Please read carefully: Virtually all delays in production are caused by incorrectly supplied artwork.
Our printers will only accept press ready PDF’s supplied using their templates. Any other format will be rejected.
If you are unsure about any of the artwork requirements – please contact us BEFORE submitting any artwork.
Templates are supplied in Indesign format. The templates are set up so they can be exported directly as PDF files. Use setting: PDF/x-1a:2001.
The Indesign documents have a template layer and an artwork layer.
All graphics should be placed so it appears on the artwork layer, on top of the template layer.
Do not turn off the template layer underneath.
Do not add any bleed or trim marks to the document, as these are already marked on the template.
VERY IMPORTANT: YOUR PRESS READY PDF’S MUST MATCH THE DIMENSIONS OF THE INDESIGN TEMPLATE PRECISELY.
DO NOT CHANGE THE DOCUMENT SIZE OR MOVE THE TEMPLATE LAYER
For example:
The PDF for the Booklet spreads MUST measure 291mm x 169.5mm
The PDFs for Backcards / Cleartrays MUST measure 201mm x 167.8mm
INCORRECTLY SIZED PDF’S WILL BE REJECTED.
For additional templates (digipaks, roll-fold booklets, etc.) please contact us directly with your requirements.
Please be as specific as possible when requesting additional templates eg. 4 panel digipak with pocket.
Please be aware there may be a small delay in supplying custom templates as we need to request these directly from our printers.
Guidelines for supplying print-ready artwork
Adobe PDF Settings: Use PDF/x-1a:2001
Please ensure either all fonts are embedded in your PDF settings or ensure all fonts are outlined.
All artwork must include 3mm bleed all the way round.
Artwork with insufficient bleed will be rejected.
The bleed area is marked on the template as a dotted magenta line.
The trim lines are marked by a solid cyan line.
Stitched booklets must be supplied as PRINTER’S SPREADS. For an 8 page booklet this means your layout would read
Page 8 & Page 1 / Page 2 & Page 7 / etc.
Layouts supplied as reader’s spreads or single pages are not acceptable and will be rejected.
All images must be minimum 300dpi resolution. Bitmap images should be 1200dpi minimum.
Colour images must be supplied as CMYK, not RGB.
Spot colours must be assigned correct Pantone references.
Barcode images must be 100% black on a white background to scan correctly. If barcodes are supplied as CMYK or RGB they will not scan correctly.
All distributed titles must carry a PHD logo (available on request) and the following text on the backcard:
Distributed by Plastic Head Distribution Ltd.
Avtech House, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 9DA
Email: info@plastichead.com | plastichead.com
Video Content:
For any video product to be sold in Germany, German law now requires that all media containing video content (CD, DVD, CDROM etc.) must now feature an FSK rating on the front of all packaging. Failure to comply will mean your product will not be sold in Germany.
The FSK rating must be incorporated into the artwork itself.
Stickers are NOT acceptable.
3rd party labels are responsible for contacting the relevant authorities to obtain the correct rating for their product.
FSK information, instructions and logos can be downloaded here:
CD On-body Artwork
Our pressing plant requires CD on-body artwork as high resolution press ready PDFs.
Ensure the centre hole is visible on your PDF.
Any pantones must be noted on the PDF.
Please specify whether you require a white or silver base.
Vinyl Templates
Please contact us directly for vinyl templates.
Uploading Artwork Files
Artwork can be sent directly to us using an online service such as www.wetransfer.com or uploaded to our FTP.
Please contact us directly for our FTP login details.
Please ensure you notify us whenever artwork is uploaded to our FTP. Failure to do so may mean your artwork will be overlooked.
Adrian Wear
a.wear@plastichead.com
Tel: +44 (0)1491 825029
Downloads:
• CD Templates
• FSK Logos
