Design Help & File Guidelines

Mark’s Quick Printing, Inc. – Saint Louis, MO

To ensure the highest-quality printing results, please follow the file preparation guidelines below. Proper file setup helps us produce sharp, clean, accurate prints—whether you’re ordering business cards, banners, yard signs, T-shirts, flyers, or political campaign materials.

If you need assistance, our team offers professional design help, artwork cleanup, and file preparation services.

✔ Preferred File Formats

For the best output, we recommend submitting files in the following formats:

  • PDF (Preferred for all print jobs)

  • AI / EPS / SVG (Vector files)

  • PNG (High-resolution, transparent background)

  • JPG (High-resolution CMYK image)

  • TIFF (For photos and complex artwork)

Avoid screenshots, low-resolution images, or files saved from social media.

✔ Resolution Requirements

To ensure crisp, sharp prints, artwork must be:

  • 300 DPI for business cards, flyers, brochures, labels, stationery, etc.

  • 150 DPI minimum for banners, yard signs, posters, and other large-format items

  • 72 DPI is NOT acceptable for most print jobs

If your file is blurry, pixelated, or low resolution, we can help fix it upon request.

✔ Color Mode (Important!)

All artwork should be submitted in:

  • CMYK Color Mode for printing

  • RGB files may shift in color when printed

If you’re not sure how to convert, we can adjust it for you.

✔ Bleed, Safe Area & Margins

To avoid white edges or cut-off text:

Bleed

Add 0.125" (⅛ inch) bleed on all sides for:

  • Business cards

  • Flyers

  • Postcards

  • Brochures

  • Doorhangers

  • Labels

  • Stationery

Safe Area

Keep all important text, logos, and graphics 0.125" inside the trim line.

Large Format Products

For banners, yard signs, and posters, include:

  • 0.5"–1" bleed depending on size

  • Extra room for hems or grommets

If you’re unsure, we can set this up for you.

✔ Fonts & Text

  • Convert all text to outlines / curves

  • Or include the font files with your artwork

  • Avoid text smaller than 8 pt for most print jobs

  • For yard signs and political materials, use large bold text for maximum visibility

✔ Image Quality

For best results:

  • Provide original artwork whenever possible

  • Avoid sending screenshots, Facebook images, or low-quality uploads

  • Use vector files for logos and solid graphics

  • Use high-resolution images for photos and apparel designs

If your image is low-quality, we can attempt enhancement upon request.

✔ T-Shirt & Apparel File Guidelines

For custom apparel printing:

  • Submit artwork with a transparent background (PNG or SVG)

  • Use 300 DPI minimum

  • Avoid thin lines or tiny details

  • Submit designs at the actual print size (e.g., 11", 12", or 14")

  • Convert all colors to CMYK for accuracy

If needed, we can adjust sizing for youth, adult, or plus-size shirts.

✔ Political Campaign Material Guidelines

For political yard signs, banners, and doorhangers:

  • Use bold fonts for readability

  • Keep critical text large (campaign names, titles, slogans)

  • Avoid dark backgrounds with small white text

  • Make sure colors contrast well

  • Include legally required information if needed

We can help optimize your layout for maximum visibility.

✔ File Submission Options

You can send files in any of these ways:

  • Upload through our website

  • Email: service@mqprinting.com

  • USB drive (in-person drop-off)

  • Cloud links (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)

Always label files clearly with your name and project name.

✔ Need Design Help? We’ve Got You.

Our team provides:

  • Basic fixes (resize, bleed, alignment, color correction)

  • Artwork cleanup

  • Full graphic design services

  • Logo recreation

  • Campaign sign layout design

  • Business branding assistance

Let us take your idea and turn it into a professional, print-ready design.

Questions or Need Assistance?

We’re here to help.

Mark’s Quick Printing, Inc.
Phone: (314) 426-0419
Email: service@mqprinting.com