Media Junction currently accepts files in one of three formats, to ensure compatibility with our automatic work-flow system: EPS, TIFF, or PDF.

Acceptable file formats

To enable jobs to fit into our automatic workflow, Media Express currently accepts files in three formats: EPS, TIFF or PDF. There are specific guidelines for each file type:

TIFF - (Photoshop or other photo-editing software)
Should be 300 dpi. Create the file at the correct size for trim (plus 1/16” on all sides if bleeds). Do not include crop marks or printer’s marks. Must be in CMYK and flattened (no layers). Do NOT use LZW compression. (Get more details on how to properly construct your TIFF file here.)

EPS - (Illustrator, InDesign, Corel)
Set all fonts to outlines (curves). Be certain that any placed images are converted from RGB or spot color to CMYK. Create an area 1/16” larger (on each side) than final trim size for all jobs that have bleeds. If a job only bleeds off one edge, you should still include the bleed area on ALL four sides. Do not include crop marks or printers marks. (Get more details on how to properly construct your EPS file here.)

PDF - Many software programs will export files as PDF. We do NOT recommend this option unless you are confident that your conversion settings are correct. Otherwise we suggest you export or save your file as an EPS, then distill that EPS through Acrobat Distiller, using the Media Express templates, which you can download here. This will ensure that your fonts are all embedded, and any graphic files are resampled correctly. Be sure your source file is created properly, with the document size being the finished trim size PLUS 1/8” all around (1/16” on each side) for bleeds. Any graphics used in your file must follow the guidelines above for either EPS or TIF.

Fonts
We do not accept files which require fonts to be available on our servers. All fonts used must either be turned to outlines, flattened or embedded following the guidelines above.

Image Resolution
The optimum resolution for all files is 300 dpi. Even if your job contains black and white images, they should be saved as greyscale at 300 dpi. All images should be included at 100% scale (of the print size) and must be submitted in uncompressed TIFF format without layers (flattened). They must all be converted to CMYK colors. Remember, a higher-quality image resolution does not always result in better print quality. Excessive image resolutions (beyond 300 dpi) will only dramatically increase your file size and in most cases will not improve the print quality. Furthermore, it may require extra time to upload larger files.

Digital Camera Images
Start with a good image. A good print starts with a high-quality image. One that merely looks good onscreen is not enough. Here’s what to look for in an image file: Before you use images from a digital camera, make sure the camera is set at a high resolution to result in 300 DPI at the intended photo print size. Most cameras have various settings for resolutions. The highest resolution for your camera depends on how many Megapixels it has. You cannot increase the resolution of a photo after it is taken, except by reducing its dimensions.

Maximum Print Size

Minimum image resolution

3.5 x 2
1050p x 600p
4 x 6
1200p x 1800p
5 x 7
1500p x 2100p
8.5 x 11
2550p x 3300p

Best Format
Even if your image is high-resolution, you’ll still need to save it in the correct file format: TIFF. Always save your pictures in the TIFF format. Do not use LZW, JPG or any other type of compression offered by your software. RGB colors are used by most digital cameras and must be converted to Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMYK) colors. The color printing process only uses CMYK, so files color modes set up in Red, Green and Blue (RGB) colors may have unexpected results when being coverted to our Raser Image Processor (RIP) outputting filmwork. Media Junction will not be responsible for undesirable color result stemming from residual RGB images and their conversion to CMYK mode.

Internet Images
Images found on the Internet are typically at a resolution of 72 PPI in addition to being RGB. This resolution is far too low quality for printing and will produce very poor results. You are also taking a risk by using images without specific usage rights or permission that may be copyrighted or protected legal filing of a registered trademark.

CMYK vs. RGB
Color space is one of the most often misunderstood terms. Simply put, the offset printing process prints color in CMYK mode. (Pantone Spot color matching is another entire issue, not applicable to the Media Express printing program). Computer monitors display their colors in additive color theory in RGB color mode. When RGB is converted to CMYK color mode; the standard by which all offset process color printing is currently done, some RGB colors will be out of the gamut range that fall between the two quite different color space areas of the two different color modes. The Media Express digital workflow will automatically convert any RGB images to CMYK, but the results are unpredictable. We recommend you convert all images to CMYK at the standard for web offset printing (SWOP) setting prior to sending. This also includes any placed bitmap
images. That way you will have the most accurate understanding of how they will actually print.

Rich Black
In four color process printing large areas of black can appear thin or washed out due to only one layer of ink being put down. To help compensate for this ‘rich black’ should be used for large black solids. Media Express specifies a formula of 40% cyan, 30% magenta, 20% yellow and 100% black to produce a neutral rich black..

Black Text: Type is another matter. To assure clean appearing black text, type less than 36 points high should be sent as black only (100% black) with no other colors mixed in. Even for typefaces over 36 points rich black should only be used where the face
is bold or san-serif. Type to print in color do not have any special requirements.

Bleeds and Crop Marks
The document size for a product without bleeds should match the finished size of the product.

Example: a 4”x6” postcard with no bleeds would have a document size of 4”x6”.

For products with bleeds, you should allow 1/16” (4.5 pt) beyond the trim on each side. Example: an 8-1/2” x 11” sheet with bleeds would have a document size of 8- 5/8” x 11-1/8”. Live matter should be positioned ¼" in from trim.

We do not require any crop marks, printer’s marks or color bars on your document. (In fact, we would prefer NOT to have them.) The imposition software at ColorpointPrint works based on document centers, so any information left in the margins may throw
your job off center.

Preparation for Folding
The setup for most folded jobs is logical. If you require a half fold, your document would be divided into two equal panels. If you are using a right angle fold your document would be divided into quarters. Create a "dummy" of your job before submitting it to be sure front and back line up as expected (one or more of the "quarters" may need to be positioned upside down).
For a tri-fold there is a simple rule of thumb: If you are printing on 80# or 100# text, adjust the panels so the first folded panel is 1/16” shorter than the other two; for cover stock, the first panel should be 1/8” shorter than the other two. In addition, if your tri-folded job is vertical instead of horizontal, you may need to flip the copy on one or more of the panels to get the result you want. The correct positioning of your copy is critical for accurate results. Media Junction will run all two-sided jobs "head-to-head". The top of your document is considered the "‘head"’, so keep this in mind when building your files. This is most critical with vertical tri-folds and right-angle folds. ColorpointPrint will not be responsible for flipping back page copy or in any way manipulating your files. To be certain of the results, make a dummy before constructing your documents, then verify position with your online proof.