Serving UH Hilo and HawCC Faculty/Staff for all your Design and Print-Related Needs
File Preparation FAQ
What file types do you accept?
We prefer if you save your file as a high resolution PDF or TIF before sending to us. We can also print from Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, or high resolution jpeg files. If you use Illustrator, be sure to convert Pantone colors to CMYK and convert the fonts you use to outlines and send along any graphics that have been linked to your files.
We do not accept Microsoft Publisher files.
What is high resolution? How do I make my file high-res?
You need to create your project at at least 300dpi and the same size as your finished size. This reduces complications because the file does not have to be enlarged when it is printed.
What happens if my file is not the right size and/or not high-res?
If your file is too small or too low-res, it will not print well. For example, if you provide an 8.5×11 poster and want it printed at 11×17, it will be stretched out of proportion to fill the page when printed, and could possibly be bitmapped (pixelated/blurry) depending on the resolution. If we do not stretch it to fill the page, it will have to be printed at a proportional size, which will be smaller. Therefore, it’s necessary to create the file at the exact dimensions you want the finished piece to be.
What if I don't want my poster to have a white border when printed?
Bleed is a printing term that refers to the area of a layout that “bleeds” or goes beyond the trim marks or actual edge of a layout, usually 1/8” or more. A bleed needs to be included in your layout if you intend to have your design appear to print to the edge of your piece.
