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Don't Speak Printer?

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Fonts & Typography Guidelines

Typefaces play a critical role in how your project prints. Whatever fonts you use, be sure to include them with your artwork or flatten/outline the type. If you supply native documents, even if you package the project, make sure all the fonts are included.

 

Adobe Creative Cloud / Cloud Fonts
Using Adobe Fonts? No problem–just make sure they’re all still active. Some fonts may be unavailable within Adobe, or updated or removed over time. If a font can’t be accessed, it may need to be replaced or converted to outlines.

 

Font Formats
Many font formats have existed over the years, but only a few are reliably supported today.

Preferred:

  • OpenType (OTF) – most widely supported and recommended
  • TrueType (TTF) – older, but still acceptable.
  • These Preferred formats provide better cross-platform compatibility and consistent results

Legacy Fonts

PostScript (Type 1) fonts are no longer supported in modern design software. Files using these fonts may not open correctly or allow text edits.
We recommend updating older fonts to OpenType, TrueType, or Adobe Fonts to avoid issues.

Why does compression matter?

  • Compressing your artwork or files makes sending them faster, safer, and easier. Smaller files transfer quickly and help protect your work from corruption or lost data.
Important Note
  • Avoid uploading loose, uncompromised files through services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or WeTransfer. These platforms can alter files during transfer, which may break links or damage data.
Mac Users
  • Select your files or folders, right-click, and choose “Compress”
  • Older Mac versions: “Create Archive of…”
  • Optional: Stuff Deluxe – Supports Zip, RAR, SIT, password protection, encryption, and split archives.
Windows Users
  • ALZip – Free, fast, supports 36 formats 
  • Stufflt Deluxe – Zip, RAR, SIT, encryption, and split archives
  • WinRAR – Handles multiple formats, self-extracting archives, repair damaged files
  • WinZip – Supports Zip, RAR, CAB, TAR, and more
  • Tip: Stick to common formats like Zip to ensure smooth processing.
Quick Tips
  • Always compress files before sending
  • Share passwords separately if used 
  • Use common formats like Zip for easy access 
  • Avoid sending loose native files

Do I use white as a color in my work?

  • On standard white paper, white is not printed–the paper itself provides the white areas.
  • On colored or transparent materials, white ink is required to make white areas visible.

PDF Is Best

The best way to provide artwork files is a print-ready PDF.
  • We accept native artwork from the current and recent versions of Adobe Creative Cloud desktop publishing/design programs
  • There are many ways to create a PDF, and many different ‘flavors’ of PDF, and they aren’t all print-ready. Please note the ‘default’ presets included with Adobe software are very generic and are not regularly updated.
Print Ready PDF artwork should:
  • Print Ready PDF artwork should:
  • Be compatible with Acrobat version 8 or newer (PDF 1.7 or newer)
  • Be pages in reading order (Not spreads)
  • Include ⅛ (0.125) inch bleed (On all 4 edges)
  • Have fonts fully embedded (Not subset)
  • Marks (trim, bleed, etc.) are not necessary, but appreciated (Mark offset should be 0.16667 inch (12 pt) or more as to not interfere with bleed)

PDF artwork should NOT:

  • Be set to any “PDF/X” standard
  • Have overly compressed (downsampled) images (350 DPI is the goal)
  • Be locked, password protected, or otherwise secured to restrict editing and/or printing

General Guidelines

  • Artwork should be built to the finished print size.

Die-cuts

  • If the finished piece is a shape other than a simple rectangle (round corners, die-cut, folded and glued, etc.), the artwork should include a spot color ‘dieline’ showing the cuts, slits, and/or folds. The page should be the size of the flat dieline.

Bleed (If you have ink that runs off the page)

  • Bleed should be added in the document setup (as opposed to added to the page/art board size.)
  • ⅛ (0.125) inch on all edges
Multiple page documents
  • Multiple-page documents should be built as pages in reading order.
  • They can be arranged as ‘facing pages’ in the layout. Note: If the finished piece is ring or coil-bound, facing pages doesn’t allow for page-level bleed on the binding edge.

Thinking about a folded piece?

A fold is a great way to make a document more interesting to the viewer! With so many different kinds of folds, the possibilities are vast. Download our folding guide below to get templates, measurements, and even a folding calculator.
Download Folding Guide

A Minimum of 350 PPI

  • Photographic image resolution should be at least 350 ppi at final size.
  • If there are hard edges or high contrast in an image (such as architecture, reproducing a painting, or a face with a lot of character), higher resolution will preserve more of those details.
  • Logos and other hard-edge elements should be vector art (such as drawn in Adobe Illustrator). Vector graphics do not have resolution, because the shapes are defined mathematically rather than in pixels.
  • If you have no option but to use raster images for logos, they should be the highest resolution possible

The Pantone Matching System (PMS)

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a standardized color system used in printing. Each color has a unique number and name, which ensures colors can be matched precisely and consistently across all prints.

Why does this matter?
  • The PMS number tells printing devices exactly what color to produce.
  • Changing the swatch name or appearance in your software does not change the printed color.
  • Tip: Always use the correct Pantone number and don’t rename or alter spot colors–this ensures your printed colors match your design.

Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways. Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model. When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.
Download the Indicias file here:

What is an Indicia

An “indicia file” typically refers to the digital design file for a USPS Permit Imprint Indicia, which replaces stamps for bulk mail, allowing companies to print prepaid postage directly on mailers with specific required text (like “U.S. Postage Paid,” permit number, city/state) and often their logo (Picture Permit), ensuring it’s formatted correctly for automated mail processing.

Download Indicias file
I want to learn More about Direct Mailing

Why Mailing Guidelines Matter

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers extensive resources, along with more than 70 postal products and services, to guide businesses through mail design, data, and mailing requirements. DynaGraphic Printing helps simplify these rules and identify the options that best benefit your project—ensuring valuable postal automation discounts stay in your budget, not the production process. While many requirements are managed by the mail house, understanding key guidelines before designing your mail piece is essential. This Mailing Guide reflects DynaGraphic Printing’s ongoing commitment to improving timely, cost-effective mail processing and delivery.
Download the mailing guide

It’s Easy!

To get a quote use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.
Get a Quote!

Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?

Simple jobs are often completed in less than an hour. Some jobs, however, may take several days to complete depending on their complexity and size. We always strive to provide an accurate estimate of the turnaround time for each job we do. And we’ll always work with you to find ways to complete your project when you need it.

What is a proof? Why do I need to look at it?

In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

What is it?

A PDF Preset is a saved collection of settings that controls how a PDF file is created, balancing factors like file size, image quality, color, and compatibility for specific uses, such as web viewing, digital sharing, or professional printing. Instead of manually adjusting options like compression, font embedding, and color conversion each time, presets offer pre-configured templates for common workflows, simplifying the export process.

This makes your file exporting easier!

This PDF Preset is a step-by-step guide on setting up your PDF document exportation. This means you don’t have to worry about all of the complicated check boxes we discussed in the “Design Tips Section”
Download PDF Presets

Don't Speak Printer?

We have you covered

Fonts & Typography Guidelines

Typefaces play a critical role in how your project prints. Whatever fonts you use, be sure to include them with your artwork or flatten/outline the type. If you supply native documents, even if you package the project, make sure all the fonts are included.

 

Adobe Creative Cloud / Cloud Fonts
Using Adobe Fonts? No problem–just make sure they’re all still active. Some fonts may be unavailable within Adobe, or updated or removed over time. If a font can’t be accessed, it may need to be replaced or converted to outlines.

 

Font Formats
Many font formats have existed over the years, but only a few are reliably supported today.

Preferred:

  • OpenType (OTF) – most widely supported and recommended
  • TrueType (TTF) – older, but still acceptable.
  • These Preferred formats provide better cross-platform compatibility and consistent results

Legacy Fonts

PostScript (Type 1) fonts are no longer supported in modern design software. Files using these fonts may not open correctly or allow text edits.
We recommend updating older fonts to OpenType, TrueType, or Adobe Fonts to avoid issues.

Why does compression matter?

  • Compressing your artwork or files makes sending them faster, safer, and easier. Smaller files transfer quickly and help protect your work from corruption or lost data.
Important Note
  • Avoid uploading loose, uncompromised files through services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or WeTransfer. These platforms can alter files during transfer, which may break links or damage data.
Mac Users
  • Select your files or folders, right-click, and choose “Compress”
  • Older Mac versions: “Create Archive of…”
  • Optional: Stuff Deluxe – Supports Zip, RAR, SIT, password protection, encryption, and split archives.
Windows Users
  • ALZip – Free, fast, supports 36 formats 
  • Stufflt Deluxe – Zip, RAR, SIT, encryption, and split archives
  • WinRAR – Handles multiple formats, self-extracting archives, repair damaged files
  • WinZip – Supports Zip, RAR, CAB, TAR, and more
  • Tip: Stick to common formats like Zip to ensure smooth processing.
Quick Tips
  • Always compress files before sending
  • Share passwords separately if used 
  • Use common formats like Zip for easy access 
  • Avoid sending loose native files

Do I use white as a color in my work?

  • On standard white paper, white is not printed–the paper itself provides the white areas.
  • On colored or transparent materials, white ink is required to make white areas visible.

PDF Is Best

The best way to provide artwork files is a print-ready PDF.
  • We accept native artwork from the current and recent versions of Adobe Creative Cloud desktop publishing/design programs
  • There are many ways to create a PDF, and many different ‘flavors’ of PDF, and they aren’t all print-ready. Please note the ‘default’ presets included with Adobe software are very generic and are not regularly updated.
Print Ready PDF artwork should:
  • Print Ready PDF artwork should:
  • Be compatible with Acrobat version 8 or newer (PDF 1.7 or newer)
  • Be pages in reading order (Not spreads)
  • Include ⅛ (0.125) inch bleed (On all 4 edges)
  • Have fonts fully embedded (Not subset)
  • Marks (trim, bleed, etc.) are not necessary, but appreciated (Mark offset should be 0.16667 inch (12 pt) or more as to not interfere with bleed)

PDF artwork should NOT:

  • Be set to any “PDF/X” standard
  • Have overly compressed (downsampled) images (350 DPI is the goal)
  • Be locked, password protected, or otherwise secured to restrict editing and/or printing

General Guidelines

  • Artwork should be built to the finished print size.

Die-cuts

  • If the finished piece is a shape other than a simple rectangle (round corners, die-cut, folded and glued, etc.), the artwork should include a spot color ‘dieline’ showing the cuts, slits, and/or folds. The page should be the size of the flat dieline.

Bleed (If you have ink that runs off the page)

  • Bleed should be added in the document setup (as opposed to added to the page/art board size.)
  • ⅛ (0.125) inch on all edges
Multiple page documents
  • Multiple-page documents should be built as pages in reading order.
  • They can be arranged as ‘facing pages’ in the layout. Note: If the finished piece is ring or coil-bound, facing pages doesn’t allow for page-level bleed on the binding edge.

Thinking about a folded piece?

A fold is a great way to make a document more interesting to the viewer! With so many different kinds of folds, the possibilities are vast. Download our folding guide below to get templates, measurements, and even a folding calculator.
Download Folding Guide

A Minimum of 350 PPI

  • Photographic image resolution should be at least 350 ppi at final size.
  • If there are hard edges or high contrast in an image (such as architecture, reproducing a painting, or a face with a lot of character), higher resolution will preserve more of those details.
  • Logos and other hard-edge elements should be vector art (such as drawn in Adobe Illustrator). Vector graphics do not have resolution, because the shapes are defined mathematically rather than in pixels.
  • If you have no option but to use raster images for logos, they should be the highest resolution possible

The Pantone Matching System (PMS)

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a standardized color system used in printing. Each color has a unique number and name, which ensures colors can be matched precisely and consistently across all prints.

Why does this matter?
  • The PMS number tells printing devices exactly what color to produce.
  • Changing the swatch name or appearance in your software does not change the printed color.
  • Tip: Always use the correct Pantone number and don’t rename or alter spot colors–this ensures your printed colors match your design.

Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways. Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model. When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.
Download the Indicias file here:

What is an Indicia

An “indicia file” typically refers to the digital design file for a USPS Permit Imprint Indicia, which replaces stamps for bulk mail, allowing companies to print prepaid postage directly on mailers with specific required text (like “U.S. Postage Paid,” permit number, city/state) and often their logo (Picture Permit), ensuring it’s formatted correctly for automated mail processing.

Download Indicias file
I want to learn More about Direct Mailing

Why Mailing Guidelines Matter

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers extensive resources, along with more than 70 postal products and services, to guide businesses through mail design, data, and mailing requirements. DynaGraphic Printing helps simplify these rules and identify the options that best benefit your project—ensuring valuable postal automation discounts stay in your budget, not the production process. While many requirements are managed by the mail house, understanding key guidelines before designing your mail piece is essential. This Mailing Guide reflects DynaGraphic Printing’s ongoing commitment to improving timely, cost-effective mail processing and delivery.
Download the mailing guide

It’s Easy!

To get a quote use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.
Get a Quote!

Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?

Simple jobs are often completed in less than an hour. Some jobs, however, may take several days to complete depending on their complexity and size. We always strive to provide an accurate estimate of the turnaround time for each job we do. And we’ll always work with you to find ways to complete your project when you need it.

What is a proof? Why do I need to look at it?

In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

What is it?

A PDF Preset is a saved collection of settings that controls how a PDF file is created, balancing factors like file size, image quality, color, and compatibility for specific uses, such as web viewing, digital sharing, or professional printing. Instead of manually adjusting options like compression, font embedding, and color conversion each time, presets offer pre-configured templates for common workflows, simplifying the export process.

This makes your file exporting easier!

This PDF Preset is a step-by-step guide on setting up your PDF document exportation. This means you don’t have to worry about all of the complicated check boxes we discussed in the “Design Tips Section”
Download PDF Presets