Every project is different, so if you're unsure about any aspect of your artwork, feel free to get in touch before preparing your final files. We're happy to advise on the most suitable approach.
We prefer print-ready PDF files prepared in Adobe Illustrator or InDesign. Editable Illustrator or InDesign files may also be requested for projects requiring additional preparation or technical adjustments.
Please ensure that:
- Documents are set up at their final intended size, preferably in millimetres.
- A 3 mm bleed is included wherever artwork extends to the trimmed edge, unless otherwise specified.
- Important text and design elements are kept safely within the trim area.
- Fonts are outlined or correctly embedded.
- Linked images are included or embedded where required.
- Raster images are generally 300 ppi at their final printed size.
- Unnecessary guides, hidden artwork and unused elements are removed.
For projects involving specialist finishes, please keep the relevant artwork in clearly identified layers or separate files.
Please note: Print-ready requirements may vary according to the paper, format and production process. We'll confirm any project-specific specifications before final artwork is supplied.
When preparing artwork, please:
- Specify Pantone colours using their correct reference numbers.
- Use Pantone Solid Uncoated references for printing on uncoated papers where appropriate.
- Prepare full-colour offset artwork in CMYK using the colour profile agreed for the project.
- Avoid relying solely on colours displayed on screen when selecting printing inks or papers.
- Identify any special colours, metallic inks or finishes separately from standard printed artwork.
Colour appearance can vary depending on the paper, printing method and ink. Where accuracy is particularly important, we can discuss physical references, samples or proofing options.
For letterpress artwork:
- Supply vector artwork wherever possible.
- Use solid colours rather than gradients or transparency effects.
- Separate each ink colour into its own clearly labelled layer or file.
- Use solid black artwork for individual plate separations, identifying the corresponding Pantone ink colour.
- Convert text to outlines and ensure fine details are suitable for plate production.
- Keep reversed text, fine lines and small spaces sufficiently open to reproduce clearly.
Photographs and tonal artwork may require conversion to halftones, depending on the intended result.
Impression & Paper
The depth of impression depends on the paper stock, design and printing conditions. Softer, thicker papers can produce a more pronounced impression, while other stocks may require a lighter approach.
Large solid areas, fine details and double-sided printing can also influence the result.
If you have a particular impression depth or visual effect in mind, please let us know when discussing your project.
Foil artwork must be prepared separately from any printed ink artwork.
Please ensure that:
- Foil elements are supplied as solid vector shapes.
- Each foil colour has its own clearly labelled layer or separation.
- Artwork is supplied as 100% black for die production, or using an agreed, clearly named spot colour.
- All type is outlined.
- Fine lines, small type and reversed details are suitable for the intended foil and paper.
- Gradients, transparency and raster effects are avoided in artwork intended for foil dies.
For projects combining foil stamping with offset or letterpress printing, please supply the artwork in registration, with each process clearly separated.
Foil stamping has its own technical limitations, particularly with very fine details, large solid areas and textured papers. We're happy to review your design and advise on any adjustments before production.
For embossing and debossing artwork:
- Supply clean vector artwork.
- Separate embossing or debossing elements from printed and foiled artwork.
- Use solid shapes without gradients or transparency effects.
- Outline all typography.
- Clearly identify the areas intended to be raised or recessed.
- Specify whether the finish is blind or registered with printing or foil.
The definition and depth of the impression depend on the paper thickness, material, design and tooling.
Very fine details, small lettering and closely spaced elements may require adjustments to reproduce successfully.
For more complex designs, we can discuss testing or prototyping before final production.
Please prepare:
- Cutting paths as continuous vector lines.
- Crease or fold lines on a separate, clearly labelled layer.
- Cutting and creasing guides using distinct named spot colours.
- Artwork at the final intended size.
- Appropriate bleed wherever printed elements extend to a cut edge.
Avoid using raster images to indicate cutting paths.
For folded or assembled products, please include a reference mock-up or diagram showing the intended construction.
More complex structural projects may require a physical prototype to confirm the format and assembly before production.
- The dimensions and quantities match the agreed specifications.
- All text, names and other information have been proofread.
- Fonts are outlined or properly embedded.
- Images are of sufficient resolution.
- Colours and Pantone references are clearly specified.
- Each printing or finishing process is identified separately.
- Bleed and trim information are included where required.
- The supplied artwork represents the approved final design.
Please name your files clearly and identify the front and reverse where applicable.
If your project involves multiple techniques, we're happy to confirm the preferred file structure before you export.
Need a Hand?
Not sure whether your artwork is ready for production?
We can review your files, discuss technical requirements and advise on adjustments. Where more extensive artwork preparation or development is needed, this can be quoted separately.
IDEAS MADE TANGIBLE
Studio Roto
Rue de Chêne-Bougeries 24
1224 Geneva, Switzerland
Rue de Chêne-Bougeries 24
1224 Geneva, Switzerland
info@studioroto.ch
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