Artwork Guidelines

Streamline Your Order: Art Guidelines for Stunning Prints

Our art guidelines are designed to work seamlessly with our large format digital printing process, which differs from traditional offset printing. By following these guidelines, you'll help us avoid delays and ensure your artwork looks its absolute best.

Preferred File Formats:

• Adobe Illustrator (all versions): This vector-based program allows for precise scaling and high-quality output. Just remember to convert text to outlines and include all linked images.
• Adobe Photoshop (all versions): Perfect for detailed photo manipulation, Photoshop offers flexibility with layers, paths, and channels. Just make sure to include all these elements along with linked images and fonts.

File Formats Requiring Additional Work:

While we accept these formats, some extra steps might be needed:

• InDesign: To ensure compatibility, create a press-quality PDF file. Convert text to outlines, include linked images and fonts, and double-check for any errors.
• Quark Express: Save your project as an EPS file. We'll then open it in Illustrator, convert text to outlines, and include any linked images.
• CorelDraw: Similar to Quark, convert text to outlines, include linked images/fonts, and export as an EPS file.

Additional Notes:

• We don't print directly from PDFs due to potential formatting issues with fonts and images.
• If you're unsure about your file format, feel free to contact us for assistance.

Not Accepted File Formats

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Publisher
• Powerpoint

Artwork Templates

To facilitate your design experience, we offer artwork templates accessible on each product order page. These templates are pre-scaled and ensure your artwork adheres to the specific dimensions. We recommend opening them in Adobe Illustrator and layering your artwork within them for optimal results.

Proofs:

All orders undergo a digital e-proofing process prior to production. These e-proofs serve to confirm the accurate placement of graphics and the absence of grammatical errors. It is important to note that e-proofs cannot provide a definitive assessment of the final resolution or color output.

Resolution:

Due to the significant scale of our prints, maintaining manageable artwork file sizes is paramount. We recommend keeping file sizes under 500 MB. For the majority of your design elements, we advise utilizing a vector-based program such as Adobe Illustrator. To ensure minimal file sizes, photographs should be no more than 125 dpi at their final printed dimensions. Working with files at print size allows for a precise evaluation of the final output by viewing the file at 100% magnification. While our printing equipment utilizes a minimum resolution of 720 dpi, any artwork containing pixelated images will be subject to the limitations of such images in the final product. We may identify pixelated images during the proofing process; however, the onus remains on you to provide print-ready artwork. Reprints necessitated by pixelated images will not be authorized.

Color Accuracy

Our printing process relies on the CMYK color mode (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black). To achieve the best possible color output, we recommend creating your graphic files in CMYK format from the start. While we can convert RGB files, slight color variations may occur due to the different color spectrums used for screen viewing and physical printing. Additionally, monitor settings can affect how colors appear on your screen compared to the final printed product. For projects where precise color representation is crucial, ordering hard proofs allows you to verify the final colors before printing in bulk.

Color Matching Considerations

• File Compatibility: Our system can currently match colors only from vector-based files. We apologize, but color matching isn't available for Photoshop files or flattened images.
• Color Accuracy: Matching colors perfectly can be challenging due to variations in printers, inks, and materials used. To guarantee the best possible outcome, we strongly recommend ordering printed proofs beforehand for your approval.
• Specific Color Matching: If you require precise color matching, please provide PMS solid coated color references. A separate fee may apply for using PMS colors. While we'll do our utmost to match your PMS colors accurately, an exact match cannot be guaranteed.

Color Consistency:

Matching colors precisely on reprints can be challenging. Digital printers naturally experience minor color variations over time. While PMS color matching helps, there's still a chance it won't perfectly replicate previous prints.

Flattened Files and Color Accuracy:

We offer printing from flattened files. This ensures your graphic effects print as intended, but color accuracy might be compromised. To guarantee color expectations are met, we recommend ordering hard proofs.

Optimizing Your Artwork for Us:

• Maximize Vector Graphics: Vector formats like EPS and Illustrator (.ai) are ideal for managing file size and ensuring precise color accuracy. They also allow for easy color adjustments if needed.
• Seamless Image Integration: When using image files, rely on Photoshop. To incorporate them into your vector artwork, use the "place" function. Remember to include the original placed image files when submitting your final project.
• Specifying Critical Colors: Identify critical spot colors using the PMS solid coated color chart within your vector file. This helps maintain accurate color representation during printing, as non-editable files make color matching difficult.
• Transparency Considerations: Be aware that transparencies might appear differently on screen compared to the final print. To ensure accuracy, request hard proofs when using transparencies. Note that PMS color matching isn't possible for transparencies.
• Artwork Templates for Accuracy: Utilize our artwork templates to guarantee your artwork is sized correctly and includes the necessary bleeds to avoid unwanted white edges during printing.
• Large File Management: If your file size surpasses 200 MB, consider simplifying your design by incorporating more vector-based elements. Alternatively, feel free to contact us for assistance with alternative delivery methods.

Ensure Flawless Printing: Avoid These Common File Issues

• Missing Fonts? Outline Them! For smooth printing, make sure all fonts in your files are converted to outlines. This prevents any font-related hiccups during the process.
• Don't Forget Linked Files! If your artwork includes linked files, be sure to include them along with your main file. This ensures all elements appear correctly in the final printed piece.
• Outline Fonts in Linked Files Too! The same goes for linked files containing text. Outlining fonts within those files avoids any font issues during printing.
• Art Template Advantage! For perfect sizing and positioning of your artwork elements, take advantage of our art templates! They'll save you time and ensure a polished final product.
• Low-Resolution Images? Not Ideal. Using low-resolution images can result in a blurry or pixelated print. Opt for high-resolution images to maintain the best possible quality.