Printed Submissions

Advantages

Vector images work great for digital graphics as long as the desired result is not a photo-realistic image.  Images can be enlarged to any size without sacrificing quality.  Because the art is resolution independent, meaning that there are no dots being used to create the image, there is nothing to limit its enlargement capabilities.  Images can be reproduced at any size while maintaining crisp outlines and details.  This makes them the ideal choice for type and other bold graphics, such as logos, which require clean lines that can be scaled to any size.

Disadvantages

The biggest drawback to consider when working with vector graphics is that creating a complicated or photo-realistic image is very difficult and time consuming to do.  When a photo is placed into a vector program, it increases the size of the file.

Color Issues

The colors in a vector file can be changed or adjusted relatively easily. Either the entire image or just a portion of the image can be manipulated.

What Format and Programs Can I Use?

Files must be in PC format and can be setup in any of the following programs:

• Adobe Photoshop 7.0, CS (.tif, .jpg, .eps, .psd)
• Adobe Illustrator 8.0, 10.0 (.ai, .eps)

 (please do not submit an Illustrator CS version those file cannot be opened)

At What Size Should My Images Be Set Up?

Your file can be set up at any size as long as it is to scale with the final image size.

What Colors Can I Use In My Layout?

Either RGB and CMYK are acceptable.  Please indicate any color matches by specifying a PMS color that you would like to have matched.  When applicable please supply us  with a hard copy rendition such as a laser printout that accurately represents the graphic and colors you wish us to reproduce. 

What Do I Do About Fonts?

PC or TrueType fonts only. To avoid any problems with fonts we request that you convert all fonts to outlines or curves.

How Should I Send My Artwork?

Artwork can be sent on the following types of media via:

FTP (please call ahead)                        3.5 Floppy

CD-ROM                                            E-Mail

DVD

How Should I Save My Files?

Illustrator: AI (10.0), EPS (8.0) (If you are submitting large files with placed images in the final artwork, please save them as Illustrator (AI) and have a separate folder with your Photoshop (EPS) placed images.  This will keep the file size down to a reasonable level.   * Please do NOT save file as Illustrator CS *

Photoshop: tif , bitmap or jpeg.  Rasterize fonts or create fonts to outline/ curves.

We suggest that files should be saved no larger than 300 dpi when saving your files

Full Color Images

Must be supplied either at full scale (for smaller prints) or scaled proportionally to the final output size.  If necessary, for true CMYK Black please make all (CMYK)100%.  Confirm that all attached/ linked images accompany the composite file. Bitmap images should be large enough and at high enough resolution.

Scan Resolution Formula:

Final Graphic Width(inches) X Final Graphic Res. (dpi) = Scanning Resolution (dpi)                  Original Artwork Dimensions (inches)

Check and clean defects that may be visible from scanning such as dust, hair, oils and watermarks. Color production proofs are available upon request and at additional cost depending on the project

 Guidelines for Submitting (Die Cut Vinyl) Artwork

How Do I Correctly Set Up A Cut Vinyl Job?

All text and objects need to be converted to outlines so that the vinyl cutter can cut them.  Helpful hint:  in order to see exactly what the vinyl cutter will be cutting, look at file in outline form. Any lines that show up when you are looking at your file in this mode will be guides for the vinyl cutter to cut, such as overlapping lines within the logos or letters, they will need to be removed.  All lines also need to be smooth.  Looking at your image in an enlarged view will allow you to see whether the lines are smooth or not. ­­­

Traditional graphics (cut vinyl):

Vector art is the ideal file format for creating files for traditional graphics.  The process used to create traditional graphics requires that every image be outlined so that the vinyl cutter can cut the various pieces. 

At What Size Should My Images Be Set Up?

Your file can be set up at any size as long as it is to scale with the final image size.

What Colors Can I Use In My Layout?

If the artwork is to be produced from cut vinyl, please indicate your colors from the manufacturers vinyl color chart. (See your Account Manager for colors if you do not

have these available to you)

What Do I Do About Fonts?

PC or TrueType fonts only. To avoid any problems with fonts we request that you convert all fonts to outlines or curves.

How Should I Save My Files? (Formats / Programs)

Save file as a Composer 2.0 (.plt),

Illustrator AI (10.0) or an EPS (8.0)    Please do NOT  save file as Illustrator CS

* fonts need to be created in outlines / curves

How Should I Send My Artwork?

Artwork can be sent on the following types of media via:

FTP (please call ahead)                        3.5 Floppy

CD-ROM                                            E-Mail

DVD

FTP SITE GUIDELINES

(please call ahead before trying to submit artwork)

1. Go to ftp://216.81.149.97:21
2. User Name: Please see your account representative
3. Password:  Please see your account representative
4. Upload files into the folder specified by your sales person

*Please label properly

Quick Reference

All digitally printed artwork must be submitted either at full size for smaller submissions or at a scaled percentage of the full size for larger submissions. Files must also be saved for PC use ONLY.

Acceptable programs for printed                              Acceptable programs for cut vinyl

artwork:                                                                      artwork:

Illustrator: 10.0 and below                                            Illustrator:10.0 and below 

Photoshop:  CS and below                                           Composer 2.0

Change all fonts to outline or curves to avoid system font changes

Acceptable file types for printed:                  Acceptable file types for cut:

Illustrator: .EPS, .AI                             Illustrator: .EPS, .AI   

Photoshop:  .EPS, .TIF, .JPG, .PSD                 Composer:  .plt

All Printed Submissions: (if a color match is necessary) you MUST Reference all color matches by either submitting a colored proof to be matched to or noting the specific PMS colors. If you are using Photoshop and a color match is necessary, if available, please submit a layered format along with the flattened version.

All Cut vinyl submissions MUST be in vector format and saved either as an .AI (10.0) or an .EPS (8.0) file. Please have the artwork setup to full size or scale proportionately to the finished size.  Files also must be saved for PC use ONLY.