HOW THE @#$* DO I DESIGN?

We DO NOT check customer files for accuracy. This is your responsibility. If you are a first time user and ask for assistance, we will grant a one-time exception and make sure that all files have translated successfully.

In general, we strongly recommend the following:

• DON'T CUT CORNERS!
• Open each spread/image and view it at 100%, look over the ENTIRE page.
• Do this for EACH spread/image. If you have made a mistake or your design software had some sort of glitch, you will not notice it at anything less than 100% for viewing.
• Simply viewing thumbnails IS NOT enough to see errors.

This step takes about 10 minutes for albums (less for other products) and will save you time and costly repair/replacement charges. Failure to properly check your files can result in delayed production times and any reprint costs being your responsibility.

We DO NOT color correct customer files. All file prep is the customer's responsibility. We do, however, encourage you to print test prints to make sure color is to your liking prior to placing your order.

We do not require any propriety software or templates. As Finaons, you are free to design in whatever software, service or templates you are comfortable with as long as that choice allows you to export hi-res (300 dpi) JPG files.

We do have generic Adobe Photoshop templates available to download for most products to assist in the layout and design of pages and cover images. See specific products for template availability.

For InDesign users: Avoid this common mistake. Make sure that your linked image files are at the proper resolution prior to outputting your page designs as hi-res jpgs.

For those looking for pre-packaged software and template solutions, we recommend that you check out our Playmates section for a list of our recommended providers.

All files being submitted to Finao require a resolution of 300 DPI and be in the sRGB color space. See product details for any available starter templates.

If using the templates provided by Seldex, you do not need to change the resolution on the files as they may print at a different resolution and color space than Finao.

Files should be sized for the exact album size that you are doing. For example, an 8x8 inch album would be designed as 8x8 individual pages. There are no bleeds or safety margins needed for your Elements prints.

There are 2 ways you can design an Elements album:

• You design, print & assemble the album yourself (see video below), following the general sizing information, or check out the many template offerings from our Playmate partners.
• Finao Print & Assembly Service - You design & upload your files according to the guidelines and we'll print & assemble the album for you (for an additional fee).

All Elements albums start on the right and end on the left. The guestbook page style comes with the left pages blank for signatures and the right pages have adhesive for print.

Elements albums are constructed so that one print is mounted to each page-side. If you have a panoramic spread design, simply split the design down the middle so that each page in your album is saved as a separate file before uploading your images.

Cover image files for each opening in your cover design must be sized to the exact dimensions of the opening. For example, if you have a 3x3 inch opening, your cover image needs to be sized to 3x3 inches.

For cutouts, keep in mind that approximately ¼ inch along the edges of your image will be overlapped with cover material.

Photo Wrap covers require use of a template. See photo wrap section for details.

For products that will require multiple files (like album spreads), please follow a standard numbering convention (i.e., 0001, 0002, etc.).

When your design is complete, including any images that will be needed for cover designs, opening or spreads, you will be given the chance to upload your files with your order. You can then arrange the thumbnails into the order they should appear if doing an album.