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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:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
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- Quark XPress
- Corel Draw
- PageMaker
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- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
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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.
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.
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