ARTWORK

What file types can I submit for my print ad?

An Adobe Acrobat print-quality PDF file is our preferred format. with fonts embedded and transparency flattened. 

What are the required file specifications for my print ad?

All fonts embedded and transparency flattened. Image should be 300 dpi or higher and in CMYK color format. If you’d like to send using a different file format, please contact your ad rep. for details.

What size should I design my ad?

Specification for all print and digital ads can be found via the links in the nav bar. Included in each ad size specification description is necessary Photoshop design templates for your convenience.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR PRINT AND DIGITAL MAGAZINE SPECIFICATIONS

CLICK HERE FOR DIGITAL AD SPECIFICATIONS

Where do I upload my artwork assets?

For all ad orders besides Showcase listings, you can upload your assets via our Client Center. Login with the email address and password provided to you by your sales rep. On the home screen you will see a box with the most urgent artwork needed. Click the order link to upload your assets.

Where can I find previous print artwork that I’ve run?

Print artwork that has previously run can be viewed in the Artwork Gallery of your Client Center. Click ‘Artwork’ in the left hand navigation bar, and then the ‘Artwork Gallery’ button in the middle of the page. From there, you can use the three dots to assign the ad to an upcoming issue.

When I look at the proof of my print ad, I see white lines and boxes that aren’t on my original file. Why are those there and what do I do?

Often referred to as “hairlines” or “light leaks”, the unwanted thin lines in your Adobe PDF are generally either caused by an element in your design with a transparency effect (including drop shadows) that have been flattened on top of another layer or a spot color interacting with a process color after flattening.

To diagnose whether what you are seeing will print, zoom in and out on your design. If the lines disappear and reappear when zooming then they are “hairlines” and will not show up during the commercial printing process.

Because “hairlines” are a display problem, according to Adobe, you can typically correct the issue by doing one of the following:

Option 1. Convert any spot color to process color in InDesign.

• Choose Window > Swatches to open the Swatches palette.
• Double-click the spot color to open the Swatch Options dialog box.
• Choose Process from the Color Type pop-up menu.

 Option 2. Turn off the Smooth Line Art option in Adobe Acrobat.

• Choose Edit > Preferences (Windows), or Acrobat > Preferences (Mac OS) to open the preference dialog box.
• In Categories > Page Display deselect the option Smooth Line Art, and then click OK.

Although there can occasionally be a perceived display issue, it is important to remember that flattening your file is required for ad submission. Merging or flattening a copy of your original file into a single locked and uneditable image significantly reduces the file size and converts the image into a format that can be correctly interpreted by the printer.  

Where can I upload my assets for my showcase listing? 

Showcase ads (such as the New Gear Showcase, the Holiday Gift Guide, etc) are a little different. Because PG staff compiles these guides, a separate info form is required to submit your assets. Please ask you Ad Rep. for your particular Showcase upload form. Or, you can find the form link via the showcase landing page in the navigation bar.

Can I submit a different ad for the digital magazine than I ran in the print magazine?

Yes! You can submit both files at the time of your print art submission, making note of which file is for which version of the magazine. NOTE: Digital magazine files can be in RGB color mode and must be at least 72 dpi.