Tips For File Preparation

JUMP TO:

• Supported Software
• Supported Graphic File Formats
• Preparing Files

To ensure your graphics are output properly by our service bureau, please use the following tips when preparing your files.

Supported Software

We are always updating our software. Please call if you have any questions or don’t see a software package you have:

Supported Graphic File Formats

If you are not using one of the supported software packages listed above, we may still be able to output your file. Save or export in one of the following formats. Keep in mind that “vector” based formats can be enlarged or reduced without the loss of quality. “Raster” formats must contain sufficient resolution to print without “jaggies”. For raster format files,
allow about 150 dpi at the final size to be output. Raster files are .tif .tga .psd .jpg
.gif .bmp and sometimes .pdf and .eps files may also be raster. For 35mm output,
make sure the size is at 150 dpi at your final desired size. dpi.

File Formats

• eps
• tif
• jpg
• gif
• cgm
• bmp
• wmf
• pdf
• ps or prn

Preparing Files

For information on how to send files see FTP instructions.

Fonts
Be sure to include all fonts used in your artwork. When using Postscript fonts (Type 1 fonts) please supply both screen and printer fonts.

Images (TIF, BMP, TGA, JPG and Photoshop EPS)
Please include all images that have been placed or imported into the final layout of your file. These image files are important to the quality of your final print. In Quark perform a “Collect for Output.” InDesign users should use the “Package” function. If using Illustrator, please “Embed” all linked files, or supply those files individually along with the .ai document.

If you are solely supplying a TIF, JPG or BMP that you want enlarged, you may keep it as RGB or convert it using Photoshop’s standard CMYK conversion.

Scanned Images
Scanned images should be scanned at no less than 600 ppi (pixels per inch) at 1/4 size of the final printed piece. Remember that resolution goes down by same factor as the enlargement you request. A 300 ppi original enlarged to five times the original size will have a finished resolution of 60 ppi. Ideally, we like to see continuous tone images at 150 pixels per inch.

Colors
Our devices print in 4-color process (CMYK or cyan, magenta, yellow and black). These colors blend to create just about every printable color. For the best possible results please provide CMYK files if possible. However, we also accept RGB files, which we’ll convert to CMYK at this end.

If you want specific color matches then PMS Pantone colors must be specified within the file and on your hard copy proof. Color swatches are an acceptable substitute to Pantone colors. We will match PMS colors as closely as possible although we may not be able to color correct embedded/placed art files. If color matches are not specified then we will assume that exact color matching is not critical!

Whenever possible send your files in “layers,” so that if color corrections are required we can go into the various layers as necessary to do so. Individual elements that require color correction or retouching work may result in additional fees. Please contact us for guidelines and rates.

Size
The maximum paper size for our color posters is 60″ by 100 feet (length may vary with media). Your finished output image area should not exceed 59″ wide (this will allow for .5″ margin on each side). Your file should be set up proportionately to your desired output size. We can scale your file to any scale factor, but most are designed at 25% or 50%.

Saving within your Software
Please make sure you include fonts as well as any imported graphics. We can output posters from most graphics package on the Mac or PC. See supported software listed above. If you are using a package that we do not have, save or export your file in one of the many supported graphic file formats listed above with your text converted to paths or outlines.

Adobe Illustrator: Before saving Illustrator files for submitting, “Select All” and then under the “Type” menu, select “Create Outlines” to ensure that there are no font issues and scaling will be precise without any text reflow issues.

Adobe InDesign: After you’ve made your final adjustments and have made
sure all your image links have been updated, and Pantone spot colors have been
selected, save your document. After you save your final version select
“Package” under the “File” drop down menu and name save the “Package” to
your desktop. This will collect everything needed for us to output your files.
Then simply upload your “Package” to our FTP site. (See FTP instructions.)

Adobe Photoshop: Please save all Photoshop files as either PSD, TIF or EPS.

Quark Express: As with “InDesign”, after you’ve made your final adjustments
and have made sure all your image links have been updated (You can do this by
selecting “Usage” under the “Utilities” drop down menu), and Pantone spot
colors have been selected, save your document. After you save your final
version select “Collect for Output” under the “File” drop down menu and name
save the “Collect” to your desktop. This will collect everything needed for us to
output your files. Then simply upload your “Collect Folder” to our FTP site. (See
FTP instructions.)

CorelDraw: Send us the fonts you are using or you may converted them to curves or when using CorelDraw 7.0 or higher, you may embed the fonts using the Embed Font command in the save menu on the bottom right. Please avoid using too many lens effects, this is not a perfected printing command, and may not print correctly or at all.