Design Questions

Although this is a simple question, this answer is not so evident.

• Pre-set products: adding a logo in the ink color choice available during checkout does not cost extra. However, if you want to order a product that only comes in black ink and your logo is red and black, we will provide you with a quote for a custom two-ink color product
• Custom products: since the price varies depending on the ink color(s) used, the logo will cost extra if it is in color
• Full color products: since the price includes any and all colors, the logo will not cost extra

We accept files for logos in the following formats: jpeg, gif, tiff, bmp, pdf, psd, ai, png, and cdr. 

All other files will need to be submitted as detailed below. Any other file type can be reviewed but will result in the order being delayed. 

Software	File Extension	Instructions
Multiple	.gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png	Only accepted for logos or custom imprints!
Adobe InDesign	.indd	Save file as EPS or send PDF
Adobe Illustrator	.ai	Outline fonts, save file as EPS or send PDF
Adobe PDF	.pdf	Make sure resolution is 300 DPI or more
Adobe Photoshop	.psd	Save file as EPS or send PDF
Canva	.jpeg, .png, .pdf	Make sure resolution is 300 DPI or more
CorelDraw	.cdr	Outline fonts
Mailed Copy	/	Original must be in optimal condition.  Scan fees apply.

We accept files for products with your own design that were created using graphic software or online design platforms as long as the file resolution is at least 300 DPI.

Any file not mentioned below may still be submitted for review, but this will result in the order being delayed. We can otherwise create the artwork, free or charge on projects up to 3 ink colors, based on a Word, Excel or even a drawn document.

Software	File Extension	Instructions
Adobe InDesign	.indd	Save file as EPS or send PDF
Adobe Illustrator	.ai	Outline fonts, save file as EPS or send PDF
Adobe PDF	.pdf	Make sure resolution is 300 DPI or more
Adobe Photoshop	.psd	Save file as EPS or send PDF
Canva	.pdf	Make sure resolution is 300 DPI or more
CorelDraw	.cdr	Outline fonts
Mailed Copy	/	Original must be in optimal condition. Scan fees apply.
Microsoft Excel	.xlsx	Only accompanied by PDF
Microsoft Word	.docx	Embed fonts, no Bing images or WordArt allowed

Artwork and/or images must always be at 300 dpi (dots per inch) in resolution or the print will be blurry and/or pixelated.

Even though an image may print fine on an office printer, presses are more accurate and the final result will be pixelated if the resolution of the file is too low.

To check a file's resolution, open it with one of the software below and follow the instructions given for that software.

All logos and files provided for custom printing should be at 300 dpi.

Software	Files Supported	Instructions
Microsoft Paint	Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png	Click Properties
Adobe InDesign	Will open .indd, .pmd, .xqx	Click Image > Window > Info
Adobe Illustrator	Will open gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .ai, .eps, .cdr, .psd	All imported images should be at 300 dpi. Click on each image > Window > Document Info
Adobe Photoshop	Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .psd, .pdf	Click Image > Image Size

Although we DO NOT recommend this and would rather have you start over (scan, draw or import), in some rare cases, the resolution of an image can be changed. In such a case, the image must be larger than the intended output. For instance, if you would like the final image to be 1 inch wide and you start with an image that is 4 inches wide, you will be able to reduce the file size (and thus increase the resolution) without affecting its quality. To change a file's resolution, open it with one of the software below and follow the instructions given for that software.

Software	Files Supported	Instructions
Adobe Photoshop	Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .psd, .pdf	Click Image > Image Size > Verify that image size is larger than desired output > Make sure "Constrain Proportions" is checked > Change resolution to 300 pixels/inch

There are 2 reasons to send us artwork:

1. You placed an order with us and could not upload it
2. You need a quote for a custom project

In both cases, you can email your file(s) to [email protected]

In the case of an order, please do mention your order number in the subject field of your email.

Due to the enormous amount of fonts available on the market today, we may not always have the font you would like on our system.<

Whether the artwork was designed on a Mac or PC, Postscript fonts and True Type fonts will work fine.

Sending fonts

Mac Fonts: Fonts are stored in the Fonts folder in the library. Every font used must be included with the artwork. We will need the fonts provided in all styles (regular, bold, italic, bold italic and condensed). DO NOT include the entire font library. The fonts used to process an order are removed from our system upon completion of the job.

PC Fonts: Fonts are located either under Fonts Settings. Search for the fonts used to design the file and temporarily paste them on the desktop. We need the fonts provided in all styles (regular, bold, italic, bold italic and condensed). DO NOT include the entire font library. The fonts used to process an order are removed from our system upon completion of the job.

If files are under 2MB, they can be uploaded during checkout or emailed to [email protected] .

To reduce the file size, you may compress your files.

If the files are over 10MB, they can be sent on a CD to the following address:

Smart Resolution
PO Box 4668
PMB 83245
New York, NY 10163-4668

Please keep in mind that this will delay your order.

Please refer to the software-specific instructions below to send us any font(s) you would like for us to use.

Software	File Extension	Instructions
Adobe Illustrator	.ai	Select All -> Type -> Create Outlines
CorelDraw	.cdr	Convert all Text to Curves
Microsoft Publisher	.pub	File -> Pack & Go for Commercial Printer
Microsoft Word	.docx	Tools -> Options –> Save Tab -> Embed True Type Fonts

Considerations for PageMaker users

When working in PageMaker, do not to use the style palette to alter the appearance of fonts. If you want bold or italic fonts, use the actual fonts. Do not to use the Shadow or Outline features as they will not work with our printing process.

Fonts might print fine on a desktop printer but not when sent to an image setter. We will not accept responsibility for output errors due to the use of the style palette.

Large Black Ink Coverage Considerations

When using large areas of black ink coverage in a file, it is always best to create a "Built Black" of 75% Cyan, 50% Magenta, 50% Yellow and 100% Black. Do not use rich black in your fonts. Any type using this color will be blurry.

We do, indeed. We offer FREE graphic design for orders printed up to 3 ink colors. This also includes the creation of custom imprint areas for pre-set products but most often, the creation of a product made from scratch, like a business invoice or laser check.

Full color products offer graphic design services at a cost. A quote may be provided upon request.

If you do not have the time or need for us to replace your order, we can certainly take it back. Please note that if your order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled. You will either have to refuse the order or send it back.

Printed Products: We will usually ask for unused printed pieces for quality-control.

Non-Printed Products: We will almost always ask for unused and non printed pieces back.

Return Procedure

Please ship your order back to the address below:

USPS

Smart Resolution
Order # _______ Return
PO Box 4668
PMB 83245
New York, NY 10163-4668

UPS

Smart Resolution
Order # _______ Return
3801 PGA Blvd, Suite 600
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Please mention your order number on the box. The purchase price of your order will be refunded to you upon receipt. This excludes any shipping costs incurred, except in the case of an extreme error on our part.

Create one file per printed side of the product you are ordering. The file should be sized at the correct finished product size.

Keep important text, logos, and graphics within the required safety margins:

• Business Cards: at least 0.125" from the edge
• Business Forms: at least 0.25" from the edge
• Envelopes: at least 0.25" from the top and sides
• Letterheads: at least 0.375" from the top and 0.25" from all other sides
• Postcards: at least 0.25" from the top and sides
• Presentation Folders: Include positioning instructions with your order or provide a physical sample
• Sell Sheets, Flyers, and Brochures: at least 0.25" from the top and sides

A bleed is required whenever ink, a background, an image, or another design element extends all the way to the finished edge of the product.

Extend your artwork beyond the trim edge on each side that bleeds. This extra artwork is trimmed during production and helps prevent an unwanted white edge.

Important bleed requirements:

• Text must remain within the required safety margins even when the background or graphics bleed
• Full-color letterheads and envelopes with bleeds require a custom quote
• Bleeds are not available on square-cut labels or static cling labels
• Artwork submitted without the required bleed extension may incur additional artwork charges

Yes, but borders require special consideration because printing and cutting tolerances can cause slight shifts during production. These shifts are generally minor, but a border can make them more noticeable.

For bleeding borders, extend the outside of the border through the entire bleed area. The inside of the border should extend at least to the required text safety margin. Thicker borders are recommended because thin borders may appear uneven or be partially trimmed.

For non-bleeding borders, keep the entire border within the product's safety margins. The farther the border is positioned from the trim edge, the less noticeable normal cutting variations will be.

Always refer to the appropriate product template for the exact bleed, trim, and safety-margin requirements.

We offer a free logo library that you can use on many of our products if you do not already have a professionally designed logo for your business.

Our library includes a wide selection of ready-to-use logos and graphic designs organized by business category, making it easy to find a style that fits your company or profession.