images when opening the file.
Preferably work in CMYK (Fogra 39, Iso Coated V2) for predictable results. Files in sRGB or Adobe RGB are also supported, but bear in mind possible colour deviations; as the colour range of RGB is larger than that of CMYK.
For the most accurate colour translation, we recommend using the render intent Relative Colorimetric when exporting. This method ensures that colours that fall within the printing range are precisely preserved, minimising discrepancies in final production.
Make sure your ink count does not exceed 300%.
Add up the C, M, Y and K values. If this exceeds 300%, the ink does not dry properly and stains other sheets.
Use C:25 M:35 Y:45 K:100 for a deep black appearance. This build-up (200% ink) prevents a greyish haze and stays well within the safe drying margin.
Make sure all fonts are fully enclosed or converted to outlines/outlines.
Always keep an original version without letter outlines yourself.
Corps size: Use a corps size of at least 5 pt.
Line thickness: Maintain a minimum line thickness of 0.5 mm.
Creafor is not responsible for clerical errors.
Would you like to have printed matter cut in a different shape? Then indicate the cut line with a specific spot colour. Use the name ‘Cut’ for a full cut and the name ‘Kisscut’ for a half cut (here, only the top layer is cut, as with stickers).
Do you give your printed matter an extra luxurious look with varnish, opaque white or a PMS colour? Then make sure these elements are set as spot colours in your file. By using the correct designation, our production department will know exactly where the extra layer or specific colour should go.
Provide files in PDF format, preferably following the PDF/X-4 standard.
Does your order consist of several parts? Then submit these as separate PDF files. Use a clear file name with the subject, format and number (e.g.: banner_Creafor_300x100cm_2x.pdf). Are you sending many files at once? Then bundle them into one ZIP archive for a quick and error-free transfer.
Deliver brochures or double-sided printed matter as one PDF with separate pages in the correct reading order (no spreads). The first page is always considered the front (recto) and the second page the back (verso). If your design contains a cutting contour, you only need to provide it on the first page of the file.
Want to make sure your PDF settings are perfect for our printing process? Then download our Job options. This automatically sets settings such as colour profiles, resolution and bleed correctly when exporting.
In addition, use our InDesign Preflight Profile to technically check your file for any errors already during the design process.
