PCNAK Chicago 2026
Advertisement
Specifications
Submit press-ready flattened PDFs with correct bleed, trim, and safe area. Select a program type below to see exact specs.
Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026
Ad Sizes & Dimensions
Option 1
Full Page
| Price | $500 |
| Trim Size | 6 × 9 in |
| Export w/ Bleed | 6.25 × 9.25 in |
| Bleed Each Side | 0.125" |
| Safe Margin | ≥ 0.25" inside trim |
Option 2
Half Page
| Price | $300 |
| Trim Size | 6 × 4.5 in |
| Export w/ Bleed | 6.25 × 4.75 in |
| Bleed Each Side | 0.125" |
| Safe Margin | ≥ 0.25" inside trim |
Visual Layout Guide
Songbook — Full Page · 6 × 9"
Safe Area
Bleed 6.25×9.25"
Trim 6×9"
Safe ≥0.25"
Songbook — Half Page · 6 × 4.5"
Safe Area
Bleed 6.25×4.75"
Trim 6×4.5"
Safe ≥0.25"
File Requirements
Format
Flattened PDF (PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4)
Color
CMYK only — convert all RGB or spot colors before export
Resolution
300 ppi minimum for all raster images
Bleed
0.125" each side — background must extend to bleed edge
Safe Area
Keep all text & logos ≥ 0.25" inside trim
Fonts
Embed or outline all fonts; avoid faux bold/italic
Black Text
Small text: 100% K only — not rich/composite black
Crop Marks
No printer's marks — include bleed in the page size
Transparency
Flatten all transparency before export
Accepted
PDF only for final submissions
Design Tips
What makes a high-impact ad
1
Headline: 5–9 words, large, top area. First 2–3 words carry the most weight.
2
Hook: 20 words max. One clear value prop — don't bury the lead.
3
Hero Image: ~45–55% of the ad. Faces outperform generic stock photos.
4
CTA: High-contrast button + short command. Add a QR code for digital reach.
5
Legibility: Headline ~28–36pt · Hook 14–16pt · Body 10pt minimum. All inside safe area.
6
Simplicity: Viewers decide in 2–3 seconds. Every element must earn its place.
Ad Sizes & Dimensions
Option 1
Full Page
| Trim Size | 8.5 × 11 in (US Letter) |
| Export w/ Bleed | 8.7 × 11.2 in |
| Safe Area | 8.3 × 10.3 in |
| Bleed Each Side | 0.1" |
| Safe Margin | ≥ 0.1" inside trim |
Option 2
Half Page — Landscape
| Trim Size | 5.5 × 4.25 in |
| Export w/ Bleed | 5.7 × 4.45 in |
| Safe Area | 5.3 × 4.05 in |
| Bleed Each Side | 0.1" |
| Safe Margin | ≥ 0.1" inside trim |
Visual Layout Guide
Souvenir — Full Page · 8.5 × 11"
Safe Area
8.3 × 10.3"
Bleed 8.7×11.2"
Trim 8.5×11"
Safe 8.3×10.3"
Souvenir — Half Page · 5.5 × 4.25" (landscape)
Safe Area
5.3 × 8.1"
Bleed 5.7×4.45"
Trim 5.5×4.25"
Safe 5.3×4.05"
File Requirements
Format
Flattened PDF (PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4)
Color
CMYK only — convert all RGB or spot colors before export
Resolution
300 ppi minimum for all raster images
Bleed
0.1" each side — background must extend to bleed edge
Safe Area
Keep all text & logos inside safe area (8.3×10.3" full / 5.3×4.05" half)
Fonts
Embed or outline all fonts; avoid faux bold/italic
Black Text
Small text: 100% K only — not rich/composite black
Crop Marks
No printer's marks — include bleed in the page size
Transparency
Flatten all transparency before export
Accepted
PDF only for final submissions
Design Tips
What makes a high-impact ad
1
Headline: 5–9 words, large, top area. First 2–3 words carry the most weight.
2
Hook: 20 words max. One clear value prop — don't bury the lead.
3
Hero Image: ~45–55% of the ad. Faces outperform generic stock photos.
4
CTA: High-contrast button + short command. Add a QR code for digital reach.
5
Legibility: Headline ~28–36pt · Hook 14–16pt · Body 10pt minimum. All inside safe area.
6
Simplicity: Viewers decide in 2–3 seconds. Every element must earn its place.