Are my files ready to be uploaded?

Please check your files for image resolution, bleeds, and fonts/text. Your files must be submitted at the correct size, including bleeds. Please make sure that all text is at least 1/8th inch away from the cut line and that all images and text are at least 300 dpi for rasterized images.

Are certain file formats better to upload than other file formats?

No. XcelPrinting accepts print-ready files in any of the following formats: .eps, .pdf, .psd. If you have an artwork file in any other format, we encourage you to create a PDF file (Acrobat 4 version 1.3) that can be uploaded to XcelPrinting.

What if my file has low resolution images?

If your file has low resolution images, you will need to replace these images before printing.

Low resolution images are usually anywhere from 72 to 250 dots per inch (dpi), and XcelPrinting recommends replacing low resolution images to ensure a high level of printing quality. It is impossible to increase resolution of a low resolution file since a file must be originally created at 300 dpi and remain at this resolution.

What resolution is needed for my files?

Resolution impacts printing quality since it determines the visual sharpness of your artwork. Since most computer monitors display images at 72-96 DPI, you may not be able to accurately view resolution of your printed piece from your computer screen.

For most printing jobs, 300 dots per inch (DPI) is the minimum resolution to guarantee acceptable printing results. For larger products such as large format posters and banners, we recommend sharper resolution which can range from 300 to 1200 dpi, depending on the intended use of the printed piece.

If an image was originally created at low resolution and you manually increase the resolution up to 300 dpi, this will not improve the quality of the image. The file must be originally created and saved at 300 dpi for the truest quality.

What if my file is missing fonts?

It is important that you supply all fonts used in your layout. If you do not supply fonts in your artwork file, we will request that you resubmit your files with fonts included. Alternatively we prefer that all the artwork submitted be flattened prior to submission.

If you have vector artwork and your file is missing fonts, you can open your file in Illustrator, select "Create Outlines", save your fonts, re-save your artwork file, and then upload it.

If you have artwork that is rasterized, you can open your file in Photoshop and select "Flatten the Layers", re-save your artwork file, and then upload it.

Please do not submit your fonts separately from your file because it is critical that we receive your print-ready file with fonts included to avoid any printing issues.

How do I convert text to outlines?

All text within your files must be converted to outlines with the outline set to zero to eliminate the need for fonts. If you do not convert text to outlines with the outline set to zero, we will request that you correct your file and resubmit it. You may want to review our file preparation guidelines in our Help Center.

How do I correct my file if it is missing fonts?

It is important that you supply all fonts used in your layout. If you do not supply fonts in your artwork file, we will request that you resubmit your files with fonts included.

If you have vector artwork and your file is missing fonts, you can open your file in Illustrator, select "Create Outlines", save your fonts, re-save your artwork file, and then upload it.

If you have artwork that is rasterized, you can open your file in Photoshop and select "Flatten the Layers", re-save your artwork file, and then upload it.

Please do not submit your fonts separately from your file because it is critical that we receive your print-ready file with fonts included to avoid any printing issues.

What are file extensions?

File extensions are three-digit designations at the end of a file name that indicate what format the file has been saved in. Common artwork file formats include: .eps, .jpeg, .pdf, .ps, .psd, .tiff.

What are file formats?

File format, which is unique for different file types, specifies how information is organized. Common artwork file formats that we accept include: .eps, .jpeg, .pdf, .psd.

What is Portable Document (.PDF)?

Portable document format or .PDF for short is a universal file format developed by Adobe Systems to preserve all fonts, formatting, graphics, and colors of any source document. PDF allows any file to be read by the Acrobat reader regardless of the hardware or software platform on which the file was created.

What is Encapsulated Postscript (.EPS)?

Encapsulated postscript file or .EPS for short is an Adobe Systems-developed file format. It is a device-independent PostScript representation of a graphic or other object. It stores files as vectors and includes a low-resolution bitmap representation for quick on-screen viewing.

What is Photoshop Document (.PSD)?

PhotoShop document or .PSD for short is a file format for documents created and saved in Adobe Photoshop as layered images, which makes editing different parts of an image at a later date far easier. It is the only file format supporting all available image modes (Bitmap, Grayscale, Duotone, Indexed Color, RGB, CMYK, Lab, and Multi-channel), guides, alpha channels, spot channels, and layers.

Please make sure you flatten all layers and save your files with flattened layers before uploading this file to XcelPrinting.com.