Christmas Cards

Submission specifications for Christmas cards

Add 3 mm bleed.

To allow leeway for cutting differences in production, always add a bleed of 3 mm around all edges of your design. Make sure colours, background pictures and layouts extend into the bleed area so as to avoid leaving white lines as a result of cutting tolerances.

Keep 4 mm safety margin

Keep all important text and images at least 4 mm away from the edge of the finished size. Exclusive finishes need to be within the safety margin

Use CMYK as the color mode.

Prepare your files using CMYK as the color mode, not RGB. Use colormode FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) for coated papertypes and colormode FOGRA47 (PSO Uncoated ISO12647) for uncoated papertypes. If you are unsure of the colour mode of your file, don't worry we can always convert this for you. Keep in mind this can cause the colours to differ from the original file.

Resolution of at least 300 dpi.

Make sure the resolution of the images and graphics in your artwork are at least 300 dpi.

Convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts.

Make sure you convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts when saving it to PDF.

Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Force Color Images to CMYK with a 260% ink limit (in Photoshop > Convert Color Profile > Photoshop 5 Default CMYK). Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats (PDF (1.4 or higher), TIFF, EPS, JPG). Deliver your files in one layer: the background layer.

Fonts should be at least 6pt.

Fonts should be at least 6 pt.

Use the right values for full color black.

Use Rich Black (C:63% M:52% Y:51% K:100%) for larger areas and text to get a deep black color. Do not use this value for text smaller than 15 pt or plain text. This can only be used in full color printing. For designing black smaller texts use 100% black.

Check line thickness

Lines should be at least 0.25 pt. Negative lines should be at least 0.5 pt.

Check your artwork on overprint.

Make sure no elements in your artwork are set on overprint. Unless you want this effect in your design. The degree of transparency in printing depends on the ink, material, and printing method used.

Keep 4 mm safety margin from the fold.

Keep all important text and images at least 4 mm away from the fold.

Save the file for folded products as spreads.

The sides of folded products have to be laid out in a file next to each other.

Make a little folded model (dummy) to check how the pages have to be.

Make a little folded model (dummy) to check how the pages have to be.

Make sure the alignment and the sequence of the sides are recognizable.

Make sure the alignment and the sequence of the sides are recognizable (we do not check your document in terms of content).

When Using Photo's

Please be aware that when printing photos there is a tendency for images to be darker and faces to be redder than intended

Using a border/frame is not recommended

Keep in mind that a minimal cutting deviation will be immediately visible in your product. The design will then no longer be centred, which may look strange.

Frequently Asked Questions for Christmas cards

What is this product exactly? And what can I use it for?

• It is a paper card which can be designed completely according to your wishes, and is available in various sizes and types of paper.
• 
  This product is used to / as:
• Distribute on events
• Personally communicate with friends or customers
• Notify others of your upcoming events

What is the fastest possible turnaround?

• The fastest possible turnaround for Christmas cards is:
• Next Day
• NOTE: only applicable for products which require your design: To make sure that your order is delivered at the indicated time, it is important that we receive your file with your design for the product, on time (also called cut-off time). In this way the product can be moved into production on time. The deadline is always communicated in the final step when putting your product together and in the box on the right which details your entire order.
• The cut-off time for your printed item may vary. This depends on the combination you choose. This has to do with the manufacturing technique and / or the order quantities.
• NOTE: The product delivery shifts a day every time the deadline for submission has passed. This is also the case if the file is rejected by us and corrected artwork isn't supplied before the next cut off time.

Which production techniques do you use?

• For the production of your Christmas cards we use the following production technique(s):
• 
  Digital printing uses four colours (CMYK) with toners and inks to print digital files. This option is comparable to large home printer, and is cheaper than ‘litho’ printing for smaller quantities. This is because there are less starting costs, less components involved, and no ink drying time necessary.

Which carriers are used for the delivery?

• For the delivery of your Christmas cards we use multiple carriers. Because of the highest reliability, in most cases we use UPS or DPD.
• Other carriers we use are DHL and even our own courier service. These carriers are used for certain products (depending on the size, the turnaround and the quantity).

I can't find the product I'm looking for. Can I request a quotation?

• The Christmas cards that is chosen in most cases can be selected via our website.
• 
  If your material type, weight, quantity, size or other specification is not listed, you can request a quotation. We will send you our offer within 1 working day.
• Depending on the complexity this can take a bit longer.

Will my Christmas cards be printed on both sides?

• No, your Christmas cards are not automatically printed on both sides. We offer three possibilities for your Christmas cards: Blank backside: Your Christmas cards will be printed on one side only. Note: You only have to send us the file for the front side. Personalised backside: Your Christmas cards will be printed on both sides. Both sides do not need to have the same design. Standard backside: Your Christmas cards will be printed on both sides. The front will have your design, and the back will have a standard postcard design. Note: You only have to send us the file for the front side.

Which materials can I choose from?

• The metallic materials in gold, silver and white have a lovely glittery look and is certain to add character to your design.
• The kraft material is made from 15 % recycled pulp with visible fibres and has a natural brown colour. If you go for this material, keep in mind that white and unprinted are will appear as the background.
• Pearl Marble is 300 gsm with a lovely fine glittery look and sparkles on an off-white background. This is often used for extra special memories, messages or events.
• 
  The Standard is 280 gsm thick and has a perfectly white colour. It is the best universal option as it is suitable for every design.
• 
  Glossy material is 300 gsm thick and comes with an extra layer of glossy lamination, which is great for a design with photos as it will bring the memory to life.
• 300 gsm biotop: this environmentally friendly paper has a classical look.