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Electronic File Preparation Checklist

• We can accept the following media for processing: E-mail, CD-R/RW, DVD and FTP

• We can work with files created in Adobe Illustrator, PhotoShop, InDesign, and QuarkXpress

• *Fonts used in the design should be included (both the font suitcase and/or printer and screen fonts) or all fonts should be converted to outlines at full size.

• Any logos or images that are created as line art should be kept as such.  Do not convert to tiff, bitmap or pict formats.

• Proportions (i.e. width & height) of the layouts match the final banner size requested.

• Any crops or keylines are clearly indicated and created on a separate layer if possible.

• All support files are included with the job.  This would include all fonts, placed or linked images, logos and low and/or high resolution scans for processing.

• *All scanned images are saved at the appropriate size and resolution. Minimum scan resolution size should be 200 ppi at ¼ final output size (50ppi at 100% final output size). Maximum scan resolution should be 500 ppi at ¼ output size (125ppi at 100% final output size). Note: Maximum scan resolution is for close viewing distance banners only (1-5 feet.)  Minimum scan resolution is for viewing distances in excess of 10 feet.  If viewing distance is further or higher up, as in hanging from a convention hall ceiling 50 ppi at ¼ size is acceptable (12.5ppi at 100% final output size) *Do Not res-up images in PhotoShop, the quality of the image will not be improved.  If you are unsure, please consult our digital department before submitting your job.

• *All files should be saved in their native program formats if possible.

• Your layout should allow for any finishing (polehems, grommets, etc.) without sewing through major design elements or copy.

• PMS colors requested are specified.  Our digital process matches closest to uncoated colors in the PMS book.  Exact color matches cannot always be made.  PMS colors requested will be cross-matched to closest digital matching color.  Scanned images will be matched to your supplied output as close as possible.  A color proof must be included for color reference.

• *All placed or embedded files should be sent along with a copy of the original layered file for color correcting or any necessary file manipulation.  All files built in Photoshop or Illustrator should be created using layers for each major graphic element.

• Only send the files needed to produce the banner.

• *You MUST include a color proof for reference.  Without a color proof we cannot color match.

• Save each layout as it’s own file

* Very important

Guidelines for Digitally Printed Products

For customers who are submitting artwork, we ask that the following be done to help prevent delays.

Computer Files

• It is always helpful to provide the artwork in its native file.   For example, it’s much better to provide a file originally created in PhotoShop or Illustrator than a file that has been manipulated through exporting or importing the file from a PhotoShop into PageMaker or Quark Xpress.  We prefer not to have files set up in desktop publishing or layout programs like, Framemaker or Quark Xpress.

• Format: Windows or MAC

We have the following programs:

• Adobe Illustrator
• InDesign
• Corel Draw (PC Only)
• Quark Xpress
• Also include a color output if color matching is required. Enclose the Artwork or Transparencies for our reference.

We can accept the following media types:

• DVD+/- R/RW
• CD-R/RW
• Supply both the screen and printer fonts used in the file and/or convert all text to outlines.
• Do not use “transparency layers” in Adobe Illustrator.
• Provide a color that accurately represents the files provided. If color is to be matched to the provided printout please make sure that it is noted as such on the printout. NOTE:  For accurate color, your digital printer must be calibrated to accurately represent the color in the files.

Graphics

• Delete all unused colors from the file.

• Add at least 3” of bleed to all sides of the banner. (This will account for most finishing requirements)

• All scanned images are saved at the appropriate size and resolution. Minimum scan size should be 200 ppi at ¼ final output size or 50 ppi at full output size. Maximum scan resolution should be 400 ppi at ¼ output size or 100 ppi at full output size. Note: Maximum scan resolution is for close viewing distance banners only (1-5 feet.) Minimum scan resolution is for viewing distances in excess of 10 feet. If viewing distance is further or higher up, as in hanging from a convention ceiling 50 ppi at ¼ size is acceptable. If you are unsure, please consult our digital department before submitting your job.

Please note:  Following these guidelines does not automatically make your artwork usable and further processing or manipulation may be required.

Scanning Tips for Large Format Digital Graphics or Photographs

When scanning an image to use in a large format digital print, the following considerations apply:

• Use a minimum of a 600 ppi optical (non-interpreted) resolution scanner.  Lower resolution scanners will not produce acceptable results

• When scanning, do not change the resolution within a program (i.e. PhotoShop), the resolution must be the original scanning size.

• To improve output image quality, increase the color depth.  24-bit color is better than 20-bit color and 32 or 36-bit color is better yet.

• Start with the largest image that you can.  A 2.25” X 2.25” transparency is better than a 35mm, the same is true for reflective prints; the larger the source, the better the source image.  This is especially true if you are only using a small portion of the source image in the final output.  The exception to this rule is that you should avoid using an image that has already been enlarged as a source image.

• Save files as a CMYK tiff (Files can be saved as RGB to reduce file size to fit on media)

Traditional Artwok Guidelines for Screen-printed Banners & Flags

Macintosh Files

All files created on a Macintosh can be submitted on any of the following media:

E-mail (small files only please), CD-R/RW, DVD and also via FTP(file transfer

protocol.)

All files must have their fontsconverted to curves or outlines or all screen &

printer(suitcase fonts) must be included to avoid any processing delays. Failure

to do so will require your file to be sent out to a service bureau for processing with a

charge to be determined after receipt.

All files must be created as vectorized line art and sent in the programs native file

format or in Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) format.  All files should be sent in their

original program (i.e. Illustrator, Freehand, Photoshop, CorelDraw) not page layout

programs like Quark, InDesign.  This will allow for a quicker turnaround time in

processing your artwork.

IBM PC files

IBM PC files must be submitted with all fonts converted to curves or outlines or

the fonts must be included to avoid any processing delays.  Failure to do so will

require your file to be sent out to a service bureau for processing.  Files must be

submitted via E-mail, on a 3.5” diskette or CD-R/RW.

All files must be created as vectorized line art and sent in Encapsulated

PostScript(EPS), Corel Draw(CDR) Version 12.0 or earlier, or Adobe Illustrator 10.0

or earlier formats. Any other file formats will require your file to be sent out to a

service bureau for processing with a charge to be determined after receipt.

For all artwork submitted you must attach a color and B/W paper output ofyour file for artwork verification.  (Separated color output is also helpful ineliminating questions and delays in processing.)  Failure to do so could putyour job on hold until an output is received.

4 Color Process Film Specifications

If full size film positives are provided with the order, the specifications are as follows:

• Art is to be 45LPI (Lines per Inch) at full print size. Dots should be elliptical instead of round.
• Film positives are to be produced emulsion side up.

• Maximum 4 color process print area is 52” tall by 76” wide.

If you send us a diskette, slide or transparency, the film cost can run anywhere from $500.00 to $2,000.00 net for each 4-color process area.  This charge will be determined upon receipt of the artwork.

Average production time is 2-3 weeks.