FILE PREPARATIONS GUIDELINES
Our process is
entirely digital with no film involved and is strictly CMYK (4-color process). This is
important when specifying PMS color matches – some PMS colors do not match well when
matching with process colors. No metallic inks, spot colors or fluorescent colors are
available.
What programs can I use?
We are able to
support both PC- and Mac-based files in Photoshop, Quark, Adobe Illustrator, In Design as
well as a variety of other programs. If you are in doubt, please contact us before
submitting your files to ensure that the software can be supported.
What formats should I use?
We can accept raster
image files such as .tif, .eps and .psd. When importing these formats into applications,
make sure to keep them as links and do not embed them. We strongly suggest layered
files to help us in the event changes are required. A flat file enables us to only make
minor global changes.
What about vector art files?
If you are submitted
vector files, submit all native files for logos, charts and objects.
Should I submit my fonts?
Yes. Please zip each
font used before writing to disk. If a font is copied without compression, it often does
not copy. We suggest you verify the file sizes for fonts before sending your file.
Should I compress my files?
Either compressed or
uncompressed files are acceptable. Zip and Stuffit files are easily handled.
Should I include special instructions with the
job?
Yes! We request a
separate document including all scaling factors (don’t apply scaling), color
callouts, specific CMYK blends.
What DPI should I use?
The higher the
resolution, the better the end product. Our recommendation is to have a dpi of between 125
and 150 at your final finished size. We can work with lesser dpi if that is the only file
available, but the quality decreases as the dpi decreases.
How long will my project take?
There are a number
of variables, but a generalization is between 4 and 6 days from the time of proof
approval. Requesting a print proof will add between 2 and 3 days as well as increasing the
cost of the project.
Can I use a .pdf image for printing?
Results are
generally poor when printing from a pdf and we recommend the other alternatives mentioned
above. |
