Once you make your selections and name the project, you will be asked to add your artwork in the following step.
The following options will be presented;
- "Artwork is complete and ready to be uploaded" - You have downloaded our design templates, completed your artwork to our specifications and simply need to upload it.
- "Use previously uploaded artwork from My Account" - Use completed artwork, that has already been uploaded to your account and has been completed to our specifications.
- "Design online" - You don't have access to offline design software and would like to assemble a basic layout using your own images, our royalty-free stock images and our online text tool.
- "No Artwork" - This surface will be blank.
Once a file is uploaded you will have the option to zoom in on the uploaded artwork, clear your artwork, or continue to the next step.
You can save your project at any time and return later to make artwork revisions or to place an order.
File Requirements and Preparation
Accepted File Formats: .PDF, .BMP and .JPG
Color Mode: Files will be accepted in CMYK mode. Final printing will be in CMYK, be sure to check for color shifts if submitting RGB files. (Note: Zoom previews may experience some color shifting on screen for CMYK files, the .PDF proofs provided on the approval page will reflect an accurate representation)
Resolution: 300dpi,
.PDF - Press Quality settings
.JPG - Maximum Quality settings
.BMP - Default settings
Fonts: Rasterize, flatten, or outline all fonts before saving your final file for uploading
Templates: Delete all template, guideline and note layers before saving your final file for uploading
*For color matching, PMS colors, and all other special handling requests, contact us prior to placing your order.
CD and DVD Disc Surface
Disc surface color and finish will vary depending on production type chosen. Duplication orders generally employ thermal transfer printing while Replication orders will utilize offset or silkscreen printing methods.
Color on Silver Setup and Notes
Duplication Orders: Color values for silver areas should be CMYK: 0, 0, 0, 0. Disc silver / transparent areas should have no color value at all. The duplication printing equipment searches for any color value and will print white if detected. It's recommended that you upload your file as either a press-quality .PDF or .BMP file, .JPG files leave artifacts of color that will end up printing white.
To confirm which parts are disc silver and/or white, click the "Zoom" button to preview your disc surface. Silver portions of your design will be displayed as a grey and white checkerboard pattern
Replication Orders: An illustrator .PDF containing vector artwork is preferred, with the fonts converted to outlines and press-quality settings. If white ink is required you will need to create a new spot color named "white ink", the color values can be of your choosing, everything seen on screen as white will be disc silver.
*The website is unable to detect PMS / spot colors in uploaded files. If your file contains, PMS colors, contact us prior to placing your order.
Contact us if you are unsure how to setup your project.
Black on Silver / Black on White Setup and Notes
Because of equipment limitations and processing guidelines, your artwork should be limited to black text and minimal coverage line art and logos. If your design includes large solid areas of black (e.g. white text with black background or larger blocks of black), you must choose "Full Color" or "Color on Silver" as your disc surface selection to ensure best results.
Contact us if you are unsure how to setup your project.
Design Online (CD and DVD Projects only)
Free Images
If you don't have your own images feel free to browse our library of royalty-free images. Simply choose a category and click on the image you want to use. Do not attempt to use any of these images if you choose "color on silver" for your disc surface.
My Artwork
You can also access previously uploaded artwork that is already in your account. Choose this option and your library of .BMP and .JPG images will be available for selection. You can also add new images to your account by clicking the "Upload Artwork" button and selecting your file.
*.PDF files and images in CMYK color mode are not currently supported by the "Design Online" option.
Adjusting Image Size and Placement
Select the layer you want to adjust by clicking on the mini-image in the layers list on the right. You'll see options available to reposition and scale the layer at the bottom of the page. Click (do not drag) on the design area to reposition and image (you may have to uncheck "Keep layer centered horzontally / vertically"), or enter scaling adjustments and click the "Update" button to see those adjustments. Enlarging an image past 100% of original size, will typically result in lower quality printing. It is best to avoid enlarging images if possible.
Adding and Adjusting Text Layers
Select "Text" on the left side of the page, enter your text in the box indicated, and make selections from the color, size, and font menus. Click "Create Layer" to see the text on the design surface and layer of text appear in the layers list at the top right of the page. To reposition your text, click anywhere on the design surface and the text will reposition. Checking the "Keep layer centered horizontally / vertically" boxes will center the text respectively. Click on "Update" to apply any changes.
Add a new text layer for each line of text with a different font, size, color, or location. This will allow you to modify specific text without affecting other text layers. To edit a text layer, click on the "T" image in the layers list that corresponds to the text you want to edit or move. All paragraphs of text are left justified, for centered or right-justified text, you can create a new text layer for each line of text, alternatively adding leading spaces within a text block to adjust alignment. Use the "Zoom" link to be sure you are satisfied with the placement.
