Artwork
HERE ARE SOME QUICK TIPS FOR DESIGNING FOR LARGE FORMAT:
1. COLOR MATCHING
Please include any critical color matches required in artwork or provide PMS color match in the comments section on upload page. True spot colors, or CMYK or RGB builds are not accepted. All critical color matches are matched to their best possible interpretation for that specific output device. Hard copies supplied (such as photos, business cards, brochures, etc) can also be used for color matching. Providing PMS color match works great. If color needs to be consistent with previous order please let us know. For color matching ALL artwork must remain in layered format. A more comprehensive guide to color matching is included on Page 2 of Digital Guidelines.
2. DPI and FILE SIZE
To save transfer time, setting up files at a scale of their final output is optimal. BE SURE that all raster assets will be at least 100 dpi at final size.
3. EMBEDDED IMAGES
Embedded links will be checked for quality at actual size. We recommend sending native art links, as we cannot color match or apply our color profiles to embedded links.
4. FONTS
Convert all text to outlines before sending files for output. If fonts are sent preserved, be sure to include all fonts used within upload package, and Postscript format is preferred.
5. MULTIPLE PANEL PROJECTS
When designing artwork that stretches across multiple graphic panels, ALWAYS set up as one continuous layout. If layouts are set up separately our Technical Support department will always contact for a new layout, which could slow production time. If new artwork cannot be provided, additional composition charges could be incurred to recreate.
6. PRINTED LAYOUTS
Whenever possible please include accurate printouts of your design. Although colors may be somewhat different due to the many output devices used for proofing, an accurate layout helps confirm the composition of the file. If any
fonts are linked incorrectly or images shifted, our preflight department will have an accurate map to reference. For e-transferred files, a flattened screen shot will work as a quick reference of the layout.
7. RGB or CMYK
• Super Select Dye Sublimation /Lambda – print profile requires CMYK.
• Colossus/Print-On-It/Solv-it – print profile can be either CMYK or RGB.
* Make sure ALL artwork is set up in a consistent color space.
* If unsure of print process, please consult your Account Representative
* If layouts are not provided in the correct color space for the specific output device, color shift may occur when converting to our color space.
8. SOFTWARE
Current with all Adobe Creative Suite – InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Quark Xpress also accepted.
9. BLEED
Please see product page for all graphic templates. If template is not provided, 2” overall bleed is required. Pages 6 & 7 of Digital Guidelines detail bleed requirements for our Xpressions® and Salesmate® line.
10. SEND ART IN NATIVE FORMAT
Programs like Quark and InDesign offer the option of exporting your layouts to self-contained pdf files for output. We always request artwork is sent in its native format with all links and fonts included. If not we will require approval of non-native files as to print as is (usually the best course of action is to “rasterize” or “flatten” these files in Photoshop.)
Questions 800.371.7469
