Prepress & File Specs

Files that follow these specs go straight to production — no prepress delay, no surprise charges. Not sure? Send what you have and we’ll flag anything that needs attention before work begins.

Cut & fabrication files (router, laser, knife)

  • Preferred formats: DXF or SVG for flat parts; STEP for 3D parts and assemblies.
  • Scale 1:1 with units declared in the file (inches or millimeters — just make it explicit).
  • Cut paths as closed vector polylines. Put through-cuts, engraving, fold lines, and drill locations on separately named layers.
  • Remove construction geometry, duplicate/overlapping lines, and title-block clutter from the cut file.
  • Flag critical dimensions and tolerances on a drawing — standard shop tolerances apply otherwise.

Print files (large-format flatbed & roll)

  • Preferred formats: PDF (print-ready) or AI with fonts outlined and links embedded.
  • Bleed: 0.125″ minimum on all trimmed edges; keep critical content 0.25″ inside the trim.
  • Color: CMYK working space; call out brand-critical colors as Pantone spot references and we’ll match on-press.
  • Resolution: 100–150 ppi at final size is ideal for large format (higher adds file weight, not visible quality at viewing distance).
  • White-ink and varnish layers: separate spot layer named WHITE / VARNISH, set to overprint.

3D print files (FDM & SLS)

  • Preferred formats: STEP for engineering parts; STL (watertight, correct units) also accepted.
  • Minimum wall thickness 0.04″ (1 mm) for SLS nylon; 0.06″ (1.5 mm) for FDM.
  • Tell us the load case if the part is functional — orientation and infill are chosen to match.

Sending files