Welcome to LAVA Prints Artwork Preparation Guide

Ensuring your artwork is correctly formatted for printing is crucial for achieving the best results. Follow these guidelines to prepare your artwork to avoid common issues and ensure the highest quality prints.

1. Choosing the Right File Format

   • Preferred Formats: Submit your artwork in one of the following formats: PDF, TIFF, EPS, or AI. These formats help preserve the quality and characteristics of your design.
   • Resolution: Ensure your artwork is set at a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for high-quality print output.
   • Avoid: JPEG files are acceptable but not preferred due to compression that can affect image quality.

2. Color Specifications

   • CMYK Mode: Artwork must be submitted in CMYK color mode to accurately reflect the ink colors used in commercial printing.
   • Pantone Colors: If you use Pantone colors in your design, please note that they will be converted to the closest CMYK equivalent. This might result in slight color variations.

3. Bleed Settings

   • What is a Bleed?: Bleed is the portion of your design that extends beyond the trim edge of the print. It ensures that no unprinted edges occur in the final trimmed document.
   • Bleed Requirements: Add a bleed of at least 5mm (about 0.197 inch) to each side of your artwork. This is essential for items like business cards, brochures, and posters.

4. Text and Font Guidelines

   • Outline Your Fonts: To prevent any issues with font substitutions, please convert all text to outlines.
   • Safe Margin: Keep all critical text and content at least 5mm (about 0.2 inch) away from the edge of the final print size to avoid clipping during the trimming process.

5. Image and Graphics Quality

   • High-Resolution Images: Use only high-resolution images to avoid pixelation. All images should be embedded into the document.
   • Vector Graphics: For logos and icons, vector graphics are preferred over raster images to ensure they scale properly and maintain clarity.

6. Proofreading and Final Checks

   • Proofread: Thoroughly check your artwork for any spelling, grammar, or layout errors before submission.
   • Print Preview: Utilize a print preview feature to see how your artwork looks when printed. This can help identify any issues with alignment, text, or colors.

7. Submitting Your Artwork

   • File Naming: Clearly name your files with your company name or project title for easy identification.
   • Upload Instructions: Use the file upload section on our website to submit your artwork. If your files are too large, consider using a transfer link from sites such as wetransfer.com to send us your files securely.

8. Professional Artworking and Design Services

   • Enhance Your Project: For those seeking a professional touch, our team offers paid artworking and design services to refine your visuals and prepare your print-ready files. Investing in our services ensures your artwork not only meets industry standards but also stands out with exceptional quality.