Avoid Delays on CD, DVD or Blu-ray Orders: Follow These Top 5 Artwork Specifications

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1. Low-resolution files.

This is the primary cause for delayed CD, DVD, and Blu-ray orders. MediaXpress requires all images and files to be a high resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch) at the actual printable size. Art files saved at a lower resolution decreases the image quality and integrity, resulting in an unprofessional looking disc. If the original image/s was saved at a low-resolution, the quality cannot increase by simply resaving it to higher-resolution; the image/s must be scanned at 300 dpi or be a native 300 dpi file/s.

If you are unsure of the resolution for your file/s (or how to check it) refer to the Help menu of your design program. Or, please contact the MediaXpress Graphics team at: 612.872.8284 or 800.879.8273.

2. Bleeds and templates.
MediaXpress requires all images to have 1/8? bleeds past all edges to allow for any shifts or adjustments that may occur when setting up your CD, DVD or Blu-ray project. We also request that you use our disc templates (or refer to them) when preparing your artwork. This helps ensure the artwork:

 • is setup properly (i.e., proper sizes and printable areas), and • will print successfully onto the disc/s.

3. Missing fonts.

All fonts either need to be converted to outlines or submitted along with the artwork. Refer to the MediaXpress Graphic Specifications for additional details.

4. Missing linked images.
Some design programs only visually place the image in your layout, and actually require the separate file to either be embedded or available outside the program. Any linked images need to be supplied or embedded to ensure all images print successfully onto the ordered discs. Each design program has a different way of checking for this. For instance, Illustrator and InDesign have Links menus that list all placed images in the document. Please refer to your specific program to account for any missing linked images prior to submitting your artwork to MediaXpress.

 5. Spot colors (PMS) vs. 4-color (CMYK) process printing

Spot colors process printing uses various inks, referred to as PMS colors, that are mixed to the specific color you want to print. You may choose these colors from a swatch book to obtain a more accurate match. Spot colors printing process usually results in a more vibrant and truer color—which is best for large areas of solid coloration.

4-color process printing layers four different colors of ink (cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK)) to create a plethora of colors. Process printing gives you a wider range of print options and color flexibility. For best results with 4-color process, we recommend printing on a white background, called a flood coat.

Whether you’re ordering CDs, DVDs or Blu-rays, either color process works great. Both yield a professional, sophisticated look that will definitely make your discs standout and impress.

Please contact MediaXpress at: 800.879.8273 or info@mediaxpress.net to discuss your next project. From disc duplication and replication to manufacturing and packaging, you are sure to get the best results on any CD/DVD/Blu-ray project when using the industry experts—MediaXpress.


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