Required file format: PDF X/1a

We require pre-ready PDF format files for print ad submission. Careful attention must be paid to the proper creation of PDF files to ensure that they will reproduce correctly.

Export the design document to a PDF file using the “PDF X/1a” or “Press Quality” Adobe PDF Preset. Using either of these settings helps ensure your ad is viable for high-quality print output.

Ensure images are CMYK (U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) V2) and 300 DPI resolution. RGB images will be converted to CMYK using the “U.S. Web Coats (SWOP)” color profile if the PDF file is exported using the “PDF X/1a” or “Press Quality” Adobe PDF Preset.

Make sure all fonts used are loaded and embedded into the PDF (exporting with the “PDF X/1a” or “Press Quality” Adobe PDF Preset will ensure this.)

Full ads should be created to correct ad size dimensions (Trim) with .125” bleed on all sides. Note: the “PDF X/1a” or “Press Quality” Adobe PDF Presets do NOT automatically set the bleed amount. Make sure to set bleeds to .125” on all sides before exporting. You can include crop marks, but this is not essential, as long as bleed is set to be included in the PDF file.

The ½ page horizontal ads size is meant to fit into the live area on the page, so there is no need for bleed on these ads.