Pre-press Requirements
Artwork
If we could describe the “perfect” file, it would look a little like this for an average* banner:
- An Illustrator .PDF file laid out at 1:10 scale.
- Vector based art and type.
- All type converted to paths/outlines.
- Placed images at 300 DPI (or better).
- Document and all colors (raster and vector art) in CMYK.
- Hard copy or flattened .jpg file provided for reference.
- Requested Pantone matches called out on hard copy or in file.
*Your output may require different parameters. Please contact your customer support representative with any questions or concerns on file setup.
Scale
Always design at scale. 1:10 scale whenever possible.
Most computer design software wasn’t designed with “really big” in mind. For this reason we suggest that you always do your design work at scale. Why 1:10? Easy math! If your final output is 54″ x 192″, your scaled file should be 5.4″ x 19.2″ Easy enough right?
Resolution
OK, this one is a little more tricky. Suggested final output resolution will vary from job to job based on factors such as finished size, viewing distance, and application. Some General Guidelines are:
- Billboards: 12 DPI at output size (120 dpi at 1:10 scale).
- Large Banners: 30 DPI at output size (300 dpi at 1:10 scale).
- Small Baners / Posters: 100 DPI at output size (1000 dpi at 1:10 scale).
- Fleet Graphics (truck, vans, etc): 50 DPI at output size (500 dpi at 1:10 scale).
- Bus Wraps: 30 DPI at output size (300 dpi at 1:10 scale).
Fonts
Now this one is a little easier. If your program has the ability to convert fonts into vector shapes(sometimes called paths, outlines, curves, etc),DO IT! Trust me, it will save us all a lot of time. If your program doesn’t support this function(Quark XPress, Page Maker, etc.) it’s time to dump it!…..just kidding. No, just be careful and double (and triple) check to make sure you are sending us ALL the fonts associated with the file. Quark’s Collect for output is great, but sometimes it can miss things (especially printer fonts).
File Type
Our “gold standards” programs around here are Photoshop and Illustrator, but chances are, if you can design in it, we can print out of it. We prefer .PDF files and most design software supports exporting in this format. If you are unsure about your program or file, just contact us and we can help you sort out the details.
Laser / Layout
Whenever possible, please include a hard copy printout with your digital art. The digital world is great, but sometimes things can happen to files along the way (fonts changing, elements shifting, etc.) that otherwise wouldn’t be noticable (to us). Another, increasingly popular option is to create a flattened .jpg file of your layout. While this cannot be used for color matching, it can provide a valuable reference in case something unexpected happens to your master file along the way.
Raster -vs- Vector
Raster: The artwork you create in Photoshop. These files have a “fixed” resolution and must be designed with the output size in mind.
Vector: The artwork you create in Illustrator (or other “drawing” programs). Vector files are resolution independent. Once created, vector files can be printed as small or as large as needed without change. Whenever possible design as much as possible in vector. In the end it will make for smaller file sizes, sharper text and line art, and easier file setup.
