Artwork Tips & Guidelines
General Notes About Printing Quality
Our duplication orders (projects < 1,000 units) are printed using a patented thermal printing technology to transfer glossy, high-resolution images directly onto the disc surface. We do not use press-on stickers or inkjet printing. The magazine-quality print has a durable finish, is scratch resistant, will not fade in the sun, and is waterproof.
Due to the nature of thermal printing technology, there can be a variation in color within orders, including separate orders and within any single order. Although we cannot guarantee color matching, our customers almost always find the print quality very pleasing and of high-quality.
If color matching is critical to your order, please contact us before placing your order.
Replication orders (projects > 1,000 units) are printed using either 1) CMYK offset printing or 2) silk screen printing. We use CMYK offset printing for full color disc images and silk screen printing for spot colors.
Inserts, printed sleeves and wallets and digipaks are printed using either professional digital printing or offset printing and are coated with a high-gloss UV polish.
Using Our Artwork Templates
When using our templates, be sure to turn off all mask layers, notes and guidelines before you upload the completed artwork. For CD, DVD and Blu-ray Disc artwork, this means your image should appear square without any circles or "cutouts" indicating the shape of the disc.
Any colors or images that you want printed all the way to the inside or outside edge of the disc (or insert) should extend 1/8" over the guide. This is called a bleed.
Critical information should be kept at least 1/8" from any edge so that there is no chance of being cut off. This is called a "safe area."
We are flexible in the types of files we accept and want to make the process easy for you. Our preferred file type is .EPS, .BMP or .JPG. If you wish to upload your files in native Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign files, please make sure you embed all links and images and outline (or rasterize) all text. This will ensure all of your type is in the correct font.
Font Size and Selection
When working with text in your artwork, it is best to use font size 6pt or higher. If the font is under 6 pts, you may be able to read it on your screen, but it can be difficult to read after it is printed. Sans serif, thicker typefaces (like Helvetica and Arial)– especially at smaller sizes – will produce better results than fine lined, decorative, serif typefaces.
Transparency and Gradients
It is best to avoid large, complex gradients. They can appear "blocked" or rigid when printed and will generally not be as smooth as they appear on your computer display. Smaller or shorter gradients are typically ok.
Computer displays are capable of displaying much more detail than printed products. For best results, transparency and tints below 20% should be avoided, as they can be difficult to see when printed, and in some cases, be lost all together.
