File Setup and Export Guide for Print

The purpose of this simplified guide is to help you fully prepare and format your design files, ensuring that you consistently achieve the highest-quality products when ordering from Artisaire Studio. A well-prepared file is the first step to receiving beautiful prints or premade seals without delays.

Before submitting your design files, go through this checklist to ensure everything is in order:

1. Dimensions: Check if the file has the correct dimensions, including a 0.25" bleed if necessary.

2. Color Space: Ensure that the file is in CMYK, the print-standard color mode.

3. Bleed: Verify that the bleed has been correctly utilized and that no crucial content is within the bleed area.

4. Fonts: Convert all fonts to vector outlines to prevent font-related issues.

5. Content: Compare your design to the recommended artwork, linework, and text standards for digital print or engraving. Look for any spelling or grammar mistakes.

6. Export: Hide or delete any guides and printer's marks then Save your file in PDF/X format.

Before placing your order, explore the instructional and prep resources available on our website. Download scaled templates for all available shapes and sizes of our Digital Print-method products. These templates are provided in PDF (.pdf) and Adobe Illustrator (.ai) formats, which is our recommended vector-based graphics software. They are prepared in print-standard CMYK color mode and include a viewable layer with crop, safety area, and bleed guidelines. If you're working on an original file, ensure you include a 0.25" bleed.

To import your template, either select "File" > "Open" and choose the file or drag and drop it directly into your Adobe Illustrator window.

Our templates provide simplified export instructions on Layer 3. After reviewing these instructions, you can proceed to place your design on Layer 1.

For Specialty Ink Print, indicate this by creating a labeled swatch/spot color (recommended CMYK value: C: 0, M: 100, Y: 0, K: 0, pure magenta). In Illustrator, create and assign spot colors by selecting the plus icon in the "Swatches" window, setting the CMYK values, and changing the "Color Type" to "Spot."

For variable data print, match the final quantity you're ordering to the number of pages in your PDF. If there's an odd number of designs compared to your order quantity, add the difference as blanks with static artwork for last-minute additions or alterations.

For wax seals, assign full-depth artwork a swatch of C: 0, M: 0, Y: 0, K: 100 and half-depth artwork C: 0, M: 0, Y: 0, K: 50. If depths haven't been indicated through labeled spot colors, all designs will be engraved at our full depth.

To assess the scale and positioning of your design and compare it to the safety area's boundaries, refer to Layer 2 to visualize the bleed and trim lines/edge of the seal base.

Before exporting, ensure that all text has been converted to vector outlines. This step is crucial to avoid font-related issues, as we may not have access to your used fonts in our library.

In Adobe Illustrator, convert fonts to vector outlines by selecting the text and choosing "Type" > "Create Outlines" in the menu bar or by using "Create Outlines" in your "Properties" window. Alternatively, use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + O.

Once you've completed the previous steps, delete Layer 2 and Layer 3, and export your file in PDF/X format.