Folder Design Cheat Sheet

web version: www.companyfolders.com/fdcs

IMPORTANT FOLDER TIPS PRINT-READY CHECKLIST

To ensure a print-ready design every time, make sure
Every Folder Should:
to follow the guide below.
1. Define who you are.
2. Entice audience to look inside.
3. Direct audience to contact information.
File Setup
Edit design using: InDesign, QuarkXPress,
Selecting a Product Illustrator or Photoshop.
• Review samples of stock, coating and print quality before you order. Save as .psd, .ai, .eps, or .pdf.
• For durability, choose a heavy stock; at least 80 lbs or 12pt. Design in the template your printer provides and
• Print on white stock for vibrant colors; for a color background, include it in keep it on a separate layer.
your design. Separate spot coated, foil stamped and embossed
• Printing on dark stock is not recommended; the translucent ink may end up imprint areas into individually labeled layers and
looking muddy and washed out. highlight each with distinctive color.
• Note that die-cut edges will be the color of the stock.
• Custom die-cuts are an often overlooked design element. Layout
• Prevent wear-and-tear with rounded corners, reinforced edges or Avoid placing logos or text near or through die-cut
lamination. slit areas.
• Standard pockets hold 30-40 sheets of 20lb paper; for more capacity, try Keep elements within 1/8” safe zone.
expandable or box-style pockets.
Photos and Images
Printing Method
• If design contains 3 or fewer colors, consider using PMS printing. Set all raster photos and images to 300 dpi or more.
• If design contains 4 or more colors, use 4-color process. Set all scanned bitmap images to 1200 dpi or more.
• For foil stamping, embossing or debossing, avoid fonts smaller than 12 pt Embed all images or package them along with your
and serif fonts. primary artwork file.
• Embossing works best on textured stocks with long fibers. Avoid heavy
Writing
stocks and gloss/laminate coatings.
• Limit use of orange and navy blue when using 4-color process. Proofread all copy elements for grammar, spelling
• For large black areas in CMYK: add 40% cyan to 100% black for a richer and clarity.
look. Convert fonts to outlines when using Illustrator or
• For blue areas in CMYK: add 30% more cyan than magenta for truest color. InDesign. Do not rasterize fonts when using
• Metallic and fluorescent colors are not achievable with 4-color process. Photoshop.

Fonts and Layout 4-Color Process

• Use sans-serif fonts for headlines and serif fonts for body text. Set design file and all images to CMYK mode.
• Avoid placing important text or logos on left third of front cover. Make sure PMS colors are converted to CMYK.
• Surround logo with at least 1/4” empty space. Add 1/8” bleed area.
Branding and Legal PMS Printing
• Verify that folder’s colors, design and messaging match company’s identity.
Verify that EVERY color is a PMS color.
• Be sure to include contact information.
Add 1/8” bleed area.
• Verify that folder is compliant with font and image copyright policies.

Test Printing and Proofing Foil Stamping

• Consider test printing your design as well as printing color separations. Make all elements at least1.5 pt thick.
• Print a reduced copy, cut it out and fold it into shape to ensure that Leave at least 1.5 pt space between elements.
elements fall on correct sides or panels. Do not place elements on score.
• Review your PDF proof for any inaccuracies. Apply a distinct color to represent each foil color.
• For added assurance, request a digitally printed laser sheet of your design.
Embossing and Debossing
For more tips, visit: www.companyfolders.com/blog
Make all elements at least1.5 pt thick.
Leave at least 1.5 pt space between elements.
Keep elements 1/2” or more away from the edge.
Do not place elements on score.
About Company Folders, Inc
Company Folders, the standard bearer of online folder printing, delivers
For more detailed information, visit:
absolute quality infused with the design knowledge of an advertising agency.
www.companyfolders.com/prc
3297 Orchard Lake Rd, Suite 203
Keego Harbor, MI 48320
Tel: 248.738.7600 | www.companyfolders.com © 2013 Company Folders, Inc. All rights reserved.