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File Formats FAQ
Here you'll find a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about file formats. Click on a question below to jump to the answer on this page. For other FAQ's by category, see our Help & FAQ's page.
- What file formats do you accept?
- Why do you prefer PDF documents?
- How do I convert my file to a PDF?
- How big should images be?
- Can you print a Mac file?
Q: What file formats do you accept?
A: Our preferred file format is PDF. See our File Formats page for more information and instructions for how to get the FREE PDF Creator program.
We also accept, .jpg, .tiff, .psd (Adobe Photoshop), .ai (Adobe Illustrator), .indd (Adobe InDesign), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, and Microsoft Powerpoint file formats.
Q: Why do you prefer PDF documents?
A: Properly prepared PDF files include embedded fonts and "freeze" the design and spacing into place. PDF's usually best retain the formatting and set up of your original document, and they are easy for us to print.
With Word, Publisher, or even other Adobe format files (such as Photoshop), we can run into problems if we do not have the font(s) installed that you used in your original. Some formats we may not even have the proper program with which to open them. Therefore, PDF's are the best option for matching your original file.
Q: How do I convert my file to a PDF?
A: If you have Adobe Acrobat (included with most Adobe Creative Suites), you can export or print to a PDF right from within your programs. See our PDF Settings page for information on what settings to use.
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat, there is a free program called PDF Creator that you can use. See our PDF Creator page for instructions on how to get it and how to use it to save your file as a PDF.
Q: How big should images be?
A: All images within your document should be at least 150dpi. For the best quality, we recommend 300dpi. If you need an image to be enlarged, 300dpi is the minimum resolution to use. If you are able to, provide us with an even higher resolution file for enlarging to poster-size images. See our File Formats page for more detailed information about resolution.
Here's a chart of common image sizes, and the printable sizes:
| Image Size (pixels) | Printable Size @ 150dpi (Better Quality) |
Printable Size @ 300dpi |
| 640 x 480 | 4.25" x 3.2" | 2.1" x 1.6" |
| 800 x 600 | 5.3" x 4" | 2.66" x 2" |
| 1024 x 768 | 6.8" x 5.1" | 3.4" x 2.5" |
| 1280 x 960 | 8.5" x 6.4" | 4.25" x 3.2" |
| 1600 x 1200 | 10.66" x 8" | 5.33" x 4" |
| 2048 x 1536 | 13.6" x 10.2" | 6.8" x 5.1" |
| 2560 x 1920 | 17" x 12.8" | 8.5" x 6.4" |
| 2816 x 2112 | 18.7" x 14" | 9.3" x 7" |
| 3264 x 2468 | 21.7" x 16.4" | 10.8" x 8.2" |
| 7200 x 5400 | 48" x 36" | 24" x 18" |
| 10,800 x 7200 | 72" x 48" | 36" x 24" |
Q: Can you print a Mac file?
A: Yes! Our designers are well-versed in both PC and Mac applications. Although 99% of our work is done with PC files, we have no problem working with Mac format.
Don't see your question or need more help? Email us or call us at 937-431-1982 for personalized help.