Summary: All files in the Print Templates category must be prepared for commercial printing. This article explains how Print Templates need to be prepared and the technical requirements expected for this item type.
Preparing your Item Description
Selecting a Category and adding attributes
Technical Requirements
- All files in the GraphicRiver Print Templates category must be prepared for commercial printing.
- All Print Templates items must be in PSD, INDD or EPS format.
- All text must be editable.
- Text cannot be smaller than 6pt.
- Your file must be CMYK color mode at 300DPI.
- Your file must have clearly labelled layers and organised swatches.
- Placeholder images and other included assets must be linked to the document and included in a separate folder.
- To be able to use any asset that you didn’t create, you must have the appropriate license. Remember, it’s the responsibility of the author to verify the copyright of assets used. Read our full article on using outside assets for more information.
- Files, layers and swatches must be organised and easy to use.
- If you wish to include areas of the design that require special elements such as die-cuts, folds and spot colors, make sure to clearly label them in your document.
- Die-cuts & Fold Marks should be placed on separate layers.
- Remember to name the layers appropriately.
- Spot Colors, UV & Foils should be an opaque element named appropriately and on a separate layer.
- As part of EPS and PSD Requirements - Add Guides to show printer’s marks and crop marks.
- EPS specific requirements:
- Link images to the EPS file (don’t embed) and provide them in a separate folder.
- The Document Raster Effects should be set to 300DPI.
Printer’s Marks
All items regardless of file type must have clearly indicated printer’s marks, as follows;
- Trim Line - This is the final size of your print template.
- Bleed - If the image bleeds (i.e., extends beyond the trim line), a setup of US ⅛ inch (0.125”) and UK 3mm must be used.
- Safety Margins - A safety margin of US ⅛ inch (0.125”) or UK 3mm inside the trim line is required.
See the image below for an example of correctly formatted printer's marks.
Photo credit: City by liufuyu
Common Print Sizes
The item’s attributes must accurately describe the file in the download. Your print template must include bleed in addition to the final print dimensions. Common print and bleed dimensions are listed below:
General Print Size:
Brochure Print Size:
Business Card Print Size:
CD/DVD Print Size:
Preparing your Item Description
When uploading your print template item, you will be asked to provide an item description. This appears underneath your preview image on the item's page, and is the first place customers will go looking for information about your item.
The item description must accurately describe the contents of the download, including:
- A description of the items included in the purchase file.
- A list of any assets, mockups, photos and other elements not included in the purchase fileNames and links to the fonts used.
- If PhotoDune images are used in the item preview, the name of the item and author with a link back to the item on PhotoDune. For more information, refer to this article.
- You must indicate the file extension and version (e.g. EPS 10) and the minimum version of Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign needed to edit the file.
- You should not include links to external, competing services, including items for sale on your own website. For more information, refer to this article.
Selecting a Category and adding attributes
Also on the upload form is a section called Category & Attributes. This area briefly describes the key details of the file for sale. The attributes you select must be an accurate reflection of the final item. Following are the inputs to be provided:
- Category - Select the category of the upload item.
- Graphics Files Included - List the main file and any additional file formats. If you have additional formats, describe how editable they are in the item description.
- Layered - Only set the file to Layered if the layers are editable and well organised.
- PSD - Flattened designs on multiple layers are not considered to be layered. The layers must have a level of editability suitable to the files contents.
- EPS - Vector files must have the main elements in different layers to be considered a layered file. Vector elements on one layer are not considered layered files.
- Minimum Adobe CS Version - This is the minimum version of Adobe CS, users will need to edit the main file in your download.
- Print Dimensions - This is the final size of the printed item (not the size including bleed) in inches.
Once you have got your print template file ready to sell, you should follow our guide to preparing your item for upload.