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Welcome to NitroPrint's Help Center. We've compiled the most common information we think might be helpful in understanding a little more about the order process, how to set up your files correctly, as well as some other handy tidbits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):


Q.) How does NitroPrint handle my files? [back to top]
A.) All files go through a preflight process that includes checking the color mode, resolution, and the bleed and cut margin. Nitroprint is not responsible for graphic design issues such as corrupt fonts after they have been outlined or file setup for scoring, folding, and diecutting. We strongly recommend that you double check all files before they are submitted to our server.


Q.) What file formats do you accept? [back to top]

- Photoshop EPS (preferred)
- TIFF
- *PDF (see info below)
- Flattened Photoshop files
- JPEG

We do not accept:

- Publisher files
- Unflattened Photoshop files
- Miscrosoft Word files
- AI files (Adobe Illustrator)
- ID files (Adobe Indesign)
- GIF

PDF Files
We prefer not to have PDF files due to issues associated with text dropping out but we will accept them. If you are submitting PDF files we strongly recommend requesting an email proof. This costs nothing but may affect turnaround time. If you are exporting out of Illustrator as a PDF there may be associated issues if you have used transparencies.

Illustrator Files
We do not accept native (.ai) Illustrator files. If you are submitting anything exported out of Illustrator make sure that ALL fonts are converted to outlines. Also make sure that you have the document setup to the appropriate size (File/Document Setup).

Indesign Files
We do not accept native (.id) Indesign files. If you have Indesign files we prefer to have them exported as one of the file formats listed above.

Microsoft Word and Publisher Files
We do not accept Microsoft Word or Publisher Files. Due to the nature of Microsoft Word and Publisher files we strongly recommend using a different format for commercial printing.

If you are using anything aside from Photoshop, such as Corel Draw for example, please convert your files to EPS, TIF, or JPG.

If you have InDesign files we prefer to have them exported as one of the file formats listed above. For more information on File Submission Requirements please contact us.


Q.) What is the deal with fonts? [back to top]
A.) All files must have fonts either converted to outlines or flattened appropriately. Any fonts included with file submissions will be considered useless. If you send in a file that does not have the fonts outlined or flattened you run the risk of having the wrong font included in the final product. We accept no responsibility for missing fonts in any case (see Terms and Conditions). We strongly suggest that you double check your files before submitting them.

Q.) How do I set up my files with Adobe Illustrator or Macromedia Freehand? [back to top]
A.) It is very important that you do not have any text or graphics outside of the black outline of the artboard. If you do, Illustrator will include that information as a part of your actual job because it rates width and height according to available mathematical data. As a result, the job will be larger than intended. For this very reason do not include crop marks as they are unnecessary and will also make your file larger. If we have to rasterize and crop your work, appropriate fees will be included in the final price of the order.

Do not use your program's artboard as a white background color. If you do so Illustrator will "think" that your job is smaller than it actually is. If your design calls for a white background, create it using an object such as a rectangle or square.

Q.) Do I set up files for Offset Posters and Short Run Digital Posters the same? [back to top]
A: No. Offset Posters need to be set up with a bleed and Short Run Posters do not print a full bleed. If you are submitting a 11" x 17" Offset Poster you would be correctly submitting a file set up as 11.25" x 17.25" to compensate for the bleed. If you are submitting a 11" x 17" Short Run Poster you would be correctly setting up the file as 11" x 17" understanding that approximately .125" on the edge of all sides will be left white.

Q.) Why does NitroPrint strongly recommend bleeds ? [back to top]
A: If you submit your product without a bleed then you will receive a product that is trimmed slightly smaller than what you've paid for. The other downside is that you run the risk of receiving a product that may have a thin white line on any or all of it's sides. This is often a result of the paper shifting during the trimming process. This is avoided by setting up your product with a bleed. Submitting your files with bleeds costs nothing extra for the extra space used and helps make for good design sense.

We also highly advise using margins to buffer your text and imagery from where the product will be trimmed. NitroPrint takes pride in its quality of work so adhering to the rule of bleeds and margins helps insure a professional product. For a visual guide on bleeds click here.