CardPress Artwork Guide
Artwork Policy & Requirements
Think of your artwork file like the blueprint for your final product. Better files create cleaner prints, sharper details, stronger color results, and fewer production issues.
300 DPI Minimum
Flat images must be high resolution at the final print size.
Vector Preferred
Best for logos, text, icons, borders, and clean graphics.
Print Color
RGB files are converted to CMYK before production.
Proof Carefully
Customer-approved artwork moves into production as approved.
Product Artwork Cheat Sheet
Different products need different artwork thinking. Here is the simple version.
Custom Playing Cards
- Use sharp artwork with clean edges.
- Keep important text and logos away from trim lines.
- Avoid super-thin borders close to the edge.
- Review spelling, card faces, backs, QR codes, and layout before approval.
Custom Poker Chips
- Small product, big impact. Keep the design clean.
- Bold logos and strong contrast print best.
- Avoid tiny text, thin lines, and overly detailed artwork.
- Use vector artwork when possible for the cleanest logo print.
Custom Puzzles
- Use high-resolution photos or large-format artwork.
- Avoid screenshots or social media images.
- Make sure the image is large enough for the final puzzle size.
- Bright, clear, detailed images usually create the best puzzle result.
Accepted File Formats
Native files are best. Flat files are acceptable when they are high resolution and built correctly.
PSD
Photoshop
Best for layered photo-based artwork and image-heavy designs.
AI
Illustrator
Best for logos, vector graphics, text, icons, and clean layout work.
SVG
Vector Graphic
Good for scalable logos and graphics when properly built.
JPG
Flat Image
Accepted only when high resolution and at least 300 DPI.
TIFF
High Resolution
Great for high-quality flat images and print-ready artwork.
How to Send Production-Ready Artwork
Follow this simple four-step process before uploading or emailing your files.
Start Native
Send the original PSD or AI file whenever possible instead of a converted file.
Check Resolution
Flat images must be 300 DPI at the final print size, not just enlarged after the fact.
Review Details
Check spelling, layout, crop areas, QR codes, logos, colors, and product selections.
Approve Carefully
Once approved, your proof is treated as production-ready and changes may delay the order.
RGB vs. CMYK Color
This is where screen color and print color can get confusing. Here is the simple version.
RGB
RGB means red, green, and blue. This is the color mode used by screens, phones, monitors, cameras, scanners, and digital files. RGB can look very bright because screens use light.
CMYK
CMYK means cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. This is the color process used for printing. CMYK uses ink, so some bright screen colors may print softer or more muted.
RGB to CMYK Conversion Disclaimer
CardPress prints using a CMYK color process. Any RGB files received will be converted to CMYK before production. Some bright RGB colors cannot be replicated exactly by standard CMYK printing. These colors are considered outside of the CMYK color gamut.
Translation: your neon-looking screen color may not print as neon. This is normal in print production and does not mean the printer is broken. Screens glow. Paper does not.
Quick Artwork Do’s & Don’ts
Save yourself time, proof delays, and avoidable print issues.
Do This
- Send PSD, AI, SVG, high-resolution JPG, or TIFF files.
- Use 300 DPI minimum for flat images.
- Send vector logos when possible.
- Keep important details away from edges and cut lines.
- Print your electronic proof at home to preview possible color shifts.
- Request a hard-copy proof when color matching is critical.
Don’t Do This
- Do not upload blurry screenshots or low-resolution web images.
- Do not stretch a small file and expect it to print clearly.
- Do not place tiny text on poker chips and expect easy readability.
- Do not rely on your screen as an exact color match.
- Do not approve a proof before checking spelling, layout, and product details.
- Do not send RGB files expecting bright colors to print exactly the same.
Have Custom Artwork Questions?
Send us your questions before production starts. Our team can help you understand file setup, resolution, color concerns, and what artwork format is best for your CardPress project.
Email sales@cardpress.com