The information below provides guidelines on how to supply files to us, if in doubt please forward your file to us and we’d be happy to evaluate it for you.
PREFERRED FILE FORMATS – SUITABLE FOR FINAL PRINT
Each of the below formats are desirable because all the elements (parts) can be isolated and adjusted accordingly to ensure the best result possible.
VECTOR ARTWORK - ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR® (.ai) (preferred)
This program is a vector based drawing application used for creating “line art.” Files like these are resolution independent and can be printed at any resolution the output device is capable of, maintaining crisp clean lines to film, plates, and press, making them the ideal choice for your projects. Give us the artwork in its native file format and provide all linked images. Always include font files or turn fonts into outlines.
RASTER IMAGE EDITING – ADOBE PHOTOSHOP® (.psd) (Used for Digital Printing and 4-Color Process)
Photograph type images that cannot be drawn with vector drawing programs are done with this type of software and will usually be printed as a halftone, duo-tone, or 4-color process. These types of images are resolution dependent and can appear jagged and lose detail if enlarged or printed at a higher resolution. Create this image type at a minimum of 350-400 dpi or higher and provide the native file format at actual size or larger. Include all layers and font files if type is not converted. Remember to provide a 1/8’ bleed all around. Photoshop® files are treated on an individual basis. If you are concerned about file usability, please submit it and we’d be happy to evaluate it.
ADOBE INDESIGN® (.indd)
This program is a desktop publishing software used for page layout. Be advised, files created in InDesign® will be converted to .pdf and re-read into Illustrator®. Please include all font files or create outlines. Always provide the artwork in its native file format and include all linked images.
PORTABLE DOCUMENT FORMAT – (.pdf)
This is a versatile format that can be distributed and viewed by many users with Acrobat Reader. Its usability for artwork depends on the application used to create the file. Generic .pdf files not originally created in Adobe Illustrator® are treated on a case by case basis.
FILE FORMATS ASSESSED ON CASE BY CASE BASIS
These files can be hard to adjust and manipulate (if at all) however some will still get a good final result (these will generally be printed digitally as a result)
RASTER IMAGE FILES – (.tif, .jpg, .png, etc.) (Used for Digital Printing and 4-Color Process)
These are rasterized image formats usually used for the web. Rasterized files have a built-in file compression that keeps file size small. Unfortunately, this makes them unsuitable for high resolution printing. Image files must be created at 350-400 dpi or higher, and at actual size or larger. These files will be evaluated individually for high resolution usability.
OTHER FORMATS – (.dwg, .dxf, .svg, .cdr, etc…)
All other file formats are treated on a case by case basis. If you have a file in this category, you may submit it and we’d be happy to evaluate it for you.
UNSUITABLE FILE FORMATS
These files are not suitable for final print.
WORD PROCESSING / MICROSOFT OFFICE – (.doc, .xls, & .ppt)
Word documents can be used as a reference to layout, color breaks, and the general appearance of the label only. These types of files CANNOT be used as artwork. Please make every effort to provide your artwork in the formats described above.