File prep guide

Get your artwork press-ready.

Set your file up like this and it goes to press without a back and forth. If something here doesn't fit your job, ask us before you start.

Quick checklist

  • Bleed 3mm past the trim on every side
  • Colour CMYK or PMS. Convert RGB before you send it
  • Resolution At least 300dpi at final printed size
  • Links Include the linked images, or embed them in the file
  • Fonts Packaged with the file, or outlined
  • Proof Send a PDF or laser print so we know how it should look

Accepted formats

  • InDesign

    Preferred: A packaged .indd with the links and fonts

    Also fine: PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 with bleed and crop marks

  • Illustrator

    Preferred: An .ai file with images embedded and transparency flattened

    Also fine: EPS with the fonts outlined

  • Photoshop

    Preferred: Flattened TIFF at 300dpi, version 7 or later

    Also fine: A PDF is fine for a single image

  • QuarkXPress

    Preferred: The native file with links and fonts collected

    Also fine: PDF through Distiller with bleed and crop marks

Standard sizes (mm, trim size)

A0 841 × 1189 mm
A1 594 × 841 mm
A2 420 × 594 mm
A3 297 × 420 mm
SRA3 320 × 450 mm
A4 210 × 297 mm
A5 148 × 210 mm
A6 105 × 148 mm
DLE 99 × 210 mm
Business Card 90 × 55 mm

Set your document up at these sizes, then add 3mm bleed on every side.

How to send files

  • Email Anything up to 20 MB, straight to sales@lochiel.co.nz
  • Cloud storage Best for anything bigger. WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive, with sharing turned on
  • Physical media Drop a flash drive in to 9 Sultan Street, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051

Whichever way you send it, put a PDF or laser proof in with the native file.