Artwork and Design

71 articles

How do I upload my files?

We recommend either simply uploading your files during the order approval process or submitting them to us at a later time. We generally can accept up to 150MB to be uploaded online per file. If you…

Updated 6 months ago by Marisa Sharma

What resolution should my files be?

Your files need to have a resolution of 300 dpi at the final size. If you do not have access to professional or adobe programs, then you can also calculate the number of pixels you need. For example,…

Updated 7 months ago

Can you print pantone colors?

Pantone or PMS colors will be converted to the nearest CMYK equivalents. We cannot exactly match PMS colors to CMYK, so please make sure you check your PMS colors against a CMYK conversion chart to g…

Updated 7 months ago by fitri.agarwal@4over4.com

What if my artwork is low quality?

If your artwork is low resolution we will either post a warning with your proofs if we deem is passable for print, or we will send you an email addressing what the issue is. This email will state "Pr…

Updated 7 months ago

Where can I get inspiration for a design?

Yes, we have various places for you to receive some inspiration on how to use our products to market your company or services. 1. 4OVER4.COM Blog : You can find and search for a wealth of information…

Updated 7 months ago by eunice.bautista@4over4.com

What are your recommended file sizes for images and photos?

Your files need to have a resolution of 300 dpi at the final size. If you do not have access to professional or adobe programs, then you can also calculate the number of pixels you need. For example,…

Updated 7 months ago

What is banding?

Many things can cause banding. Banding can be caused by the program that it is exported from, such as Indesign. Also, too many gradient steps, for example, going from a very light color to a dark col…

Updated 7 months ago by Emma Davis

What do I do if the shape I desire is not on the product page?

Our online die-cut products include shapes that we already have dies for. If you have a shape that you don't see online, we can quote you for the custom shape. Please visit our Custom Project Page or…

Updated 7 months ago by Marisa Sharma

If I upload a RGB profile, will the proof have pretty accurate colors to what will be printed?

All jobs are converted to CMYK before printing, and sometimes the conversion from RGB to CMYK can cause a color shift, but it is not on all colors. It is not possible to know until the conversion is…

Updated 7 months ago by Alexis Underwood

What if I want to print with more than 4 colors?

In the real world, this doesn't happen often. Like all other full-color printers, we print CMYK, also known as 4-color process. That is where the 4 colors come from. CMYK: stands for cyan, magenta, y…

Updated 7 months ago by eunice.bautista@4over4.com

What are the differences Between High Quality Print & Press Quality PDF presets in Adobe Acrobat?

Both the Standard and Professional versions of Adobe Acrobat enable you to create and fine-tune PDF files depending on if they will be used for low resolution online use, or high-resolution print pro…

Updated 7 months ago by Emma Davis

What is the process for creating a custom shape or order?

To create a custom shape a die-line file is required to show us where the custom cuts will be. This file needs to be provided in addition to the normal artwork files. A custom die is then created bas…

Updated 7 months ago by fitri.agarwal@4over4.com

How can I export a hi-res printable PDF correctly?

When exporting from any program such as Indesign or Illustrator, use these settings to make sure your.PDF files export correctly. Export settings for.PDF files Adobe PDF Preset is set to: Press Quali…

Updated 7 months ago by Emma Davis

Does 4OVER4.COM offer design services?

Yes!. Please contact our Support Team with your design request and make sure to include any images, logos, or artworks that must be incorporated into the design. A member of our art department will r…

Updated 7 months ago by Alexis Underwood

I am having trouble uploading my files, what should I do?

If you are having difficulty uploading your files or they exceed 150MB, then simply select "Upload Files Later" and continue to generate the order online. Here is how you do that. After adding an ite…

Updated 7 months ago by Marisa Sharma

What kind of changes can I request for my proof?

You can reject your online proofs and include any requests or additional information. Please note that if you are asking for us to make extensive edits that there may be an additional fee.

Updated 7 months ago

How much space should be left for bleed?

To take into account bleed your file should have an extra 1/8" bleed on each side. Follow link for specific instructions on how your file should be properly set up.

Updated 7 months ago by fitri.agarwal@4over4.com

I need help designing my business card

You can design your business card for FREE at 4OVER4.COM. Click on the link above, select what type of business card you wish to print, and then proceed to customize a design of your choice.

Updated 7 months ago by Alexis Underwood

What is the preferred format to send files to 4OVER4.COM?

We highly prefer print-ready PDF files , but other acceptable file types are.jpg,.tiff and.eps files. We can also accept native files from Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe Indesign. Howev…

Updated 7 months ago by Jessica Lowry

File Formats

We highly prefer print-ready PDF files , but other acceptable file types are.jpg,.tiff and.eps files.. We can also accept native files from Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe Indesign. Howe…

Updated 7 months ago by Marisa Sharma

What file types do you accept?

We highly prefer print-ready PDF files , but other acceptable file types are.jpg,.tiff and.eps files.. We can also accept native files from Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe Indesign. Howe…

Updated 7 months ago by Marisa Sharma

How do I set up my artwork for full bleed printing?

For a reference guide to set up your files, including an explanation of bleed, safety areas, and trim please click here.

Updated 7 months ago by eunice.bautista@4over4.com

Can I get a template of a product I can't find on the website?

Yes Of course.. While we look to try to have all our designs templates online, sometimes as new products are added, we may miss a couple. If you can't find the template you are looking for, simply re…

Updated 7 months ago by Marisa Sharma

Can I use my own logo, designs, and photos?

Yes! We accept press-ready art files. If you need a template for Photoshop, Illustrator, or Indesign you can use one that we provide. Simply search for the product you are looking to print to downloa…

Updated 8 months ago by Jessica Lowry

What are bleed, trim, and safety areas?

For a reference guide to set up your files, including an explanation of bleed, safety areas, and trim please click here.

Updated 8 months ago

Are templates available?

Yes! To find our templates please visit our Templates Page and select the product you are interested in. You can then download the template in the best format for your needs. If there is a template y…

Updated 8 months ago by Marisa Sharma

Do you offer slits (ex: for jewelry hanging)?

Any custom cuts require custom die-cutting. We are more than happy to price out any custom die projects. Either visit our Custom Project Page or use the link below to reach out to us. Contact Support…

Updated 8 months ago by Marisa Sharma

Can you resize my artwork for me?

If you would like for us to attempt to resize your artwork please reach out to us using the link below with the files and details. Whether or not we will be able to resize will depend on the nature o…

Updated 8 months ago by Marisa Sharma

What is the process for creating a custom shape/order?

Firstly, please visit our Custom Project Page for general information about the process. If you have additional concerns, simply reach out to our customer support team at the link below with a copy o…

Updated 8 months ago by Marisa Sharma

I have a design already, but it doesn't seem to fit your template. What can I do?

When formatting your artwork please keep in mind that the artwork must be properly set up with an 1/8" bleed on each side. All of our templates follow the correct setup for the corresponding product.…

Updated 8 months ago by Marisa Sharma

Rather than using your templates, do you have a graphic designer that can design something for me?

We can certainly look into any design or setup requests. Simply contact us using the form below with all the information and images for your project. Our art department will assess the project and pr…

Updated 8 months ago by Marisa Sharma

How can I save my Adobe Photoshop file as a PDF?

In short... Choose File > Save As, and then choose Photoshop PDF from the Format menu. You can select a Color option if you want to embed a color profile or use the profile specified with the Proof S…

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

How can I create a print ready PDF file in Adobe Illustrator?

Please refer to this excellent and informative article from Adobe.

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

What does PDF stand for?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format.

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

What is a print-ready PDF?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. Print - Ready PDF is a term used to describe a file that has all the specifications necessary to produce high-resolution printed output, without requiring any…

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

What are some common factors that prevent a file from being Print-Ready?

Common factors that prevent a layout file from being Print-Ready include…. Document sized improperly. Colors set to RGB instead of CMYK. Spot colors not properly defined. Not allowing ample margins (…

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

How can I prepare PDFs for 4OVER4.COM or other print service providers?

Please refer to this excellent and informative article from Adobe.

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

How can I create PDFs from text and image files?

Please refer to this excellent and informative article from Adobe.

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

How can I create high-resolution print-ready PDFs using Acrobat DC?

Please refer to this excellent and informative article from Adobe.

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

How can I package InDesign projects for printing & sharing?

Please refer to this excellent and informative article from Adobe.

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

Do I need to send a print-ready PDF or can I just send a standard PDF?

Standard PDFs are not print-ready. They may have poor quality images and colors, which may not print correctly or print at a very low quality. You will need to export your file or create high-resolut…

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

How do I make sure that my blues do not print purple?

When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values. Take the following example p[rintong 100% of both cyan and magenta. CMYK = 100/1…

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

Why does my business card crack around the edges?

Cracking of the edges of a business card sometimes occurs when the card contains high values of ink, as in dark colors. Here is a close up visual: This usually happens on a small amount of cards in t…

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

What is "rich black" and how can I can produce it?

Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may no…

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

What's the difference between the JPEG and TIFF formats?

JPEG: Joint Photographic Experts Group TIFF: Tagged Image File Format JPEG is a file format developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group from which it got its name. JPEG, unlike TIFF, is a lossy…

Updated 8 months ago

Is there an extra charge for bleeds?

No. Unlike some other companies, all our prices include full bleeds free of charge.

Updated 8 months ago by Emma Davis

I have a border or carefully centered graphic as a part of my design, are they going to be ok?

If centering your artwork is critical, we generally do not recommend borders. However, if the borders are to be printed, the borders should be at least 1/4" thick in order for them to appear even as…

Updated 8 months ago

Creating and Saving Designs: The Basics

Firstly, make sure the new document is created and opened at the correct bleed size. You can visit https://www.4over4.com/fileprep for specific bleed measurements for different size products. Also, m…

Updated 8 months ago

Design Color Settings

Most printing is done in CMYK color mode which is also known as the 4-color process. Your document color mode should also be set up in CMYK to avoid variations in the printing. Please note that you m…

Updated 8 months ago

Typography, Text, and Line Art

Generally, we recommend that all text be at least 8pt size based on using the Arial font for legibility. If you plan on using another font at 8pt size you may notice that it does not read well. We st…

Updated 8 months ago

Photo Size and Resolution

Please make sure that all photos are 300 dpi at the actual print size, or at the bleed size if they are printing edge to edge on the product.

Updated 8 months ago

Photo Color Settings

Pictures taken with a camera or displayed on a monitor are set by default to RGB color mode. All printing we do is done in CMYK color mode. If we receive images that are in RGB mode we will automatic…

Updated 8 months ago

Black and White

In CMYK printing, black (K) is really a very dark grey. If you wish for your file to be in black and white only, please set it to grayscale color mode. Please note that with this change you may notic…

Updated 8 months ago

Line Art and Text Recommendations for Spot UV and Foil

To ensure that Spot Gloss and Foil effects are applied properly, please use 10pt size or larger for fonts. Line strokes should be at least 1pt thick. Please also be advised that small gaps, thin stro…

Updated 8 months ago

Can I request a change after I approve my proof?

After a proof has been approved no changes can be made to the order. Once it is approved it automatically enters the production stage where it is queued and printed. Please review your order carefull…

Updated 8 months ago

How can I indicate a cut line in my artwork?

If you are working from one of our die-cut templates, we have guides included. Otherwise, if you are submitting a custom project that requires custom cuts, please include a separate dieline file for…

Updated 8 months ago

How do I increase the resolution of my artwork?

Rasterized images or pictures should be 300dpi at the intended size to print (or at bleed size if the image is meant to print to the edge of a piece). If you are working in Photoshop with an image, g…

Updated 8 months ago

How can I find the DPI of my artwork?

DPI, or dots per inch, refers to the resolution setting of your artwork. In photoshop, you can go to IMAGE -> IMAGE SETTINGS and an image settings box will appear where the resolution will be listed.

Updated 8 months ago

How do I upload multiple images when ordering?

Each item/product you have in your shopping cart will have upload links next to it. If you select "Upload Files" you will be able to upload multiple files to each item. Or, you can upload a zip file…

Updated 8 months ago

Can you print RGB colors?

No - all artwork received in RGB color mode will automatically be converted to CMYK. We will not be responsible for any color shifts that occur. We recommend you convert to CMYK on your end, inspect…

Updated 8 months ago

How much space should be left for bleed?

We require 1/8" bleed on each side of your document. Please visit the link below for more details on proper file setup. https://www.4over4.com/fileprep

Updated 8 months ago

Can I send you documents created in MS Word or Powerpoint?

Yes - However, we strongly recommend you convert all MS Word and PowerPoint documents to PDFs prior to sending them to us.

Updated 8 months ago

How well will my job match what I see on my monitor?

Colors on a monitor screen may not necessarily be indicative of ink on paper or other mediums. Your monitor's color calibration and brightness can also affect how you see your artwork on screen (or m…

Updated 8 months ago

If I have a border or carefully centered graphic as part of my design, are they going to be ok?

If centering your artwork is critical, we generally do not recommend borders. However, if the borders are to be printed, the borders should be at least 1/4" thick in order for them to appear even as…

Updated 8 months ago

What does "4/0", "4/1", or "4/4" actually mean?

4/0, or 4over0, means that the front of a piece has the four CMYK ink colors applied to it, while the back has no ink at all. 4/1, or 4over1, means that the front of a piece has the four CMYK ink col…

Updated 8 months ago

I created my files in a program other than the ones indicated on your site. What do I do?

We accept most popular file formats. However it is best to export all artwork to a PDF. This reduces any issues of us not being able to open someone's file if they are using a non-popular design prog…

Updated 8 months ago

I designed my files, but I'm not sure if I did it right. How can I find out?

Before we send your order to print, one of our print experts will review your files. We will let you know if there is anything that would prevent us from processing your order. If we find everything…

Updated 8 months ago

Can I have a frame or border around my image?

YES. However, it is strongly suggested that you do not use a thin border around your product. If you are designing your file with a border around the edges, it must be a minimum of 1/4" wide, plus th…

Updated 8 months ago

What is a bleed?

A bleed is a term used in the printing industry that simply means that there is printing going right to the edge of the paper. When that occurs, bleeds must be incorporated into your file. For exampl…

Updated 8 months ago

My image is 72 dpi, is that ok?

NO. Most web graphics are 72 dpi which is not a problem. But when it comes to printing, the images or files that you submit must be 300 dpi, at final size, to ensure maximum sharpness and quality. Fa…

Updated 8 months ago

How will my printed cards look when viewed up close?

All rasterized images should be 300dpi. Images below this resolution will print blurry and/or pixelated. If you are embedding images into other programs (such as Illustrator or InDesign). Please chec…

Updated 8 months ago

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