Help with Table Tent printing layout?

[SofiaMartin]

Hi, 

I'm creating 4x8 table tents for a project and I can't figure out the best way to create the layout. I've been using an online template from UPrint shown below but want to make sure I understand the layout properly. I created the design in Illustrator (doc size is 4x8 and the client wants a 3" no print zone, marked by the dashed line). I want to place the files in InDesign and print from there. 

The layout will be formatted as: 2" base, 8" front artwork, 8" back artwork (same design on both sides), 2" base. It looks like the UPrint layout is 8" from score line to score line so I'm wondering what to do with the artwork at the top. 

Do I need to cut the images off at the top of the artwork since there's no way to add a bleed at the top/bottom? It seems like the bleed would only work for the art/wave graphic that extends outwards on the side. 

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

How do you plan on printing these, since the two faces alone are a size larger than all but 11x17 standard sheets, and the whole layout some 20 inches long?

[SofiaMartin]

I'm not sure-- the client asked for the dimensions above; I'm just in charge of formatting and they'll send off to a professional printer

[James Gifford—NitroPress · Accepted solution]

The print layout will need to match the press needs/requirements of the actual printer. You really can't do a nonstandard layout like this without their guidelines. Generic layouts from online printers are not really good enough. There also has to be a way to interlock the bottom; taping one printed edge to another is not really optimal for tent stability. Typically, it's two overlapping bottom panels that may have a die cut interlock, or can be taped/glued together stably.

The print layout is simple enough, but it may not be arranged the way the client printer needs it. I suggest you ask for a specific guideline or to be put in touch with the printer's job manager for guidelines.

[SofiaMartin]

Thank you! I'll reach out for guidelines as it also seems like the 3" no print zone that they requested leaves a lot of excess space/looks odd. I believe they want a triangular structure with the bases/bottom panels having a die cut interlock as you mentioned. Is it standard practice to include lines indicating scoring + slits before sending to a commercial printer? 

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

Die cuts etc. might be marked on a guide and sometimes can be included on proofs to customers and the like, but are typically not printed on final work. You do see faint (gray, blue etc.) lines sometimes on work like this, but if produced to the printer's standards they don't need marks to run it through their die cutter.

Blank space on restaurant tents is usually so they can write in specials or tape on a current fancy drinks card, or the like. Not uncommon.

Just politely ask your client for the printer's contact info so that you can get the technical details of the layout correct. Should be no problem with either the client or the printer, and the latter always like to get stuff that's as press-ready on the first pass as possible.

[SofiaMartin]

Thank you so much! This was all super helpful. I'm reaching out to them now for more info. 

[Jumpenjax]

Here are some tables examples. What ever the printer wants, just be sure to rotate your text on the fold over table tent.