ARTWORK GUIDELINES

Please print this out for your reference (click inside this frame first).

Files can be received in the following program formats:

Photoshop, Illustrator, Freehand, QuarkXpress, InDesign, Acrobat PDF, and Corel Draw.

Current program versions are: Photoshop CS2, Illustrator CS2, Freehand 10, QuarkXpress 6.5, InDesign CS2, and Corel Draw 11. Please make sure you save to these versions or lower when sending files. Both Mac and PC files can be supported.

If your software is not on this list, we may be able to use a generic .EPS file.

Save all files in native format or as an editable .eps. Photoshop can be saved as a CMYK .tif (please send complex images as a .psd file, in layers).

DO NOT SAVE QUARKXPRESS AS AN .EPS FILE. Include all associated images and fonts with Quark and InDesign files.

Acrobat PDF files can be submitted, however, they will need to be produced to the final size. If possibile, fonts should be converted to outlines, curves, or paths (or fonts can be provided). Keep in mind that any placed bitmap images will still need to meet our pixel requirements for best results.

Size Of Artwork:

Art should be set up in the files to exact size or scaled proportionately for output dimensions. What is on the page of the document is what will be on your finished graphic. (If trim, bleed, border, etc., need to be in the finished graphic, include them on the document page.)

When using bitmapped/resolution dependent images, final resolution at graphic output size should be 50 PPI (Low), 100 PPI (Standard) or 400 PPI (High). Using the following formula should help you determine the correct resolution to use to set up your file or scan:

Output Width X Resolution = Number of Pixels # Pixels Divided By Input Width = Scanner/File PPI

Remember, the proportional relationship needs to be the same as input length and width, i.e., square input cannot be rectangular output without distorting or clipping image.

(The old adage of "garbage in - garbage out" applies in the process since the greater the size increase, the greater the need for a sharp original. Cropping will also effect the true size of the original and percent of increase.
For example, should the original be 8" x 10" but you scan a 3" x 5" cropped area, the true original size is 3" x 5", not 8" x 10". The percent of increase or magnification will be greater.)

Pixels per inch determine the level of resolution of the finished print:

Low (50 PPI) is recommended for graphics viewed from 15 feet or more.
Standard (100 PPI) is recommended for 5 to 15 feet.
High (400 PPI) is for very close viewing (less than 5 feet) and for graphics containing small text.

Scanned images need to be saved as CMYK as .tif or .eps or Photoshop (.psd).

Spot colors may be chosen, but all artwork is reproduced with CMYK equivalents. When selecting a spot color, choose the CMYK mode or convert to process colors. Note that not all spot colors are reproducible with CMYK equivalents. We will try to match as close as possible.

If fonts are used, they must be included, both Postscript and Screen, or converted to outlines or paths.

INPUT ART - Photographs and Digital Photos

Digital photos need to be shot at the highest quality setting on the camera. The camera should be at least 6 megapixels.

If photographs are used, select a sharp, glossy image as it will reproduce the best.

Lithographed or printed pieces may be used, but each must be checked to determine if halftone patterns or resolution problems can be solved or avoided. Generally, scans from printed pieces will have to be blurred to remove the halftone dots.

Always include a color printout or jpg of final graphic with your file or photograph.

Files can be sent on the following media:

Floppy disks, 3.5 inch HD
Zip Drive disks, 100 or 250 MB
SyQuest disks up to 200 MB
SuperDisk
CD-R discs
DVD discs
Jaz Disks, 1 or 2 GB

PLEASE LABEL YOUR DISK WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER IN ORDER FOR US TO RETURN IT.

Proofs are available upon request for a fee.

Fee is based on material and size.

Creative Time is available and charged by the hour.

Any files that are received and require resizing for proper output, type placement, etc., are considered incomplete. You will be notified immediately before any changes are made to the original and any charges are accrued.

Archiving is a regular practice at Add Color Graphics.

However, we cannot guarantee that all images will be available due to unforeseen computer and media failure or problems. In order to reprint a scanned image, the size should be the same or smaller than the original print and the resolution requirements should be the same as the original scan. Otherwise, a new scan may be necessary.

Production Time is scheduled for your job based on your needs.

In the event files are received incomplete, information is fragmented, or takes an unusual amount of time to set up and/or process, an additional $85/hr. will be charged for computer and labor time.

IMAGE SIZE

All graphics are printed on 54" wide material with a printed width of 52". If the finished graphic exceeds 52" in width and cannot be rotated to accommodate the web, the printed output will be paneled and include a standard 0.4" overlap.

Thank You!

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PHONE: (336) 992-9880

FAX: (336) 992-9666

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