Client File Submission Requirements — Trinity Press
Prepress Dept.

Client File Submission
Requirements

Please review all requirements carefully before submitting artwork to avoid delays.

Thank you for choosing Trinity Press. To ensure the best possible print quality and avoid production delays, all submitted files must meet the following requirements. Files that do not comply may be subject to correction fees or production holds.
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Preferred File Format

Required: PDF/X-4

All files must be submitted as PDF/X-4 — the current industry standard for print-ready files. This format ensures your colors, fonts, and images are correctly defined for press output.

How to save as PDF/X-4:

1
InDesign: File → Export → Adobe PDF (Print) → Standard: PDF/X-4
2
Illustrator: File → Save As → Adobe PDF → Standard: PDF/X-4
3
Acrobat Pro: File → Save As Other → Optimized PDF → PDF/X-4
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Color Requirements

  • All colors must be set up in CMYK or Spot (PMS) color mode
  • No RGB or LAB colors — these will be converted and may shift significantly on press
  • No Registration colors — Registration prints on every plate and should never be used for design elements
  • PMS colors: specify coated (C) or uncoated (U) swatches to match your substrate (e.g. PMS 286 C vs. PMS 286 U)
  • An ICC output profile must be embedded — recommended profiles: SWOP v2 for coated stocks  GRACoL 2006 for high-quality sheetfed
  • Black text should be 100% K only (not rich black)
  • Rich black for large solid areas: C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100
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Images & Resolution

Image TypeMinimum ResolutionColor Mode
Photos & artwork300 dpi at final print sizeCMYK
Line art, logos, barcodes600–1200 dpiCMYK or 1-bit
Screen-resolution imagesNot accepted (72–96 dpi)
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Document Setup

RequirementSpecification
Bleed0.125" (1/8") on all sides
Safety margin0.125" inside trim edge for all live content
Trim/crop marksMust be included
FontsFully embedded or converted to outlines
LayersFlatten all layers before export
TransparencyLive transparency accepted in PDF/X-4
OverprintsVerify all overprint settings before submission
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Spot Colors

  • Clearly label all spot colors, varnishes, die lines, and foil areas
  • Special finishing marks must be on a separate spot color layer (e.g. "Die Line," "Foil," "Varnish")
  • Use a non-printing color (e.g. 100% Magenta) for die lines
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Variable Data

  • Submit a master PDF for layout approval before data merge
  • Provide variable data as a clean CSV or Excel file
  • Field names must match exactly between data file and layout
  • Specify formatting for dates, currency, or barcodes
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Do Not Include

  • Double crop marks
  • RGB or screen-optimized images
  • Password-protected PDFs
  • Multimedia, audio, video, or interactive elements
  • Low-resolution logos pulled from websites
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Proofing & Approval

  • A PDF proof will be emailed for approval before printing begins
  • Hard copy proofs are available upon request (additional charges apply)
  • Written approval required (email or signature) before any job goes to press
  • Trinity Press is not responsible for errors approved by the client
Important: Jobs will not proceed to press without documented client approval. Please review all proofs carefully, including spelling, colors, and layout.
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File Submission

  • Email your print-ready artwork to orders@mytrinitypress.com
  • Include your job number, company name, and contact information with every submission
  • Accepted formats: PDF (Preferred), AI, EPS, TIFF, JPG, PNG
  • Maximum file size: 500MB per upload
  • For files larger than 500MB, contact us for alternate delivery options

Questions? Contact Prepress

📞 973-881-0690 x 119
📧 orders@mytrinitypress.com
🌐 www.trinitypressnj.com
Last updated: April 2026
Trinity Press Prepress Department