File Preparation Guidelines

What Platforms and Programs Can I Use?

Files may be prepared on a Mac or PC (Windows), using the following programs:

• Adobe Illustrator currently using version 13.0, a.k.a.“CS3”
• Adobe Photoshop currently using version 10.0, a.k.a. “CS3”

How Should I Save My Files?

Please save your files in the formats shown below. Formats are listed in order of preference:

Adobe Illustrator

1. Save as an Illustrator EPS (.EPS) file
• uncheck the Embed Fonts option (since you’ve outlined all of your text)
• uncheck the Include Linked Files option (and send us all of your linked files!)
• check the Compatible Gradient and Gradient Mesh Printing option
• select Adobe Postscript Language Level 3
2. Save as an Illustrator PDF ( .PDF) file
• check the Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities option.
• check the Embed Page Thumbnails option.
• select Do Not Downsample for all image compression types.
• uncheck all Printer’s Marks.
• set all bleeds to zero.
• check Embed ICC Profiles only if you are using custom profiles (and make us aware of this).
• enter “0%” in the Subset Fonts... area.
• leave all Security options turned completely off.

Adobe Photoshop

1. Save as a layered Photoshop (.PSD) file if the image contains vector text.
• include all fonts when submitting this file type to us!
2. Save as a Photoshop EPS (.EPS; not DCS!) file if the image contains vector art or text. This option
will prevent us from opening the file in Photoshop to do any editing or enhancement, however.
• check the Include Vector Data option (only).
3. Save as a flattened TIFF (.TIF) file if the image contains no vector text (or if such text has already been rasterized).
• select “None” for Image Compression.
• check “IBM PC” for Byte Order.
4. Save as a JPEG (.JPG) file if the image contains no vector art.
• set the Quality slider to 12 (“Maximum”).
• select the Baseline (“Standard”) Format option.

We can accept files from InDesign, Freehand and CorelDraw only if they are saved / exported in Adobe Illustrator EPS format, with all fonts converted to outlines (curves).

At What Size Should My Artwork Be Set Up?

Please build your files at the actual, exact, final printing size if possible. Otherwise, scale your artwork [proportionally] to either 1:2 or 1:4. Do not submit artwork that will require more than a 400% enlargement to print. We cannot ensure adequate printing quality on such files, and reserve the right to reject them.

What Resolution Do My Files Need to Be?

There is no minimum size or resolution for vector-based images as they are perfectly scaleable from any size.

The minimum dpi (dots-per-inch) for your images should be 75dpi at full size, or 300dpi if you are building your artwork at 1/4 scale.

What Do I Do About Fonts?

Convert all fonts to outlines (“curves” or “text to box,” in some programs) if your application allows you to do so.

If, for some reason, you are not able to convert all fonts to outlines, be sure to include all of the fonts used to create your document, and all of the fonts that have been used to create any elements (logos, etc.) in vector art—or Photoshop images containing vector text—that are placed within your document.

If you are working in a program that does not allow you to convert the fonts to outlines, and fail to correctly provide your fonts, your order will simply be placed on hold until you can get the fonts to us (we will notify you immediately in this case). In the past we have attempted to substitute our own fonts for missing fonts. However, due to slight variations in fonts (even among fonts with the same name, which may be sourced from different vendors), these substitutions occasionally changed the client’s design and layout (reflow, etc.). So we no longer do this, except under extreme circumstances and with customer approval.

What Should I Do if My Document Includes Placed Images?

If, as recommended, your layout includes placed (linked) images (photos and / or vector art) that have not been embedded into the layout file itself, be sure that the original image files are included when submitting your order.

Be aware that we have no way to accurately and quickly determine the quality or color space of embedded images. Therefore, we can assume no liability for the printed results of files containing same; they will be printed “as–is.” (Example: A photo embedded in Illustrator may print too dark.) We definitely recommend linking your images, rather than embedding them, and including the originals with your artwork.