Always check, before you order, if your print file is prepared according to our Artwork Specifications. This way you won't run into any surprises and HappyPrinting will be able to meet the expected delivery date.

Bleed and Trim Box

Files must be delivered with 01.25” bleed and must include a trim box. This edge outside the print area allows us to finish the print correctly and not leave the possibility for a ‘white border’ where it is not wanted.

Document boxes

If you use an application from Adobe, you can use various layout frames during layout. These 'boxes' have different functions.

Crop Box: This is the outer visible frame. Everything outside this box is not visible in a regular PDF.
Bleed Box: This is used to display the bleed/bleed frame. It is up to you how much bleed you use, but we require a minimum of 01.25” to be able to deliver correctly printed products. A bleed box will typically fall outside the crop box.
Trim Box: This box is the edge of the finished piece and is also called the 'digital cut line'. Many systems will take this framework as a basic format. The moment you show visible crop marks, it will do so based on the trim box.
Media Box: The most important content is normally done within this box. Normally, the media box is set to 0.1875” within the trimbox.

Resolution

If you use images, it is nice if the image is clearly visible, despite your editing. With regular printing, we ask you to deliver your images to the file with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI.

With large images, where you are actually further away, think of posters, advertising signs etc, you can deliver with a lower DPI with a minimum of 150 DPI.

Pages

Make sure that when your document(s) is/are submitted, it contains all pages that need to be printed. Pages must be delivered as separate pages in reading order in one file.

Pages formatted as spreads can not be processed. HappyPrinting considers sides as 1 page and should be formatted accordingly. See our working drawings for illustration.

Line Thickness

Make sure that lines and text do not fade or close when viewed at 100%. If they do, this will likely print the same way.

Warnings about Fonts:

Because there are countless font options, it is possible that your chosen font is not available at the print shop, and sometimes another substitute font will be randomly selected. This can lead to negative results, so we recommend two options to avoid this:

Convert fonts to outlines: Converting a font to outlines essentially means that you are turning the text into a graphic image. When you do this, the actual font itself is no longer necessary for viewing and printing, which means that the font cannot be substituted if the print shop does not have it.
Embed the fonts in your PDF: If fonts are embedded within the PDF, then they cannot be replaced when opened on another device.
 

Die-cut shapes and Contour Lines

It can be very useful to use auxiliary lines or forms so that it is easier to see how the printed material will look when finished. Unfortunately, these tools will be printed if these shapes and/or lines are within the file. If you want to show these shapes for illustration, make sure that you submit two files: one with and one without the lines and/or forms. Name the file clearly so that there is no confusion as to which one is to be printed. HappyPrinting cannot determine whether or not it should print the lines and/or forms.

Transparency

Transparencies can create strange distortions in your printed pieces, so we recommend that you flatten them if possible (flattening) and merge the layers to one layer. This prevents possible undesirable results in the finished piece. HappyPrinting does not check for transparencies. Unfortunately, only after delivery will it be clear whether a transparency has been used and/or the printed printed piece is correct. HappyPrinting is not responsible for checking transparencies.

Overprint

Overprint ensures that there are no white edges around letters when printing. If you use overpressure in other places, undesirable results may arise. Check whether overprint is present in your print work. With Adobe Acrobat (not Adobe Reader) you can easily detect overprint in your document.

Frames

Frames (also known as borders) in the document are only printed after a written commitment/warning during the ordering process. The smallest shifts in paper and printing could lead to frames being slightly off-center, as this is an inherent challenge in printing and finishing.

File types

We would like to receive your print files as print-ready PDFs (for large PDF files ZIP or RAR, if necessary). Make sure that the name of the pages is clear if you submit them as separate PDFs. For file types, ensure that the cutting data is visible so that we can check it. With our Graphical Editor, you can easily create PDF files for the product you want to order, using your own jpg, png and other graphics files. During the ordering process, you will be offered the opportunity to use the Graphic Editor. Do you encounter questions or problems when using our Graphic Editor? Feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you.

HappyPrinting does not accept print files supplied in Powerpoint, Word or other Microsoft Office applications.

Happyprinting can not be held responsible for undesired results as a result of incorrect files, including incorrect language and/or misspellings, incorrect colors or color conversion, grids, gradients etc. See our General Terms for additional information.