Coaster Guidelines & Specs
Artwork File Specifications
Below you'll find the specifications your coaster artwork needs to meet to be considered "print-ready."
Ideal file specifications:
- 100% vector graphics - EPS, PDF or AI
- CMYK Color Mode
- Design formatted in the correct and actual size of your coasters
- Maximum Dimensions = 120mm x 120mm (4.7" x 4.7")
- All fonts turned to outlines
- 1mm trim
- 1mm bleed
- Indicate the cut line on a separate layer
- Front and back artwork included - if you're leaving the back blank or a solid color, you should still include that in your file so that we know you didn't simply forget to send us the backside artwork
Acceptable file specifications
- Raster Image - PSD, JPG, TIF, JPEG, GIF, and PNG
- CMYK Color Mode
- Design formatted in the correct and actual size of your coasters
- Maximum Dimensions = 120mm x 120mm (4.7" x 4.7")
- 300DPI or higher
- 1mm trim
- 1mm bleed
- Indicate cutline as separate color on its own layer if PSD
- Front and back artwork included - if you're leaving the back blank or a solid color, you should still include that in your file so that we know you didn't simply forget to include the backside artwork
Bleed & trim example
What if my artwork doesn't adhere to the above specifications?
We can help you create, polish or properly format your coaster design for an additional, one-time Artwork Fee of $60. The Artwork Fee covers creating a new design from scratch, or taking your existing design and making it "print-ready" to meet the required specifications listed above to achieve the best printing results.
What if I'm not sure if it meets the specifications?
Don't worry. We'd never run an order that we knew would produce low-quality results. If there's an issue with your artwork - like the design being outside of the bleed zone or the resolution of your image being too low to produce a quality print - we will let you know before we begin manufacturing your order. We'll let you know what changes are needed and you can either have your designer make the necessary changes to meet the specifications or we can recreate your graphic for you for the additional, one-time Artwork Fee of $60 mentioned above.
Tips & Information for Coaster Designs
Because of the texture of the material and the slightly off-white color used as the base color of our custom coasters, the artwork can look slightly different when printed on the coaster vs. when viewed as a graphic file on your computer. Below you will find some tips to help ensure you're pleased with the end result.
Colors can sometimes print slightly muted
The paper used to make the coasters is meant to be absorbent. As a result, there can be minor muting of colors when printed. What this means is that a very "crisp" red may appear a hair duller than the original artwork. Most colors print fine and most customers never even notice, but we like to be transparent and make you aware of it before you order. You can see an example below.
Actual Artwork
Printed Coaster
The further away the subject of the photo is in the artwork or photo, the more the fine details being lost when printing the coaster might matter.
Photos print slightly different on coaster paper
Pictures can print a little bit differently on the paper used to make custom coasters.
Actual Artwork
Printed Coaster
The further away the subject of the photo is in the artwork or photo, the more the fine details being lost when printing the coaster might matter. Photo based coasters will print with the photo fairly crisp, but we recommend you not use a photo that is heavily dependent on fine details.
Larger fonts work best
Actual Artwork
Printed Coaster
When it comes to using fonts on coasters, the larger the font, the better. You'll note that 5pt and 6pt fonts are pretty illegible, and that 7pt and 8pt fonts aren't super clear. We recommend you use 9pt fonts and above for the best results in the printed design.