A properly prepared, high-resolution PDF is the preferred format for most print projects.

Before submitting your PDF:

• Use Adobe PDF (Print) when exporting from Adobe applications
• Export as single pages, not spreads
• Include 0.125" (1/8") bleed when artwork extends to the edge
• Select Use Document Bleed Settings
• Include crop marks when applicable
• Use high-resolution images — 300 PPI at final size is recommended
• Make sure fonts are properly embedded
• Verify all pages, artwork and content are final and approved
• Do not apply password protection or other PDF security restrictions

Important: Submitted print-ready PDFs are generally produced as provided. Changes or corrections requested after submission may require additional prepress time or charges.

Commercial printing typically uses the CMYK color process — Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. Proper color setup helps produce more predictable results when your artwork goes to press.

CMYK vs. RGB

Prepare process-color artwork and images in CMYK whenever possible. RGB colors are created for screens and may shift in appearance when converted for commercial printing.

Because monitors display color differently than printed ink or toner, some variation between what you see on-screen and the finished piece is normal.

Pantone® & Spot Colors

If your project requires a specific brand color, Pantone® (PMS) or another spot color, do not automatically convert it to CMYK. Keep intentional spot colors clearly identified in your artwork and let us know they are required.

Spot colors may also be used for specialty printing and finishing applications.

Black Text & Rich Black

For normal black text and small black elements, use 100% Black:

C: 0% | M: 0% | Y: 0% | K: 100%

For large solid black areas, use Southwestern Rich Black for a deeper, more consistent appearance:

C: 60% | M: 40% | Y: 40% | K: 100%

Avoid using rich black for small text or fine lines. Use 100% Black (K) for those elements.

Color-Critical Projects

If accurate color matching is important to your project, please discuss proofing and color requirements with your Southwestern representative before production.

Whenever possible, create your artwork at the actual finished size of the printed piece. This helps ensure that images, type, bleeds and other design elements reproduce as intended.

Finished Size

Set your document page size to the final trimmed size of the project.

For example:

Finished Size: 8.5" × 11"
Document Page Size: 8.5" × 11"
Bleed: 0.125" on all sides

The bleed extends beyond the document page — you do not need to manually increase the document's finished page size when the bleed is set up correctly in your design application.

Designing at Reduced Scale

Large-format projects may sometimes be created at a reduced scale, such as 50% or 25% of final size.

If your artwork is not created at 100%:

• Clearly indicate the scale used when submitting your files.
• Make sure image resolution is sufficient for the final enlarged size.
• Verify that bleeds and other production specifications are proportional to the scale.

Final Size Matters

Before submitting your artwork, verify that the document dimensions match the size shown on your estimate, order or project specifications.

If you're unsure about the correct document size, contact Southwestern before submitting your files so we can help you set up the project correctly.