Graphic Guidelines

Guidelines for File Preparation

We are PC based. Please save all files so that they can be opened in a MS Windows environment.

MS OFFICE (PUBLISHER, WORD, POWERPOINT ETC.)

• Change publishing options to "High Quality Printing" with at least 300 dpi
• Save as PDF or JPG

Please do not submit PPT, DOC, or PUB files

ADOBE ACROBAT PDF

• Save as PDF PRINT OPTIMIZED with all fonts converted.
• Be sure to convert all fonts to paths.
• CMYK color.
• Be sure file is at correct proportions to be scaled up to final size before printing.

We obtain excellent results when printing PDF files saved for Print Optimized (not for web use). Please verify the file will print properly, is sized at 100% actual size of sign or graphic to be printed , all images in the file are at least 100dpi at full print size and fonts are correct. We cannot easily manipulate PDF files.

The Print Optimized job options are for PDF files that will be printed as high-quality final output. For a PDF file to be portable at a minimum, you should embed all fonts.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

• Create at 100% final print size
• Save as .PSD, .TIF or hi-res JPG
• Do not link (or place) files
• Flatten before saving

Note: Go to menu / view / print size to see artwork at actual print size and to check for jagged edges from low resolution image files.

All Photoshop or other (tiff) bitmapped digital images must be supplied at a resolution of 100 - 120 ppi (pixels per inch) at the finish size of the graphic being produced. EXAMPLE: a 12” x 12” bitmap file will be about 4 meg in size at 100 ppi. A rough estimate on file size would be 4 megabytes per square foot.

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

• Create at 100% final print size
• Be sure to convert all fonts to paths.
• Do not link (or place) files, submit one ready to print file (per print)
• All bitmap images should be 100dpi for quality output

Note: Go to menu / view / print size to see artwork at actual print size and to check for jagged edges from low resolution image files.

QUARK EXPRESS / ADOBE INDESIGN

Save As PDF. Do not submit a Quark or InDesign File.

COREL DRAW

• Save as PDF - PRINT OPTIMIZED w/ proper resolution, or EPS
• Create at 100% final print size.
• All images must be 100dpi at final print size.
• Create at full size if possible - be sure proportion is correct for resizing.
• Be sure to convert all fonts to paths.
• Submit one ready to print file (per print).
• All bitmap images should be 100dpi for quality output.  
• Please do not submit MAC formatted files
  
  

PROOFS

We will send you PDF/JPG proofs for approval. Although we use high quality equipment, we cannot guarantee perfect color matches. Colors will be matched as close as possible to a PMS or printout. Otherwise we will print the file as sent with no guarantees, returns, or refunds.

ART CHARGES

If your files are not ready for print, in some cases we may be able to fix them at the rate of $75.00 per hour with a minimum charge of $45.00