Already designed? We'll print it.
Print-Ready File Requirements
Submit your finished design and we'll handle the rest. Review these specs before uploading to avoid delays.
Bringing your own design
If you have a finished design, we can print it without a design fee. Submit your file using the order form and our team will review it before production begins.
Print-ready files must meet the specifications below. Files that do not meet our requirements may cause delays or quality issues. If your file needs adjustments, our team will contact you before proceeding.
Accepted file formats
PDF is strongly preferred. Other formats are accepted when they meet the resolution and color requirements below.
PDF (Print-quality)Preferred
Export as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 with bleed marks. This is the most reliable format for accurate color and font rendering.
TIFF
Accepted at 300 DPI or higher. Flatten all layers before exporting. Large file sizes are expected and acceptable.
High-resolution JPEG
Accepted at 300 DPI minimum. Save at maximum quality (level 12 in Photoshop). Avoid re-saving JPEGs multiple times.
PNG (300 DPI)
Accepted for designs with transparency. Must be 300 DPI at final print size. Screen-resolution PNGs (72–96 DPI) are not accepted.
Not accepted for print-ready submission
- Microsoft Word (.doc / .docx)
- PowerPoint (.ppt / .pptx)
- Canva PNG or standard PDF export
- Google Docs or Slides exports
- Screen-resolution images (72–96 DPI)
- Files with missing linked images
- Files with unembedded fonts
Resolution requirements
300 DPI
Minimum
300–400 DPI
Recommended
Resolution must be measured at the final print size — not the screen preview size. A 72 DPI image scaled up to fill an 8.5″ × 11″ page will print blurry even if it looks sharp on screen.
Photos embedded in your design must also be 300 DPI at their placed size. Enlarging a low-resolution photo inside your layout does not increase its resolution.
Bleed & safe zone
Bleed
0.125″ (⅛″) on all sides
Safe zone (keep content inside)
0.125″ from trim edge
Bleed is the extra area beyond the trim edge that gets cut off during finishing. Any background color or image that extends to the edge of the page must extend into the bleed area, or you will see a white border after cutting.
Keep all important content — names, dates, photos, and text — at least 0.125″ inside the trim edge (the safe zone). Content too close to the edge risks being cut off.
| Product | Trim size | Document size with bleed |
|---|---|---|
| Single-sheet obituary (letter) | 8.5″ × 11″ | 8.75″ × 11.25″ |
| Bi-fold program (letter flat) | 8.5″ × 11″ | 8.75″ × 11.25″ |
| Tri-fold program (letter flat) | 8.5″ × 11″ | 8.75″ × 11.25″ |
| Booklet page (8-page) | 5.5″ × 8.5″ | 5.75″ × 8.75″ |
| Prayer card | 4″ × 6″ | 4.25″ × 6.25″ |
| Bookmark | 2″ × 7″ | 2.25″ × 7.25″ |
Color mode
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the color model used by commercial printers. Submitting a CMYK file gives you the most accurate color match between your proof and the final printed piece.
RGB files are accepted, but colors will be converted to CMYK during prepress. Bright blues, greens, and oranges may shift noticeably. If color accuracy is critical — especially for photos — convert to CMYK in Photoshop or your design application before submitting.
Fonts & text
Embed all fonts
When exporting to PDF, enable "Embed all fonts." Missing fonts cause text to reflow or substitute, which changes your layout.
Convert text to outlines (optional)
In Illustrator or InDesign, you can select all text and convert to outlines/curves. This eliminates font dependency entirely.
Minimum text size: 6pt
Text smaller than 6pt may not be legible after printing. Names, dates, and body copy should be at least 8–10pt.
Avoid thin strokes on small text
Very thin fonts at small sizes can fill in or disappear on press. Use a slightly heavier weight for small text.
How to submit your file
Review these requirements
Confirm your file meets all specs: format, resolution, bleed, color mode, and embedded fonts. Files that do not meet requirements may delay your order.
Complete the order form
Use the Order Obituary Programs form and select "I have a print-ready file" when prompted. Include your quantity, paper stock preference, and any special instructions.
Upload your file
Attach your file directly in the order form (up to 10 MB). For larger files, email them to orders.farrismedianmarketing@gmail.com with your order number in the subject line.
Receive your proof
We send a digital proof (PDF) confirming your file printed correctly before production begins. Approve the proof to start your turnaround clock.
Production & fulfillment
Once you approve the proof, production begins. Turnaround time starts at proof approval. Pickup, local delivery, and nationwide shipping are available.
Questions about your file? Call us at (901) 921-0110 or email orders.farrismedianmarketing@gmail.com before submitting.
Common questions
- Can you fix my file if it does not meet specs?
- Minor adjustments (adding bleed, converting color mode) may be possible for a small fee. Major redesigns or reformatting are billed at our standard design rate of $75. If you need us to redesign from scratch, use the full order form instead.
- What if I designed in Canva?
- Canva files are accepted when exported as PDF Print with bleed enabled. In Canva, go to Share → Download → PDF Print, then check the box for Crop marks and bleed. Do not submit a Canva-generated PNG or standard PDF — those are screen-resolution exports.
- Do you offer a proof before printing?
- Yes. We send a digital proof (PDF) for your approval before any order goes to press. For print-ready file orders, the proof confirms your file printed correctly — it is not a redesign opportunity.
- Are there any fees on print-only orders?
- Print-only orders (where you supply a complete, print-ready file) are not subject to the $75 design fee. The $75 small-quantity fee still applies to orders under 100 copies, and any applicable rush fee applies if you request same-day or next-day service.
- What paper stocks are available?
- We offer 80 lb gloss text, 100 lb gloss cover, 80 lb matte text, and 100 lb matte cover as standard options. Specialty stocks (linen, uncoated, soft-touch) are available on request. Ask when you submit your file.
Ready to submit your file?
Use our order form to upload your print-ready file. Our team will review it and confirm before production begins.