Color Requirements

Color Requirements

Full Color Process Printing:

  • We recommend a minimum resolution of 300 dpi for any Photoshop files or placed (raster) image for best quality.
  • Every element of the file must be colored with process CMYK colors (no RGB, indexed color, etc.).
  • If RGB or other non-CMYK colors are used in your files, the necessary conversion to CMYK will change the appearance of the colors when we print, sometimes dramatically.
  • Pantone® colors – While we are often able to closely reproduce a spot PMS® ink using process full color, PMS® spot colors and process colors are produced using different methods. Therefore, colors produced in full color will differ from Pantone® spot colors, sometimes significantly. Please refer to a Solid to Process Color Imaging Guide for color conversions.

Printing Black vs. Black for Full Color Orders:

In order to achieve the best possible results for your order, it is important to understand when to use Printing Black and when to use 100% Black.
Printing Black is a build of CMYK inks that allow ink to appear richer and more vibrant. Using 100% Black gives the appearance of a muted black tone. Follow the guidelines below for creating the look you desire.

Full Color Flat

Use Printing Black (C80%, M80%, Y80% K95%) instead of 100% Black when in registration with other colors, in areas with heavy ink coverage and for bold type or lines that are thicker than 2 1/2 points.Full Color Raised BC – Always use the CMYK percentages above for “Printing Black” regardless of registration or coverage.Full Color Raised LH or ENV – Use Printing Black (C80%, M80%, Y80% K95%) instead of 100% Black when in registration with other colors, in areas with heavy ink coverage and for bold type or lines that are thicker than 2 1/2 points.

Full Color Raised/Thermography Printing

Light skin tones, light colors, and low screen percentages will have a negative impact on the raised appearance of your product. For best raised printing results, we recommend that the “Total Area Coverage” be at 150% or higher. Total Area Coverage (TAC) is the total of the CMYK value of a color. For example, a card using a light blue color with a CMYK mix of 89, 10, 0, 0 has a TAC of 99%. This color won’t have a good raise as there is not enough ink coverage to hold thermography powder

Spot Color Printing:

  • Spot orders should be colored using the correct spot color swatch.
  • For Pantone Matching System® (PMS®) colors, it is best to use the PANTONE solid uncoated library that is already loaded within the program.
  • We recommend a minimum resolution of 300 dpi for any Photoshop file or placed (raster) image for best quality. Black & White Bitmap Image Mode should be used unless screens are present, Grayscale Image Mode should be used if screens are present.

    • Related Articles

    • Supported Applications

      We accept files created in the following native applications: Acrobat PDF®…………………Mac and PC Adobe® InDesign®…………..Mac and PC Adobe® Photoshop®…………Mac and PC Adobe® Illustrator®…………..Mac and PC We do not accept files created in the following native ...

    • Creating Files

      Create one item sized correctly per document. (Placed graphics and text should be sized at 100%.) Fonts: Using your illustration program, convert all text “to curves” or “create outlines” in your files. Never use the stylization palette to bold, ...

    • MOSCOW Analysis

      Fill out the online MOSCOW Analysis form here. or download the PDF at the bottom of the page. What is MoSCoW method? MoSCoW method, developed by Dai Clegg, is one of the broadly used prioritization technique used in product management, software ...

    • Web Design Questionnaire

      Fill out the Website Questionnaire form here. or download the PDF at the bottom of the page. The website questionnaire will help to determine the goals, requirements and the timeline of your project. It may even unearth some ideas you haven’t ...

    • Training, Consultancy and Event Terms

      In-Office Training or Consultation 1 hour minimum, paid in advance. After first hour, billed in 15 minute increments (rounded-up). Schedule during normal business hours (depending on availability). Client's Location Training or Consultation Billed as ...