Step By Step Instructions
1. Upload Your Audio for CD
AUDIO FILE SPECS:
- Total length cannot exceed 79 minutes
- All audio files need to be 44.1 kHz, 16-bit
- Preferred audio file types: WAV, AIF, AIFF, DDP*
- Other acceptable audio file types: AAC, FLAC, MP3, M4A, physical CD master mailed to us
24-bit audio files may cause pops and clicks when converted to 16-bit for audio CDs. Please make sure your audio files are 16-bit.
OR
UPLOAD DDP
* DDP (Disc Description Protocol) is a proprietary format for creating audio disc masters. Windows or MAC software is required. We recommend HOFA.
2. Upload Your Audio for Vinyl
AUDIO FILE SPECS:
- 33 1/3 rpm 12” Vinyl - Maximum Time: 23 minutes per side
- 45 rpm 12” Vinyl - Maximum Time: 15 minutes per side
- Preferred audio file types: 16-bit or 24-bit WAV, AIF or AIFF
- Other acceptable audio file types: AAC, FLAC, MP3, M4A, physical CD master mailed to us
3. Upload Your Graphics
GRAPHICS FILE SPECS:
Click on each item below for more information.
Your graphics should conform to our templates
You can find our templates on our Templates page.
Create all graphics in CMYK
There are two main color modes. CMYK and RGB. The basic rule of thumb; CMYK is used for printing, RGB is for looking at things on a screen.
CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and k (which is black). CMYK is also what is often referred to as four color or process color.
It is important that you work in the CMYK color model or mode as it is referred to in some graphics programs. What generally happens if you work in RGB, is that your printed graphics come out looking a little duller and less saturated than what you see on the screen.
Create all graphics at 300 dpi or higher
Dots per inch, or dpi is how the resolution of digital images are measured. 300 dpi is typically the minimum required to get good printing results.
Imagine that there are tiny dots of ink on the paper. The more dots per inch you can have, the more detailed and clear your images will be. So make sure your document settings and scanner settings are set to at least 300 dpi (sometimes referred to as ppi 'pixels per inch') to get your graphics looking as good as possible.
Embed fonts or convert fonts to paths
You will need to convert your text to paths, or create outlines before you submit us your finished artwork. This will ensure that the fonts you chose will in fact be used and not substituted by our system in case we don't have the specific fonts you used.
Here is the terminology used by various programs:
Photoshop - Not necessary (but the term is Rasterize type)
Illustrator - Create outlines
InDesign - Create outlines
Corel - Convert to Curves
Publisher - Embed fonts
Hide template layer before flattening
Please make sure to turn off, hide, or delete the template layer before sending us your finished artwork. Many times we get artwork files sent to us with the template image flattened in, or embedded in the final artwork. This is a no,no. No one wants pink lines and cut marks to print on their beautiful artwork.
Accepted formats: .psd .eps .tif .pdf .jpg .ai .indd
We can accept the following graphic file formats: .psd, .eps, .tif, .pdf, .jpg, .ai .indd
A high resolution, flattened PDF file is preferred and can be exported from almost any graphic design software. (Remember to hide your template layer before flattening for .pdf)
4. Proofing & Time Estimates
Proofing Audio
We will not send you audio proofs for CDs. For vinyl, we will send you mp3 proofs via email to verify the placing and spacing between tracks. You need to approve these before we can proceed with test pressings by replying to the email.
Proofing Graphics
We will prep your graphics and send you .pdf proofs via email within 1-2 business days. You will have to reply to those emails saying you approve, before we start production. If you need to make changes to your files after seeing your proofs, please let us know by replying to said emails.
Production Time and Ship Date
CDs:
Once we receive your art approval, we will start production and email you an estimated ship date. We will email you again with a tracking number as soon as the shipping label has been generated.
Vinyl:
Vinyl production times are estimated between 12-16 weeks for Atomic Groove Packages and 24-36 weeks for Atomic eco-vinyl. Production times for vinyl are not guaranteed due to the fluctuating demand and delicate manufacturing process. You are welcome to call us at (503) 610-2929 any time during your order process to get updates. We thank you for choosing us!
A link to this page was emailed to you once you placed your order.
If you wish to mail us your files on a CD, DVD, USB or hard drive, please write your order number on it and send to:
Atomic Disc LLC | 1288 Liberty St. NE | Suite 170 | Salem, OR 97301