Digital File Requirements

Primary image: One (1) straight-on book cover image is required for all entries. The primary image will be featured in the online entry gallery—and if selected by the jury—included in the winners gallery and on AIGA’s websites. Three versions of the same image must be provided (see examples in FAQs).

• For print-quality images:
  1. Files are saved as .tiff
  2. Image mode CMYK
  3. Uncropped. No background (seamless/silhouetted or full bleed). No compression
  4. Shortest side six (6) inches or greater at 300 DPI
  5. Max size 25 MB
• For screen/web images:
  1. Files are saved as .png or .jpg
  2. Image mode RGB
  3. Uncropped. No background (seamless/silhouetted or full bleed)
  4. Shortest side 2100 pixels at 150 DPI
  5. Max size 25 MB
• For marketing and promotions (social squares for AIGA channels, see examples)
  1. Files are saved as .png or .jpg
  2. Image mode RGB
  3. Uncropped. No background (seamless/silhouetted or full bleed)
  4. 1080x1080 pixels at 150 DPI
  5. Max size 25 MB

Supporting images*: Up to six (6) additional interior shots or spreads (see an example) are recommended.

• For “Book” or “Cover” categories:
  1. Files are saved as .png or .jpg
  2. Image mode RGB
  3. No background (seamless/silhouetted or full bleed)
  4. Shortest side 2100 pixels at 150 DPI
  5. Max size 25 MB

Video (optional)*: A short video simulating the experience of opening the book and turning the pages is encouraged (no audio or narration). Video is recommended for the Book category and the Book and Cover category to give the jurors a sense of the object in space (size, scale, etc.) and in relation to the reader.

• For “Book” or “Cover” categories, recommend:
  1. Film in a well lit area
  2. Place the book on a flat surface with a solid background, preferably white or black
  3. Position camera/phone over the book, pointed down when filming
  4. 9x16, 4x5, or 1x1 dimension .mp4 or .mov files are preferred
  5. Less than two-minutes in length
  6. No audio or narration (a project description field is available)
  7. No branding, filters, or effects
  8. Max size 4 GB

YouTube or Vimeo links are also acceptable (for jurors to view, the video must be accessible to a public audience and without password protection).

*For supporting images and video, include images/shots that best represent your entry; books will be reviewed by the jurors on screen.

• Suggestions: Front cover, back cover, endpapers, table of contents, interior spreads (text heavy and image-driven), back matter, binding, and any special details or features (fold outs, die cuts, embossing, edges, etc.)

Shipping

This year, the review of the books will be done in person for both categories (book and cover). A physical copy of the book must be mailed for review. Entries that are not received will be disqualified. The mailing address and instructions will be included in your automatic confirmation email. Please keep your shipping receipt from the delivery service in case tracking is needed.

Entries cannot be returned under any circumstances.

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