Sending a digital file

We accept most file types but prefer PDFs. (However, even these aren't idiot proof!). At the end of the day you can only be fairly sure that your work is going to turn out as you expect it, when it has been printed!
We accept Publisher, Word, Works, Serif, Corel Draw, InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator files. The Publisher files are prone to print wrongly: graphics change and if your fonts aren't on our computer, everything will be reformatted, using a substitute font. Photoshop, Indesign and Illustrator files are often not forward compatible and so might not work on our versions.
Customers files are often very big and your internet provider might block them. Try compacting them and sending them. Even better use our free Send a file feature.
Some customers send using a CD, others use pen drives and, occasionally, their ipods and mobile phones.

Creating pdfs

To create a pdf for sending to a print shop:

Microsoft products seem unable to save as a pdf, however a free utility is available at primopdf.com. (There is also a paid version at this site so watch you don't accidently download the Nitro version) When installed, this utility behaves like an extra printer. The main setting allows you to choose the quality of the final file. A print shop will require the prepress version.

Bleed

If you want your printing to have the professional look, without a white border, you have to introduce 'bleed' into your design. The printer prints onto over-sized paper and then cuts it down to the finished size. The paper will be prone to move during this process and so keep text, and graphics that will look wrong if cropped, away from the edge. An ink machine can usually manage with an extra 3mm at the edges but leave more to be sure.