How to set up your graphic files: Working from most Mac and Windows graphics applications, we can utilize your files to produce many of our products. Once we receive your files, they are previewed to make sure they are acceptable for the intended purpose. If not, we will contact you. Following these simple guidelines should ensure a more trouble free experience. When your files are ready use our ftp upload Send Files page to send your files. Applications / File Types Native application files we accept: You may use any application to produce your files, but we will only accept the following native application files: Illustrator (Vector Format) All other application files must be saved as one of the following file formats we accept. All fonts and externally referenced files must be included or embedded. Failure to do so will result in delay of your project. We review all files prior to production and will contact you if there are problems. File Formats we accept: .eps We do not accept native Microsoft Word or Publisher files. Fonts All fonts must be converted to outline/paths before sending or the original fonts must be included with your files. If you are unsure what this means, please call. Color Matching: We match your intended colors as closely as possible. All of our equipment is color calibrated to exacting standards. If you desire us to match exact spot colors such as Pantone (PMS) we will require a hard copy proof strip (4"x24") approval signed by you. Additional charges apply.We currently charge $15.00 per color strip plus shipping. Locals may view the proof in our showroom. We reserve the right to reject any project we feel will be too difficult for us to color match. Proofs You must accept final proofs before job is in final production. Soft Proofs (computer screen) are sent via email or by direct view online. You may also view them at our showroom. We charge $15 to mail hard copy proofs. This is usually an actual color print sample strip of the material used for your project. If you desire to skip the proofing process, you must sign and return a Proof Waiver by fax, email or in person. Customers using YouDezign and pay at checkout using a credit card will automatically receive proofs via email. YouDeZign customers using the "Submit for Quote or Further Processing" option at checkout will receive proofs after job is processed. There are no exceptions to the proofing process. Artwork Prep Guides Garbage In - Garbage Out: The familiar phrase rings true in computer assisted graphic design. Better quality original images will produce better quality finished products. Common Setup Examples using Photoshop or other pixel based software: Our printing equipment is CMYK based. You should be working in CMYK mode or convert to CMYK mode to see a more accurate rendering of how your final printed product will appear. Many colors, especially spot colors, may look very different in CMYK mode than in RGB mode. Proportions and Resolution: It is important to keep your designs proportional. For example: You cannot stretch a 4"x4" square image into a 2"x4" retangular shape without distorting your image. For best results, you should crop your image. If you are unsure what size to set your design, give us a call. IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ: Do not set resolution like you normally would for high quality offset printing unless your are providing art for offset printing. Traditional offset printing files are usually setup at 300 dpi at actual size. That is not necessary for most of our printing processes and will result in very large files. If you follow the guidelines below your job will be just as clear and sharp as it would be at higher resolution. You can design most images at one inch = one foot using 300 dpi. For example a banner 3 feet x 6 feet can be designed in Photoshop at 3 inches x 6 inches with resolution set at 300 dpi (1800x899 pixels at 300 pixels/inch). If your design has a lot of small text we recommend you set up your files in a vector application such as Illustrator and place all raster images into it. This will produce best results for clear sharp text. Also, you may set up your files at 100 percent and use a lower resolution. We prefer 72 dpi. For example a banner 3 feet x 6 feet can be designed in Photoshop at 36 iches x 72 inches with resolution set at 72 dpi (5184 x 2592 pixels at 72 pixels/inchi) The following are example setups in Photoshop CS3: Sign 18" x 24" - Click here to view setup If you view your final design at 100% size in Photoshop, you will see a pretty good idea of the quality of your final print. Common Examples using Illustrator, Coreldraw or other vector based software: Vector Format images can be designed at any size. Just be sure to keep the proportions correct. If you are placing Raster Format (Bitmap) images into your vector designs they must be of sufficient dpi. Be sure to include the original placed image with the file upload or embed the images. All fonts must be converted to outline (paths) or the original fonts must be sent with your files. The following are example setups in Illustrator CS3: Sign 18" x 24" Upload your completed files here. |
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Art Preparation Guidelines
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