Creative Guidelines — CaféMedia MTL

Advertising Formats

Select a format to view technical specifications, die-cut schematic, and design tips.

Bleed Safe zone Required zone

Square coaster — top view

⚠️ The GatekeeperAI small print must appear in this exact position on every coaster and placard. Submissions without it will be rejected.

Parameter	Specification
Dimensions	10 cm × 10 cm (3.94 in × 3.94 in)
Bleed area	3 mm on each side (included in your file)
Safe area	3 mm inside the edge — no text/logo in this zone
File formats	PDF (preferred), PNG, high-res JPG
Minimum resolution	300 DPI
Color space	CMYK (print) or RGB (digital display)
File naming	brand_cafe_date.format — e.g., Spotify_LaHouse_2025-06.pdf
GatekeeperAI small print	Required. "Scan to ensure that this QR code is safe with GatekeeperAI. qr.gatekeeperai.app" — min. 5 pt, bottom of design area, below QR code.

Designer note: Coasters are often handled (wet hands, hot cups). Matte coated paper or light lamination is recommended. Avoid tiny text — your message must be readable at 30 cm / 1 foot.

Bleed Safe zone Required zone

Round coaster — top view

⚠️ The GatekeeperAI small print must appear in this exact position on every coaster and placard. Submissions without it will be rejected.

Parameter	Specification
Diameter	9 cm (3.54 in) — standard bar/café round coaster
Bleed area	3 mm (outer circle, included in your file)
Safe area	5 mm from the edge — no text/logo in this zone
File formats	PDF (preferred), PNG, high-res JPG
Minimum resolution	300 DPI
Color space	CMYK (print) or RGB (digital display)
QR placement	Center or bottom-center (avoid being covered by the cup)
File naming	brand_cafe_round_date.pdf
GatekeeperAI small print	Required. "Scan to ensure that this QR code is safe with GatekeeperAI. qr.gatekeeperai.app" — min. 5 pt, bottom of design area, below QR code.

Designer note: Round coasters are the most common format in bars and cafés. Place QR codes at center or bottom-center to avoid being covered by the cup. The circular die-cut requires extra attention to the wider safe area (5 mm from edge).

Bleed Safe zone Required zone

Table placard — two-panel tent fold

⚠️ The GatekeeperAI small print must appear in this exact position on every coaster and placard. Submissions without it will be rejected.

Parameter	Specification
Dimensions (per panel)	10 cm × 15 cm (3.94 in × 5.91 in)
Type	Double-sided tent fold
Bleed area	3 mm on all sides
Safe area	5 mm inside the edge — no text/logo in this zone
Fold line	Must be indicated in the submitted file
File formats	PDF (preferred), PNG, high-res JPG
Minimum resolution	300 DPI
Color space	CMYK (print) or RGB (digital display)
File naming	brand_cafe_placard_date.pdf
GatekeeperAI small print	Required. "Scan to ensure that this QR code is safe with GatekeeperAI. qr.gatekeeperai.app" — min. 5 pt, bottom of front panel, below QR code.

Designer note: Design both front and back panels. The placard must stand stable on a table. 300gsm silk or cardstock paper is recommended for rigidity. Clearly indicate the fold line in your file.

Submission Process

Create your artwork

Choose your format (square, round, or placard) and design according to the specs above. Keep it clean — a strong message at a glance.

Submit digital proof for café approval

After booking, submit your digital proof (PDF or high-res image) via your dashboard. The café reviews your design before you print. No pressure — no deadline.

Café approval & AI compliance check

The café owner reviews and approves your creative. AI checks aesthetic compliance automatically. If anything is out of compliance, you'll be notified by email with specific details. Compliance status is visible on your account dashboard.

Print and ship

Print per specs (300 DPI minimum, 3 mm bleed, GatekeeperAI small print). Ship to the café — delivery address in your dashboard.

Installation & tracking

The café places your coasters or placards on their tables. You'll receive a placement photo every week for the duration of the campaign.

Content Requirements

✅ Allowed

Your brand / company name
Contact info (website, social, QR code)
Special offer or promotion (promo code welcome)
Company logo

❌ Not allowed

Political or partisan content
Defamatory or harassing messages
Advertising for restricted legal products (tobacco, cannabis)
Pornographic or explicit content
Misleading or fraudulent claims

Pre-Submission Checklist

File is in PDF, PNG, or high-res JPG format
Dimensions match your chosen format (square, round, or placard)
Bleed area included per specifications
No text in the safe area zone
Resolution is at least 300 DPI
File name is clear: brand_cafe_format_date.pdf
Content meets the requirements above
QR code points to a valid, working URL
QR code verified via GatekeeperAI
GatekeeperAI required small print is present at bottom of design (≥ 5 pt)
For placards: fold line is clearly indicated

⚠️ Required small print — on all coaster and placard assets

Every coaster and placard MUST include this text in small print:

        Scan to ensure that this QR code is safe with GatekeeperAI. qr.gatekeeperai.app
      

This text protects patrons from malicious QR codes and protects the brand from liability. It belongs in the technical spec small print — not in the main body copy. Include it in your confirmation email and asset spec sheet.

Questions?

Need help creating your artwork? Our team can connect you with a partner designer who knows the CaféMedia MTL specs.

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