Prepare to Submit Your Graphics

Below you will find some helpful tips and tricks on how to prepare and submit your graphics.

Tip #1. Check for typos

Carefully check your materials for typos and misspellings before you submit them to us. We give all files a thorough check before processing, but we DO NOT check for typos. The last chance you will get to check your graphics will be once we have sent the final proof. It is always a good policy for you to have several people check for misspelled words and typos.

Tip #2. Make sure all digitally supplied images are at 300 dpi.

All digitally supplied images should be 300 dpi. If you supply digital photos, make sure they're at least 3 mega pixels, and send them at full size.

Tip #3. Make sure that your linked images are included on your disc.

Keep your files smaller by linking your images, rather than embedding them. Please make sure that you include the linked images separately on your disc. When a link is created, the link is usually tied to an image saved on your computer, and we don't have access to your computer!

Tip #4. Supply a copy of each font you use on the disc with your design.

If you don't, your fonts may be substituted with other, similar fonts, and you may not be happy with the results.

Tip #5. Use MixedMedia Direct templates to prepare your graphics.

Once you have selected the right packaging style for your project, you will need to visit the Templates page and download the corresponding graphical template files. These templates will define the area within which you can place your text and graphics for your packaging. If you decide to provide your own graphic design, please use a professional designer and a professional design program. We strongly recommend that you use one of the following graphics programs to create your packaging graphics layout:

Adobe Photoshop® -- Please provide us with RGB layered PSD files
Adobe InDesign® -- Please provide us with InDesign file, all linked images and all fonts used. Also let us know which version of InDesign was used to create the file. Linked images ideally should be 300 dpi CMYK TIFF files.
Adobe Illustrator® -- Please provide us with Illustrator .ai or .eps file, all linked images and all fonts used. Also let us know which version of Illustrator was used to create the file. Linked images ideally should be 300 dpi CMYK TIFF files.
QuarkXpress® -- Please provide us with QuarkXpress file, all linked images and all fonts used. Also let us know which version of Quark Xpress was used to create the file. Linked images ideally should be 300 dpi CMYK TIFF files.

Tip #6.

Whenever possible, provide us with a PDF proof of the graphics so that we have a reference for how the packaging should look. This will help us find any font or image link issues earlier in the production process.