What type of files can I send to Crow Customs?

We recommend saving as a .PDF
You may also send the file in the following types: jpg, jpeg, psd, tif, tiff, eps, ai, and png
We prefer that you send .PDF and .EPS files with outlined fonts. These files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around.
Remember to add crop marks and flatten your files before uploading.


What color mode should my file be?

Please send all files CMYK.
If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job.
You should always start and finish your designs in CMYK color mode.

What resolution should my files be?

We only accept 300 dpi files and no less.
Low resolution files may be printed as is or will be placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turn-around.

How should I set up my bleed and crop marks?

Bleed must extend further than the cut line. Using one of our Crow Customs Templates can help you visualize this.
Please keep all text and anything you do not want cut at least .125" away from the cut line.

How much bleed do I need?

We require a minimum of 1/8" (0.125") bleed on all projects.
This will add 1/4" (0.25") to your overall image area, on both dimensions.
For example, if you wanted to print a 3.5" x 2" standard business card with image all the way to the edge,
you would need to submit a file 3.75" x 2.25".
Please view are tempaltes page.

What is bleed?

Bleed is the extended image area of your print job, that prevents unprinted paper from showing on the edges of your finished job.
We require an 1/8" (0.125") bleed, on all projects.
It is not practical to print the image exactly to the edge of your finished products.
Instead, additional image area is printed past where the item will be trimmed.

Why is bleed important?

In commercial 4 color printing, all final jobs are cut in stacks. The accuracy of cutting in stacks is never perfect.
Sometimes, the pressure on the stack from the cutting blade will cause a slight shift on the paper, losing the precision of the intended cut.
This is why bleed is necessary to compensate for the shifting.


Does Crow Customs accept borders on jobs?

Yes, but if the border is too close to the cutline, it may be cut off-center slightly.
We cut through many sheets at a time, so watch your borders to avoid an unwanted mistake.


How should I set up files for proper rotation?

Crow Customs requires Print Ready files with proper rotation. Files submitted are printed HEAD to HEAD as-is based off your files.
Make sure to set up your files so that when we print them HEAD to HEAD the final product will read the way you would like.
Also, front and back files need to be set up either both sides vertically or both sides horizontally.
For files not properly set up, Crow Customs will use best judgment and will not be responsible for improper rotation.

How can I avoid transparency issues?

Any transparency issue can be resolved before saving your file.
To prevent this, never use shadows, glows, or any other transparency (image or otherwise) on top of a spot color.
Always convert your spot color to CMYK and flatten before sending.

What is UV (Ultra-Violet) coating?

UV coating is a plastic-like extremely glossy coating that is applied to print to offer a durability and finish not available with AQ (Aqueous) coating.
UV coating hardens on the sheet by applying a high intensity Ultraviolet light.
If you prefer a super-glossy finish, this is your best option. Cutting accuracy also is affected slightly as it is hard to cut a stack of slippery sheets, even with cutting edge equipment, and sharp operators.

Can UV (Ultra-Violet) coating be written on or inkjetted?

No. This is the only coating we offer which cannot be written on. It does offer a extreme glossy finish,
but is not suited at all for jobs that need to be written on or inkjetting (usually for mailing).
If you need to write on your printed order, please choose a Matte or Dull finish option.



Should I send a proof or sample file?

NO! When sending artwork, do not send extra files, like proofs or samples, because they might get printed. Only send the files you need printed.
We are not responsible for these kinds of files being printed. Unless requested by one of our employees, DO NOT send files that you do not want printed.

What is overprint, and how can it ruin my file?

Primarily used to intentionally overlap inks for a number of reasons, overprint can cause unexpected results.
We suggest that you turn all overprint objects off before submitting your files.
In this case the logo was set to overprint. The colors from logo are mixing with the colors from the background.
Unexpected results may occur if you have accidentally set certain objects to overprint. Always check logos and other artwork before submitting.

Can I submit multiple files in one document?

No. We are now specifically set up to process one side at a time, and this requires that each side of a job must be on a separate file.
Not separating files will cause delays and you might have to send the files again. Remember to separate the pages of your .pdf files as well.

How should I set up a Spot UV job?

When creating a Spot UV job, You must include a Spot UV template file along with the regular full color file.
The Spot UV template file is used to show where the UV will be placed.
Use 100% K to indicate where you would like the UV. White will indicate no UV.

How should I set up files for silver ink?

Silver ink files must be sent in a vector format. You must use a vector program, like Illustrator or Indesign, to call out the object you want in silver ink.
To indicate the silver ink, you must set the object color to Pantone¨ 877 C. Any other color will not be accepted as silver.
Also, labeling the layer as "silver mask" or "silver" will not qualify your file.
Remember, silver is a spot color and transparencies like drop shadows should be avoided.

How do I make sure my blues do not come out purple?

When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values.
100% C 100% M 0% Y 0% K
Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple.


How do I get greyscale image in CMYK?

Grayscale images that are converted to CMYK will have a color shift in the final print. That shift may be green or yellow.
Always check the CMYK values of your grayscale in the final CMYK document. If there are other values other than K in your grayscale image, there is a chance that the color will vary.
To eliminate all values other than K, use your Channel Mixer (adjustment layer) in Photoshop, then click "Monochrome" and adjust accordingly.

What is rich black and how can I get it?

Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone.
If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as you might like.
We recommend using
C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100
This will give you a deep, dark, rich black.

Why does my business card crack around the edges?

Cracking of the edges of a business card sometimes occurs when the card contains high values of ink, as in dark colors.
This usually happens on a small amount of cards in the run. To prevent this, use lighter colors or if you must use dark colors, use as little ink as possible.

What is banding?

Many things can cause banding. Banding can be caused by the program that it is exported from, such as Indesign or Corel.
Also, too many gradient steps, for example going from a very light color to a dark color, in a small area will cause banding.
To prevent this, check your digital files before sending. If you use a gradient, make sure it has enough room for a smooth transition.

Why is there cracking on my scoring job?

When a job is coated with UV then scored and folded the job may begin to crack. During use, the cracks will become bigger and the ink may start to chip off.
Cracking is normal when coated jobs are scored and folded. Ordering the job without UV will help but may not prevent this. As the job is used and folded more and more, cracking will eventually happen.