AD FORMAT PLANNER
Suggested ad unit sizes. Other sizes and color available.
**All ads must be saved in PDF format and all images must be in CMYK color and 300 dpi or greater
AD SPACES SIZES
SPACE SIZE
WIDTH DEPTH
JUNIOR PAGE
Publication Trim Size: 10.875 x 14.50 inches.
1 Page (non-bleed)
10.25”
14”
8.125” x 10”
Size: Full page is 70 column inches; 5 columns,
14 inches deep.
1 Page (bleed)
11.125”
14.75”
1 Column
1.875”
2 to 13.625”
Display advertising space will be sold only in increments
of .50”. Space is available in any number of columns or
inches as desired, with limitations on depth. Depth
of fractional ad space cannot exceed 13.625”. Any ad
exceeding 11.50” in depth will be run and billed at full
column depth of 14 inches. Minimum size 4 column
inches at 1x rate. Ads must be at least as many inches
deep as columns wide, except for special banner sizes,
available upon request.
2 Columns
4”
2 to 13.625”
3 Columns
6”
3 to 13.625”
4 Columns
8.125”
4 to 13.625”
5 Columns
10.25”
5 to 14”
8 Column Spreads, per page
8.375”
10 to 13.625”
10 Column Spreads, per page 10.50”
7 to 14”
10 Column Spread (bleed)
14.75”
22”
1/3 PAGE
6” x 7.5”
1/2 PAGE
1/5 PAGE
10.25” x 7”
4” x 7”
1/4 PAGE
1/6 PAGE
6” x 6”
4” x 6”
1/7 PAGE
4” x 5”
1/7 PAGE
6” x 3.33”
1/14 PAGE
4” x 2.5”
PRINT SPECIFICATIONS
SPECS
Crain’s is the award-winning, go-to source for
Chicago’s business leaders. In print, online, through
in-person events, mobile and video, Crain’s is the
place where Chicago’s business decision-makers
learn, meet and interact. Get a snapshot of
audience demographics and usage habits below.
PRINT
Find out all the production and supply details
below for all our titles below, or feel free to
contact Nicole Dionne, Media Services Manager, on
312.649.5337 or email [email protected] with any
specific inquiries.
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION
SPECIFICATIONS
All advertising should be provided in a digital
format. Required format for black & white
or 4g color print advertisements is hi-res Adobe
Acrobat PDF/X1A file form at with all fonts and
images embedded. Embedded images must be a
minimum of 266 ppi (pixels per inch). Color images
must be CMYK. Files containing RGB or LAB images
will not be accepted. For further instructions on
how to prepare your digital advertisement and
upload to Crain’s Digital Ad Processing Center,
please visit our web site at
https://chicagobusiness.sendmyad.com/.
2-Color or 3-Color Process: Standard AAAA and
SWOP process colors are solid traps using process
inks and are available at Standard or Matched
Color Rates. Please refer to Color Rates.
screen is recommended, not to exceed 133-line screen.
Maximum density in any one area, all colors, should
not exceed 300%, with only one solid color. Reverse
lettering in 4-color advertisements should be spread
with dominant color forming shape of letters. Thin
lines, serifs, small- and medium-size lettering should
be restricted to one color only.
Proofs: Preferred proofs are Kodak Approvals or Iris
proofs prepared 5-7% heavier than the file to simulate
press gain and ink coverage. Color lasers or low quality
ink jet prints are not acceptable for color guidance.
Follow AAAA/ABM/MPA recommended standards for
process ink color formulations. Proofing progression
of colors is black, blue, red, yellow. Direction of roller
travel should be from side to side of pages (not top to
bottom) to match press conditions. Recommended
proofing stock is a 60 lb. basis weight of 70 (nominal)
brightness.
Advertisements supplied to Crain’s Chicago Business
without an acceptable color proof will be printed to
SWOP standards. The Printer and/or Publisher cannot
be held liable for color complaints when files are
submitted without an acceptable color proof.
MECHANICAL DATA
Printing: Heat-set, web-fed offset presses.
Paper Stock: Machine-coated, 36 lb. basis weight,
matte finish.
Binding: Saddle stitched.
Storing of Advertising Material: Ad material will be
stored by the Publisher for 6 months and then
destroyed.
4-Color Process: To obtain a good press match on
a web offset press it is important to follow general
industry guidelines when preparing
files and proofs. Please visit our web site at
https://chicagobusiness.sendmyad.com/
for further information.
Shipping: Space and insertion orders, correspondence,
advertising creative, etc., should be addressed to the
Advertising Department, Crain’s Chicago Business,
150 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601-7553.
For shipping instructions on pre-printed inserts
contact the production department at 312.649.5338.
Specialty Inks: Specialty inks require dedicated
press units and are available at additional cost.
Contact sales department for information.
ISSUANCE AND CLOSING DATES
File Preparation: The following recommendations
are offered as general industry guidelines for
preparing files and proofs that will assist our
printer in obtaining a good press match. 120-line
Crain’s Chicago Business is published weekly,
issued on Mondays. Except during holiday weeks,
the issue closes on Thursday, 11 days preceding date
of publication. Focus sections and special editorial
features not covered weekly have an early close;
contact ad department for dates. Publisher may act
on the written instructions of either the advertiser or
agency as to any ad. No liability is assumed as to any
instructions received after closing date. No advertising
will be accepted which simulates Crain’s Chicago
Business editorial material.
INSERTS
Preprinted inserts are bound-in or glued-on, and are
accepted subject to size, weight, scheduling requirements and availability.
Partial Runs: Partial-run inserts are available to a
minimum of 20,000 subscribers, and can be targeted
by Zip Code, job title or industry. Contact Advertising
Department for special rates.
Frequency Rate: Number of insertions used by an
advertiser within 12 months from date of first insertion
of contract period determines the frequency rate. ROP
space and inserts can be used in combination to reach
frequency discount. Preprinted inserts (no matter the
number of pages) count as just one insertion towards
frequency.
Space Reservations: Limited insert availability per
issue; contact Advertising Department for availability.
Insert Requirements: To ensure inserts meet the publication’s mechanical requirements and postal regulations, samples or mock-up dummies on the specified
paper stock must be submitted to the Production
Manager and Advertising Department at least two
weeks prior to closing date. Shipping: 50,000**
preprinted inserts should be supplied. Contact Advertising Department for shipping instructions.
Mechanical Charges: Regular mechanical charges are
included in rates. If an extraordinary mechanical charge
is incurred, advertiser will be notified and billed
accordingly.
** Quantities may vary; contact Advertising Department
for confirmation.