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Binder Artwork Requirements & Templates: How to Prepare Your Files
Good artwork files are the difference between a smooth production run and a week of back-and-forth. Here's what we need — and what to do if you don't have it.
The short version
- Vector art (AI, EPS, or vector PDF) for logos, text, and line work — it scales cleanly at any size and separates cleanly for screen printing and foil dies.
- High-resolution raster art (300 dpi at final size) for photographic covers going to litho wrap or entrapment.
- Outlined fonts — convert text to outlines/curves so your typefaces reproduce exactly.
Templates
Binder covers wrap around a spine, so flat artwork must be built to a template with the right panel widths, spine width for your ring size, and bleed. Request the template for your exact binder size and ring capacity before designing — we supply them for every configuration.
Color
- Screen printing and foil: specify spot colors (PMS numbers) — that's how inks are mixed and foils selected.
- Litho wrap and entrapment: build files in CMYK; flag any critical brand color and we'll check it on press.
Don't have print-ready art?
Send what you have. Our team regularly rebuilds logos from letterhead scans, adapts existing brand files to binder templates, and advises on what will reproduce well in each decoration method — before anything goes to production. Every job gets a proof for your approval before we run it.
What happens after you send files
We preflight the art, flag anything that won't reproduce well, produce a proof, and only enter production after your sign-off. Production time starts at art approval — see our lead time guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file format should I send for custom binder artwork?
Vector files (AI, EPS, or vector PDF) with fonts outlined are ideal for logos and text. For photographic litho wrap or entrapment covers, send 300 dpi CMYK files built to our template.
Do you provide binder artwork templates?
Yes — templates with correct panel, spine, and bleed dimensions for every binder size and ring capacity. Request yours before designing so the artwork wraps correctly.
What if I only have a low-quality logo file?
Send it anyway. Our art team routinely redraws logos into clean vector form and will show you a proof before production, so you're never guessing at the result.
Will I see a proof before my binders are produced?
Always. Every order gets a proof for your approval, and production time begins only after you sign off on the art.