Print data creation
Create print data correctly
Only with correctly created print templates can we fully utilise our options and provide you with excellent advertising material in optimum print quality. Please note the following points when creating your print data:
PDF file
If possible, upload your print file in PDF format according to the PDF/X standard (X-1a; X-3 or X-4). It’s also possible to upload a JPG file.
Format
If there are any discrepancies between the print data created and the format ordered, your file will be adjusted to the dimensions previously chosen in the event of minor format deviations. Larger differences lead to queries and a delay in the production process. Please note the error messages when uploading files. Files at a scale of 1:2 and 1:10 are automatically recognised and adapted.
Trim
For error-free processing, your print file should include a trim of 5 mm as standard. For products with flat piping (rubber lip), the trimming required is 10 mm. If your print file does not have a trim, we create the edge trim ourselves and mirror your subject from the inside over the cut edge to the outside.
| Trimming | Standard | incl. flat piping (rubber lip) |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | 5 mm per side | 10 mm per side |
Resolution
The resolution of your print file is specified in dpi (dots per inch). For prints up to 1 m² we recommend a resolution of 70-90 dpi. Larger formats require a lower resolution due to their greater viewing distance, in this case, 50-70 dpi is sufficient. Lower resolutions may of course be printed at any time, nevertheless, the pixel structures become visible above a certain level. You will be informed of this during the professional data check. Please note that data that is, for example, on a scale of 1:10; also requires a resolution that is 10 times higher.
Resolution recommendations for display photo paper/self-adhesive films (post-production area; 1:1)
| Quality | sufficient | good | optimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 75 dpi | 120 dpi | 150 dpi |
Auflösungsempfehlungen Großformat/Planen (höherer Betrachtungsabstand)
| Quality | sufficient | good | optimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| File attachment scale | 1:1 / 1:10 | 1:1 / 1:10 | 1:1 / 1:10 |
| Resolution up to 5 sqm | 50 dpi / 500 dpi | 60 dpi / 600 dpi | 75 dpi / 750 dpi |
| Resolution up to 10 sqm | 40 dpi / 400 dpi | 50 dpi / 500 dpi | 60 dpi / 600 dpi |
| Resolution up to 20 sqm | 30 dpi / 300 dpi | 40 dpi / 400 dpi | 50 dpi / 500 dpi |
Safety distance
Place your content at least 5 mm away from the edge of the image; for banners and tarpaulins, the recommended minimum distance increases to 50 mm. This prevents your graphic elements from colliding with customisations, trimmings or frames during subsequent further processing and/or finishing. Full-surface colour layouts and background graphics, on the other hand, must extend beyond the edge trim to prevent the appearance of unsightly “flashes” in the print image.
| Safety distance | Standard | Banners and tarpaulins | Background graphics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance in mm | 5 mm from the edge | 50 mm from the edge | beyond edge trim |
Number of pages
The number of pages in your print file should normally be one page, where these settings only ever relate to one subject. In the case of double-sided products or double-sided systems, the print file can also consist of two pages and thus each page/area can be provided with a different subject. If your print file contains only one side, the same subject will be used for both sides/areas.
Exceeding the material width
If your data exceeds the maximum print width of the required material, the subject is divided into webs of the same width. Self-adhesive films are given an overlap of 10 mm; banners and tarpaulins are welded together to the ordered format. We produce rigid materials edge to edge without overlapping.
Colour
Preferably, create print data in the CMYK colour model (4c) and not in RGB mode. For any correct colour reproduction, the correct colour profile must be set as the output condition (output intent) or document profile. When saving your print file, use one of the two colour profiles, either “ISO coated v2” (www.eci.com) or “Coated Fogra39”.
Fonts
The fonts used must be embedded or converted into file paths. This ensures that the texts are displayed correctly in the subsequent print image.
Plotting/contour cutting (by cutting path)
To be able to use the “Plotting/contour cutting (by cutting path)” function, your print file requires a correspondingly created cutting path. This must be recognised and extracted by the processing software, otherwise it will be printed. To do so, create a closed polygon from vector lines and use the designations “CutContour”, “Cut” or “Punch” as the line colour name (special colour/solid colour).
Because a trim is also necessary in this case, your graphic elements should extend beyond the line. Always create data at a scale of 1:1 (max. 3.9 m x 3.9 m); scales of 1:2 and 1:10 are not recognised during this process. For rectangular formats, we recommend that you always use the page format function of your design programme and not the cut lines option.