File Setup Instructions for Photoshop CS2

Step 1 - Trim Edge
1/16" (.0625 of an inch) will be trimmed off each side of your product (example: a Standard Postcard will trim to 4.25" x 6"). Be careful of:
  • Elements too close to or over the trim edge.
  • Thin borders -- may appear uneven when trimmed.
  • Images bordering the trim edge -- Images should "bleed" off the page.
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*Borders should be .25" thick from the bleed edge (3/16" or .1875" from trim).

Step 2 - U.S. Postal Regulations
If you plan on mailing your postcards (or having us mail them for you), your back layout must meet U.S. Postal Regulations.
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Step 3 - Image Quality and Color
Good image quality and color makes a big difference when your order is printed:

good quality
Good quality/color		    bad quality
Yuck!

To prevent bad looking images your file(s) should meet some basic standards of quality and color:
Step 4 - "Rich" Black Values
In order for color side black borders, headlines, and text to appear dark and saturated ("rich"), you will need to set your CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) values accordingly:

   C = 90%
   M = 80%
   Y = 80%
   K = 100%

Be careful that black values that appear the same onscreen may actually be vastly different when printed:
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Go to Window / Color (F6), set the CMYK sliders, and apply your new color to all appropriate selections.
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Step 5 - Flatten Image
Please flatten your image (remove all layers) by using the fly-out menu in the layers palette and choosing "Flatten Image." (Or go to Layer / Flatten Image.)

Please Note: Failure to flatten your image prior to saving to PDF may result in text layers losing their fonts or vector layers dropping out on press!
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Proceed to Save / Export Settings
I have been using Modern Postcard for over 6 years and have never been disappointed. The quality is always top notch and the service has been overly helpful. I have purchased lists from a number of different printers over the years and Modern Postcard has been the most accurate and up to date. The mailing lists were easy to customize and have given us a great return. Working in non-profit it is essential to have the best coverage with every mailing, Modern Postcard has helped us achieve this. You are in good hands and won’t be disappointed.
Kevin Swed
Design Director, Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA