DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

IMPORTANT: please read our Design Specifications before submitting your art. We've added a
downloadable Design Specifications PDF for your convenience. We also recommend that you read
our newly-added tutorial Top 10 Design Mistakes…and How to Avoid Them.

Failure to meet the following specifications may result in additional charges and productions delays. If
you have never designed a CD or DVD project before, we strongly recommend that you hire an experienced
designer or have Groove House Records create your graphics. Your submitted files must be in their final
form. If your artwork files require changes and corrections after you submit them, you will be billed at a rate
of $85 per hour with a minimum charge of $50. Please call or email if you have any questions.

Acceptable applications: QuarkXpress (up to 6.5), Adobe Illustrator (up to CS2), or Adobe InDesign (up to
CS2). Do not use Photoshop for layout or text.

Acceptable platforms: Mac and PC. PC files take longer to prepare and may delay your job.

Templates: You must download these from our website. Orders with artwork not placed in Groove House
Records templates will incur $85 prep charge and could delay your project. Red (outermost) line represents
bleed, blue (center) line represents the cut, green (inside) line represents text safety margin.


PRINT MATERIALS (Folders, Booklets, Traycards, Digipaks, Sleeves, DVD wraps and inserts)

Acceptable file formats: Save your LAYOUT in its native format (AI for Illustrator, QXD for QuarkXpress,
INDD for InDesign). Save your IMAGES as TIF or EPS files. Do not use PICTs, GIFs, JPEGs, PSDs, PDFs
or LZW. Include all images used in the layout as separate (linked) files. If you are saving a Photoshop
EPS, use Mac 8-bit and binary settings.

Image resolution: 300 dpi

Colors: CMYK or grayscale only. RGB files will not be accepted. For rich black we recommend maximum values of 60% Cyan, 50% Magenta, 50% Yellow, 100% Black. In order for fine details to print clearly, you
must keep your total CMYK values under 300%.

Color Profiles: For optimal color matching to our proofing and printing system, we strongly recommend that
you use the CMYK color setting "US Sheetfed Coated v.2" for both your image and layout programs. We
recommend that you apply the color profile at the beginning of the design process. Note that we cannot
make color corrections to submitted files.

Resizing: Size and crop images in Photoshop before placing them into your page layouts. Resizing images
in your layout application more or less than 5% is not recommended.

Linked files: Do not "embed" images in Illustrator or InDesign - please place as "linked" images. Provide all
high resolution scans and logo files that are placed in your layout. Make sure all linked files are editable.

Transparencies: It is best not to use Illustrator to create transparency effects. We recommend using
Photoshop instead.

Fonts: Type 1 PostScript fonts recommended. True Type Fonts (TTF) do not output reliably. Do not use MM
fonts. No "stylized" text - use the font version instead (e.g. Helvetica Bold). Include all screen and printer fonts
used. If submitting PC files, include an additional layout file with all fonts outlined.

Typesetting: Use your layout program (Quark / Illustrator / InDesign) for typesetting. We recommend that
you do NOT use Photoshop, as text will be rasterized and we cannot guarantee the quality of your final print.
Keep all type within the safety area (green line) in the template and at least 1/8" from fold lines.

Barcode placement: Create a white box (1-1/4" x 1/2") where you wish to have your barcode placed. We
will insert the UPC image for you at no charge. Barcodes can only be printed using black ink.

Miscellaneous: Do not use the phrase "Printed in USA" anywhere in your text, as our print facility is located
in Canada. "Made in USA" or "Manufactured in USA" is acceptable.

File submission: Supply your files on CD-R or via our e-upload service. Include layout files, image files, and
all fonts used. We cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged materials - always make backups.

Proofs: You will have the option of choosing electronic (PDF proofs) or printed proofs. PDF proofs allow for
a faster turnaround, but are not color-accurate due to variation between computer monitors. If you choose
this option, you will be required to sign a color waiver. Printed proofs take longer to generate and will be sent
to you via FedEx Priority Overnight.


ON DISC PRINTING

Acceptable file formats: Save your LAYOUT in its native format (AI for Illustrator, QXD for QuarkXpress,
INDD for InDesign). Save your IMAGES as TIF or EPS files. Do not use PICTs, GIFs, JPEGs, PSDs, PDFs
or LZW. Include all images used in the layout as separate (linked) files. If you are saving a Photoshop
EPS, use Mac 8-bit and binary settings.

Image resolution: 266 dpi for Pantone designs (silkscreen printing), 350 dpi for CMYK designs (offset
printing).

Colors: Solid Coated Pantone colors are the recommended color type. RGB files will not be accepted. If you
opt for CMYK, a white base coat is recommended (this counts as an additional color and may increase your
quoted price.) Indicate color choices and knock-outs on your submitted template files.

Note: We strongly recommend that you do NOT attempt to match the disc face colors to your cover art. They
are printed using different processes (silkscreen vs. offset) on different surfaces (plastic vs. paper). You will
be taking a significant risk that they will not match.

Color density: 100% Solid Coated Pantone prints best. Tints less than 20% may not print visibly. Color
gradients and transparencies are not recommended.

Resizing: Size and crop images in Photoshop before placing them into your page layouts. Resizing images
in your layout application more or less than 5% is not recommended.

Linked files: Do not "embed" images in Illustrator or InDesign - please place as "linked" images. Provide
all high resolution scans and logo files that are placed in your layout. Make sure all linked files are editable.

Fonts: Type 1 PostScript fonts recommended. True Type Fonts (TTF) do not output reliably. No "stylized"
text - use the font version instead (e.g. Helvetica Bold). Include all screen and printer fonts used. Minimum
point size 6 points.

Line width: Minimum 1 pt.

Trapping: 0.144 to 0.25 point overlay trap. Trapping is not necessary - just know that some silver may show
through without them.

Bleed: NOT ALLOWED. Do not design or place any ink outside the outer boundary (117 mm) diameter or
inside the inner boundary (19 mm).

Inner hub: Text between the 46 mm and 19 mm (center) rings is not recommended. Color may vary in the
center ring of the disc, due to the mirrored band and clear inner hub. A full flood undercoat of spot white can
help alleviate this change (counts as additional color).

File submission: Supply your files on CD-R or via our e-upload service. Include your layout files, image files, and all fonts used. We cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged materials - always make backups.

Proofs: On-disc printing cannot be accurately represented by either paper or PDF proofs. It is to be expected
that a different result will occur on the disc face than on your proofs (within industry standards).