Basic Graphic Specs

  • 300 DPIs pictures
  • CMYK workspace. Don't work with RGB. We won't be responsible for dramatic color changes. Even with CMYK workspace some variations may occur due to differences in monitor calibration and profiles.
  • Outline all fonts
  • Embed all images
  • If using black in background, vector images or type, please use RICH BLACK: c30, m30, y30, k100
  • Use "US Web Coated SWOP v2" color profile

    • Our preferred file format is:

  • Full size @ 100 DPI minimum for large displays/graphics. For smaller displays/graphics, full size @ 200 DPI
  • CMYK
  • TIFF
  • LZW compression

Other File Formats (in order of preference):

  • Illustrator (outlined fonts, embed images, CMYK)
  • PDF (outlined fonts, embed images, CMYK)
  • PSD (CMYK, flattened layers)
  • JPG (High quality file - low compression)

But if your file is coming in the following formats, don't forget to:

  • Corel Draw: Covert text to curves, bitmaps at 300 DPIs
  • Illustrator: Convert text to outlines, bitmaps at 300 DPIs, embed all pictures
  • PhotoShop: Flatten layers
  • Acrobat: Embed fonts, Print output settings.
  • Work in CMYK. We are not responsible for dramatic color changes when converting from RGB to CMYK. Anyways, some variations may occur due to differences in monitor calibrations and so. If color is vital, please request the PerfectColor Program.
  • 200 DPIs minimum

Basic Recommendations:

• Supply all the necessary files.
Include all image and graphic files imported into your document. Graphics that are missing may remain visible but will output in low resolution and look pixilated and fuzzy. Also please supply original and editable copies of all graphic files.

• Supply the necessary fonts.
Please be certain to provide both printer and screen fonts. If printer fonts are missing we will not be able to create films for your job.

• Convert all your colors from RGB to CMYK.
Your images may print black and white or with inaccurate color if you neglect to convert images.

• When converting a Pantone color to CMYK, verify that the CMYK color is equivalent to the original color. Some Pantone colors are outside of the CMYK color space and appear different when printed as process color. View your screen after conversion for a rough idea of how that color will appear. For an exact determination, view a Pantone color conversion guide.

• Scan or save your images at the correct resolution.
Set scanning resolution at double the output line screen. At least at 100% and 300 dpi. If you are not very familiar with this process, allow us to help you. A small extra fee will be added.

• Set document bleeds up correctly.
Make sure all bleeds extend between 1/4 and 1/8 of an inch beyond the edge of the size of the finished document. Again, if you are not familiar with this technicality, let us do the job for you. It's free!

• Send us a mock-up of your document.
It is always useful to have a mock-up as a guide for printing. A PDF e-mailed with your job or even a laser proof faxed to us can serve as such a guide.

• Label everything.
Clearly tag the files you are supplying. It is also helpful to provide us with a checklist of everything you are sending.

Following the above checklist helps reduce potential problems, speeds up delivery and avoids fees associated with pre-press problems.

However, don’t worry if you don’t do all these steps or don’t understand how to do them. We can work with any file you provide. Just submit whatever you have: we will pick up the phone and call you if we have questions.

You can e-mail your file to us. Also we have FTP site, for large files. Just call us and we will provide you with all tech specs for this matter.