Digital
Printing Artwork Guidelines
THESE GUIDELINES ARE FOR FULL COLOR
DIGITAL PRINTING ONLY.
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Sign Spec Sheets: Click the links to
download design spec sheets for each of our sign sizes.
Please review before having your artwork designed.
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6" x 18" - Digital Print
Coroplast Signs |
PDF
Instructions |
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12" x 18" - Digital Print
Coroplast Signs |
PDF
Instructions |
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12" x 24" - Digital Print
Coroplast Signs |
PDF
Instructions |
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18" x 24" - Digital Print
Coroplast Signs |
PDF
Instructions |
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24" x 24" - Digital Print
Coroplast Signs |
PDF
Instructions |
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24" x 36" - Digital Print
Coroplast Signs |
PDF
Instructions |
To help you
prepare your file for printing we have some guidelines that should
be followed in order to obtain the best results.
CLIENT SUPPLIED FILES
The
client or client hired graphic artist must follow our
guidelines. Files supplied by the client or client agency will
be pre-flighted for correct sizing and bleeds only. It is vital
that the client or agency is aware of image resolution issues
prior to sending their files for print. While we might bring up
resolution issues it is not our responsibility or duty. Files
printed with resolution issues caused by poor image quality will
not be reprinted. Please check your files prior to submission.
We strongly suggest color hard proofs on the material prior to
printing. While at an added cost and production time, proofs are the
ONLY way of making sure color output is acceptable. Client who waive
hard proofs for any reason also waive their right to reprints.
E-proofs supplied via email are not considered hard proofs. E-proofs
are to be used for placement only, not for color or resolution.
Supply
all digital files in CMYK. Files supplied in RGB will be converted.
Color cannot be guaranteed on any converted RGB file.
TIPS FOR GRAPHIC ARTIST
Large
format graphic creation can be difficult due to issues with file
size and ability to find images at a high enough resolution that
look good at final size. Here are a few tips:
1) Use Illustrator and make vector based output. Create images and
link them into the document. Flattened files are not guaranteed.
2) Specify critical PMS colors in the vector file using the PMS
solid coated color chart. Files that cannot be manipulated cannot be
color matched
3) Stay away from overuse of transparencies. Color matching a
transparency is impossible.
4) Using even simple text/graphics effects on large files can create
massive file sizes making even the smallest edit take hours. Edits
needed on our end could accrue significant art charges.
5) Create all art to size and check resolution. Most mistakes with
resolution come from files reduced to a percentage causing
resolution issues to go unnoticed. You are responsible for image
resolution.
6) If your file is over 1 gigabyte simplify your design using more
vector output.
It is your responsibility to understand our requirements. We are
here to answer any questions you have. Please contact our customer
service department for help.
RESOLUTION
Optimal results are
achieved with images printing between 125-150 DPI at final size.
DO NOT rez-up images: this only pixelates the image more by
adding artificial pixels. Please submit images at full size.
COLOR MATCHING
Due to different
printers, ink and media, not all colors can be precisely
duplicated. We will do our best to come as close as possible to
the colors you request. We cannot guarantee exact color
matches. We strongly recommend ordering a printed hard
proof to approve any color matches.
If your project requires a
Pantone color match, please reference a Pantone Solid Coated
chart and make sure the color is included in your file. You may
also send us a printout as a guide. Color matching and print
proofs will add extra time to production, please plan
accordingly.
PLEASE NOTE: For a rich
black us the following values (C: 70 M: 70 Y: 70 K: 100)
COLOR MATCHING PREVIOUS PRINTS
A digital printer
will print color differently, even using the same printer
profiles, from day to day. If you are ordering a print that
needs to match one previously ordered we must have the previous
print back to color match. While there is no way of guaranteeing
an exact color match, having the previous print to reference is
critical. You must indicate the previous order, and contact a
customer service representative, to make us aware that a
previous print match is required. Failure to provide the
previous print and contact customer service will make it
impossible to color match your previous print.
SOFTWARE
We can support both
PC and Macintosh based files using:
1) Photoshop CS3 – All versions up to CS3, Include
all layers, paths, channels, links and fonts.
2) Adobe Illustrator CS3 – All versions up to CS3,
Convert text to outlines, include all linked images (Do Not
Embed Images)
The programs below are not recommended for large format printing
and may not reproduce correctly. Please export the file as an
EPS or high resolution (High Quality Print setting) PDF suitable
for large format printing.
Not Recommended:
1)
In-Design CS3 – All versions up to CS3, Include all layers,
paths, channels, links and fonts. Convert text to outlines,
include all images (Do Not Embed Images)
2) Quark Express -
Use the “Save page as EPS” feature under the File menu. Open
EPS in Illustrator and convert text to outlines, include all
images. (Do Not Embed Images)
3) CorelDraw -
Include all layers, paths, channels, links and fonts. Convert
text to outlines, include all images (Do Not Embed Images)
Not Accepted:
1) Microsoft Word
2) Microsoft
Publisher
FLATTENED FILES
Flat files cannot be
modified at our facilities, except for global color changes
(i.e. brightness, contrast). A flat file is useful to verify
layout and position but is not recommended as a print file. There
can be no guarantee of output using flattened files. Reprints of
flattened files will not be authorized.