General Design Tips
So you want to make sure your file is set up just right for us to turn it into a Scout Book? We appreciate it!
It's always best to set up your file in our design templates. You can get those here.
Here are some of the things to check first:
- There should be at least 1/4 inch margin between the artwork and the edge of the cover or page. If the artwork goes to the edge of the cover or page, it should extend all the way to the bleed line.
- The template guidelines should be on a separate layer from the artwork.
- All colors should be spot colors from the Scout Books swatches OR custom Pantone colors, not in CMYK.
- Type should be large enough to be readable at the size of the final Scout Book. That typically means no smaller than 6 pt font and larger than that if your typeface is thin/delicate.
- All images and text should be at a resolution of at least 300 dpi at the size it will be printed. The higher the resolution the better!
If you're using Photoshop:
- Please submit a packaged file which includes all fonts and images.
- Each ink color should have its own separate layer.
If you're using Illustrator:
- Please make sure that all fonts are outlined and images are embedded, and that the final file is saved as a PDF or as a packaged file.
If you're using InDesign:
- Please submit a packaged file which includes all fonts and images.
A few things to watch out for:
- Blue with navy and navy with black do not always provide enough contrast for design elements to be easily seen or text to be easily read when those colors run right up against each other.
- Our white ink is not super opaque— here’s a link to our Scout Book Ink Guide, to give you an idea of how our white ink looks on the kraft colored chipboard stock. Also, here are a few examples of projects printed using white ink: Nikki McClure, Jewish Food Hero, and 33 Books. The chipboard shows through white, so it looks best when surrounded by a darker color. Delicate design elements in white can blend into a chipboard background.
- Yellow ink is similarly tricky on chipboard, and delicate design elements in yellow may be difficult to see or read against chipboard.