FILE PREP

There are a few important details when it comes to preparing your files for submission. Give them a look because it will make the process from idea to completion so much smoother.

One template per file
Because we create one ticket for every potential template in the library, it causes confusion and errors if you have several designs within a single file. It makes it difficult for us to create a ticket and a dedicated folder for each template.

Don’t submit unapproved content
By submitting unapproved content, it only delays the process. We go through producing your designs and we put them in your library. Then you send them for approval and there may be aspects that could have been caught previously. This only delays how long it takes to get your content live.

Create an instruction layer
For Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign files,* it is extremely helpful to create a top-level layer with instructions as to what’s editable, what’s not, what is user uploadable, etc. We can turn this layer off for exporting of components.

Use layers to delineate editable and non-editable components
Layers in Photoshop, InDesign* and Illustrator can be used effectively to separate components in your design. By placing all optional/editable items on one layer and all base components on another makes it easy for us to “shut off” those editable items when exporting base design components.

Prepare a fully designed PDF of your design
It should be complete with placeholder images, dummy text, etc. When we create your template, we heavily rely on this PDF to get it just right.

Provide a properly proportioned social media image
Most social media sites will crop link post images to a predetermined proportion. Because template sizes and proportions can vary greatly, the social sites may display your content unpredictably. To ensure a consistent post, we recommend you provide a separate artwork file (jpg, png) that is designed for that proportion. Size should be a minimum of 600 x 315 pixels or proportionally larger up to 1200 x 630 pixels. We will target that image as the one used by the social sites.

Outline fonts in Illustrator files
Unless you provide all fonts with your submission, we are not able to create all the components necessary to build out your template.

Build multi-page documents as single pages
Don’t build spreads as one double-width page. In the system, all templates are created as single pages. You can use InDesign’s “Facing Pages” option to view as spreads when creating your document.

Provide fonts and linked files with InDesign files
InDesign does not typically “embed” these in the InDesign document. When we open your file, we cannot export the necessary components because of missing fonts or images.

Provide any link URLs or email addresses
If you have specific links within text or for images, please include them. You can provide them on the above-mentioned instruction layer.

Provide folder with any carousel items
For carousel options, please put a representative image in place in your PDF. Create a folder containing all the high-resolution options for the carousel. We will assume that the image you put in your PDF is what you wish for the default image. Please indicate if it is otherwise. Be sure each image will fit proportionately in the image area dedicated to the carousel.

Include bleeds in your documents and PDFs
Make sure your documents include the appropriate bleed. See our Design Guidelines for bleed information.

* See the “Downloads” for pre-configured InDesign files.

External Files

Your submitted Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign files are likely to have links to external image files. While you may think these images are actually embedded in your file, in reality, they may not be.

Fonts

The fonts you use in your files exist on your computer. When you send the files to us, we may or may not have those fonts on our system.

Package your assets

These external image files and system fonts are a good reason why you should “package” your files before submitting. Packaging will conveniently copy all linked external files and fonts into nicely organized folders that you can submit along with your primary file. InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator all have a packaging feature. You can find it under the “File” menu in the applications.