Programs / Applications…
Our digital equipment & staff use the most popular and current graphics software available. The programs we use on a daily basis include Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Freehand, and Adobe Indesign. Additionally, we are usually able to work with any file saved as an EPS export with fonts outlined, no matter what software it was created in. Quark XPress and CorelDraw files are also acceptable, but extra processing charges may be incurred for converting these files to a more compatible format for our equipment. Note that any compressed files must be self-extracting.

Media…
We can accept your files on the following types of electronic media:
CD
DVD
Flash / Jump drive
Via the Internet, email or FTP (call us for details)

Fonts…
Please include any Postscript fonts used in your artwork, or convert all the text to outlines (or curves) before saving the file you provide to us. For all other fonts other than Postscript (i.e. True Type, Multiple Master, etc.) you must convert to outlines (or curves) before you give us the file.

File Size / Resolution…
We recommend that you prepare your digital files at full size, although we can enlarge or reduce the files if needed.
For any bitmap images used the optimal full size resolution of your file should be 72 – 120 dpi. Half size files should be approximately 150 dpi and quarter size files should be approximately 300 dpi. Files smaller than 72 dpi at full size will begin to pixelate and, while they may be acceptable at a viewing distance, they will not be as sharp when viewed up close. Note that the recommended resolution values given here apply only to bitmap files. Vector based files can usually be enlarged to any size with no loss in quality. Illustrator, Freehand and CorelDraw files that do not use bitmap - or “placed” images – are examples of vector based files.

**File resolutions can be lower than the recommended values given above, but the final output may suffer some loss in quality. The loss in quality may not be apparent, depending upon the viewing distance of the finished piece. For extremely large images meant to be viewed at a distance of 10 feet or more, resolutions as low as 12 –18 dpi may produce acceptable final output.

**File resolutions higher than the recommended value above will NOT increase the final image quality and will only slow down our rip processors and may delay your job.

RGB or CMYK?…
Bitmap files or “placed” images can be accepted in either RGB.tiff or CMYK.eps format.

Proofs…
We strongly suggest that you send us a color copy of your artwork along with your disk for both color matching purposes and so that we can make sure your file prints out on our equipment the way you are expecting it to. We cannot guarantee that our printer will match the colors of your printer, but if you provide us with something we will make every effort to match it. If you do not provide us with a proof, we suggest that you have us print one for you to approve before doing the final output. 8.5” x 11” proof prints can often be provided at no charge and larger proofs can be provided at a nominal fee (ask your salesperson for details).

Disclaimer…

Please back up your files on your hard drive and run a virus check on your disk before giving it to us. If we receive a disk with a virus on it, your job will be delayed and a charge of up to $100 may be added to your bill.

Files are printed as-is unless additional work (color correction, proofing, etc.) is requested when the order is placed. We cannot accept responsibility for improperly prepared files.

All color output devices reproduce colors differently and, as such, we cannot guarantee any results. Pantone and other custom or “spot” colors very often will not reproduce accurately using CMYK output devices. We recommend that you have us run a small scale “proof” or calibration output if your colors are critical. You may then make any necessary changes to your files before having us do a more costly full-size print that you may not be happy with.

Checklist…
· Have you included a hard copy of each item that is to be printed?
· Have you included all the fonts (both screen & printer) on your disk or converted all type to outlines?
· Are all linked bitmap images supplied and prepared at the proper resolution?
· Has all cropping, scaling and rotation of bitmap images been done in the source program (not the layout program)?
· Are the dimensions of the artwork equal or proportionate to the final size needed?
· Are all spot colors referenced using the same name in all the files? (All unused color names should be deleted from color palettes).
· If the image requires a bleed, have you provided extra image in all the elements to create the bleeds?