File Specs for Printing Fine Art and Photography

Preferred File Formats
  • .tiff
  • .psd
  • .jpg
  • .png
  • .raw ( contact us before sending )

Please provide all files in 8 bits / channel.

16 or 32 bit files should be converted to 8 prior to uploading.

Print File Resolution

The preferred file resolution is 300 ppi. Your files should, ideally, be this resolution at the final print size that you intend to create.

We can accept files that are a lower resolution than this, and we can enlarge your files as requested, but it’s important to understand that this is not the most ideal situation and can result in a lower quality print.

We will let you know if your file is lower than 150 pixels/inch at final print size, as this is the lowest resolution we recommend for printing.

The quality of your print file is one of the most important parts of the printing process.

Generally, bad files = bad prints.

After you review this page, you may want to have a look at our reference on pixel dimensions and resolution for print files.

Color Space for Printing

We print in RGB. For best results, please convert your files to RGB ( Adobe 1998 ) prior to sending to us.

Your best bet for getting on the same page with us – in terms of color – is to view your print files on a calibrated monitor using Adobe1998 as your working space.

The color that is displayed on an uncalibrated monitor can be quite different from what we see on our studio monitors.

This is particularly important to be aware of if you are working with us from outside of Los Angeles, or if you are going to put in an order as direct-to-print with no proofing.

How to name your files before sending:

NAMING CONVENTION FOR FILES

“YourName_ShortTitle_PrintSize_Surface”

Which becomes, as an example:  JonDoe_AwesomeLandscape_24x36_MuseoMax250

GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • No special characters or quotes in file names. Only letters, numbers, and underscores.
  • No periods within the file name, other than at the end, for the file extension, for example: .tif is ok.
  • No spaces within file names. Use only _ in place of spaces.
  • Flatten all layered files
  • Send one version of each file unless discussed in advance
  • Resize your files for print unless discussed in advance

It is very helpful and will make your job run smoothly if your files are formatted and ready for print including:

  • Sized to Final Print Size
  • White Borders Added, If Desired
  • Color Space Assigned
  • Named Properly

When uploading files, please do not upload zip files or any file formats other than what is noted on this page. If you need to submit something that is outside of the spec noted on this page, please email us first.

When placing your order, you’ll receive a link to upload your files directly to our system.

For Laser Cutting, CNC Cutting, and Laser Engraving

Preferred File Formats
  • .ai
  • .pdf

For .ai files, all fonts need to either be outlined, or you need to provide us with all fonts, along with your file.

Color Space and Design Colors

Files must be in RGB as the color space.

For Cutting // All cut paths need to have a .072 pt stroke, and be Red 255, Green 0, Blue 0. [ #FF0000 ]

For Engraving // All elements for engraving need to be Red 0, Green 0, Blue 0. [ #000000 ]

.Ai files need to be separated into layers. Cut lines on one layer // Engraving on a separate layer.

PDFs saved from .ai files need to have been created with layers, as noted above, and preserve the layers when saving as PDF. The option for this says, “Create Acrobat Layers from Top Level Layers” – This box should be checked. It is only available if you select Acrobat 6 or higher on the Compatibility drop down menu.