RushCopier File Setup Guidelines
To ensure your personalized products look exactly as expected, it is important that artwork and design files are prepared correctly before submission. Following these File Setup Guidelines will help avoid delays, additional costs, or quality issues.
Quick File Setup Checklist
Resolution: 300 dpi minimum at final size (for standard products)
Color Mode: CMYK, not RGB
Bleed: 1/8 inch (0.125″) required if artwork extends to edges
Raster Files: PDF or JPEG (for most paper and card products)
Vector Files: AI, EPS, or SVG (for plotter cutting, signage, or vinyl work)
Fonts: Convert to outlines/curves before submission
File Naming: Clearly identify product and size in each file
Proofs: Digital or hard copy press proofs available for an additional fee
Crop Marks: Not accepted on any product files
Borders: Not accepted unless specifically approved in writing
Accepted File Types
We currently accept the following file formats:
Raster Formats: PDF or JPEG — most often used for business cards, flyers, postcards, brochures, and other paper or card products.
Vector Formats: AI, EPS, or SVG — required for plotter cutting, vinyl lettering, large signage, or specialty personalization methods where scalability and precision are essential.
Resolution Requirements (Standard Products)
All raster images must be at 300 dpi at the final personalization size.
Low-resolution images (such as 72 dpi or web graphics) will appear blurry or pixelated and are not acceptable.
Large Format Printing Requirements
For large format printing over 12″ × 18″, files must be prepared differently than standard products:
Resolution: 150 dpi at the final output size (industry standard for banners, posters, and signage viewed at a distance).
Bleed: Include the proper bleed if artwork extends to the edge.
Color Mode: Must still be CMYK.
File Formats: PDF, EPS, SVG, or high-resolution JPEG (AI files are not accepted for large format output).
Optional 300 dpi for Large Format
We can produce large format projects at 300 dpi if requested. However, this requires longer production times and significantly more ink, which results in an additional charge. For most large format jobs, 150 dpi provides excellent results, and 300 dpi is typically unnecessary unless the item will be viewed at very close range.
Crop Marks Policy
RushCopier does not accept crop marks on any product files. Customers should provide files with the proper bleed included, but without crop marks, printer marks, or registration marks.
Including crop marks can interfere with automated workflows, create cutting inaccuracies, and is not compatible with our production process.
Borders Policy
RushCopier does not accept borders on products unless the customer acknowledges in writing that borders are prone to shifting during trimming, which is a standard limitation across all print shops.
Borders are not guaranteed to appear evenly on all sides.
If borders are absolutely required, RushCopier may offer a special traditional print process, which carries higher costs and may not be available for rush orders.
Customers must receive written confirmation from RushCopier before proceeding with any bordered design.
File Naming & Multiple Product Orders
To avoid confusion when submitting files for multiple products or sizes, please clearly identify each file by product name and size.
Recommended File Naming Examples:
RushCopier_BusinessCard_3.5x2.pdfRushCopier_Poster_24x36.pdfRushCopier_Tshirt_Front_Small.svgRushCopier_Tshirt_Back_Large.svg
Files that are not labeled properly may delay production or lead to mistakes in processing.
Color Mode & Matching
All files must be submitted in CMYK color mode.
Files created in RGB (the default for digital screens) will undergo conversion to CMYK before production. This conversion often causes drastic shifts in color, meaning the final print may look noticeably different from what is seen on screen.
Even with CMYK files, there may still be minor variations in shades, tones, and vibrancy due to the limitations of digital printing, paper stock, and ink absorption. These variations are standard across the printing industry and are not considered defects.
For projects that require precise color accuracy, we recommend PMS Pantone color matching (available at an additional charge). This service ensures consistent reproduction of specific spot colors, but must be requested at the time of order.
Bleed & Safe Zones
If artwork extends to the edge of the product, a minimum bleed of 1/8 inch (0.125″) must be included.
Keep important text and design elements within a safe zone (at least 1/8 inch away from trim edges) to avoid being cut off.
Fonts & Text
All fonts must be converted to outlines/curves before submission.
If fonts are left editable, substitutions may occur if we do not have the font installed, which can lead to layout changes.
Proofs & Approvals
Proofs are available as either digital proofs or hard copy press proofs.
Both types of proofs are subject to additional fees.
Customers are responsible for reviewing and approving proofs carefully.
Once approved, RushCopier is not responsible for errors (such as typos, layout, or design issues) that were visible in the proof.
Large Files & File Transfer
Files larger than 20MB should be compressed into a ZIP folder.
Large files may be submitted via cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer.
If submitting through a cloud service, customers must ensure that all restrictions are turned off. Files should be shared with maximum permissions (download and editing enabled) so RushCopier can access them without delays. Links with restricted access or locked permissions may result in order delays until proper access is provided.
Common File Setup Issues to Avoid
Low-resolution images pulled from websites or screenshots.
RGB color files instead of CMYK.
Missing bleed for edge-to-edge designs.
Fonts not converted to outlines.
Flattened files when editable layers may be required.
Files with crop marks or borders not approved in writing.
File names that do not clearly indicate product type and size.
Cloud links with restricted access or blocked permissions.
Canva for Commercial Printing
Many customers design with Canva. While Canva is easy to use, files must be exported correctly for commercial printing.
Set custom dimensions to match the exact final size of your product.
Add bleed if your design goes to the edge — but do not include crop marks. RushCopier does not accept crop marks on any product files.
Export as PDF Print.
Select “PDF Print” under download options.
Do not include crop marks.
Include bleed if needed.
Check “Flatten PDF” if available.
Canva files export in RGB by default. For color-critical projects, request Pantone color matching during your order.
Submit the PDF to us along with your order details.
Vector Files for Plotting & Routing
Certain personalization methods such as vinyl lettering, plotter cutting, laser cutting, engraving, and routing custom cuts require artwork to be provided in vector format. This ensures precise edges, scalability, and machine-readable paths.
Preparing Vector Files
Use professional design programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Inkscape.
Save or export your artwork in AI, EPS, or SVG format.
Convert all text to outlines/curves so fonts do not substitute.
Remove unnecessary effects (drop shadows, blurs, etc.) that cannot be cut.
Define cut lines with a separate stroke color or layer labeled “Cut Path.”
Ensure paths are clean, closed, and free of overlapping points.
Why Proper File Setup Matters
Correctly prepared files help ensure:
Faster production without delays.
Cleaner, sharper, and more professional results.
Accurate sizing, placement, trimming, and cutting.
Reduced risk of unexpected rework or additional charges.
At RushCopier, we want your personalized products to look their very best. Following these File Setup Guidelines allows us to deliver the highest quality results quickly and efficiently.
Important Color Disclaimer
Please Note: Colors displayed on monitors, phones, and other digital screens will not match final printed colors exactly.
RGB files will experience more drastic shifts when converted to CMYK for printing.
CMYK files provide more accurate results but may still produce slight variations in shade, tone, and vibrancy.
These variations are a standard aspect of all commercial printing processes and are not considered defects.
For exact reproduction, customers must request PMS Pantone color matching (additional fees apply).
By submitting files to RushCopier, customers acknowledge and accept these industry-standard limitations.