Design / Avoid using fonts smaller than 5 pt or with very thin lines — their printability depends largely on the smoothness of the chosen substrate. For creative papers with different front and back sides, please specify which side the design should be printed on. Gold and silver elements may not show well on very thin lines or small areas. For deep black areas, we recommend using CMYK 60/50/50/100.
Due to possible trimming inaccuracies, avoid using thin or unprinted borders around the edge of the menu card — even a 0.5 mm shift can make the border look noticeably uneven.
If you're using an online editor, keep in mind that while it's convenient, it may not allow you to export files suitable for professional printing.
Color / Please note that we cannot guarantee perfect color consistency for reorders, especially on creative substrates. For sensitive colors, we recommend placing a larger initial order.
Finishing / Since menu cards are frequently handled by guests, lamination can help protect against smudges and wear — it’s strongly recommended if you want a long-lasting product.
Glossy lamination enhances colors and is typically used for promotional materials. Matte lamination slightly softens colors but gives a more elegant look.
General Setup / The most reliable file format is PDF/X-4 — it ensures optimal compression and proper embedding of fonts and colors. All images should be in CMYK color mode and 300 dpi resolution at actual size. If you're using extra (spot) colors, the printable areas must be vector-based.
If your design reaches the edge of the print, include a 3 mm bleed. Crop marks should be 3 mm long and placed 3 mm from the edge.
Quantity / It’s worth ordering more than you think you’ll need — remember, menu cards are consumables, just like plates.