Graphic Production
Below, you will find some useful information to help you stay current with the ever-changing landscape of graphic design programs and what we require if you are sending art to us.
Files we accept in order of preference:
Adobe Illustrator (“CS4” or less)
Freehand (11.0 “Freehand MX” or less)
QuarkXPress (7.0 or less)
Adobe InDesign (“CS4” or less)
Adobe Photoshop (“CS4” or less)** See note below
PDF* See note below
We also accept EPS, TIFF, JPEG, or BMP files.** See note below
* PDF files are accepted, but we prefer the original files. Sending us a PDF file instead of the original artwork MAY delay the processing of your artwork.
** Bitmap images must be a minimum of 600ppi (pixels per inch) for line art and type, or 300ppi for grayscale or color images. If your job is being printed using spot colors, we prefer vector art (Illustrator, FreeHand) to Photoshop or image files.
Please indicate:
The TYPE of file being sent
The finished size and shape of your label
The colors used in the file (include PANTONE numbers)
Most Important:
ALL FONTS AND SUPPORT FILES used in your art MUST be provided for proper output
Sending Fonts is preferred to type that is converted to paths/outlines.
Files we basically cannot use at all:
CorelDRAW
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
WordPerfect
Corel PrintHouse
CAD drawings as artwork.
Preflight Preparation
The more you can do in this area, the quicker it will be to have your labels produced.
Preflight preparation is the process of collecting, updating and sending files or applications to a printer for production. Preflight preparation uncovers missing data or fonts, misplaced illustrations, trapping errors, incorrect sizing and other important details. The first thing to include is the primary document, whether in Illustrator, QuarkXPress or Photoshop. Check above to ensure we have the current version of the software you're using. If there are compatibility problems, you may need to submit a PDF file for output.
Be sure to include all fonts with the documents you submit. We may not have a specified font, so include the screen and printer fonts, in addition to bold, italic and other versions. Include additional font dingbats or end-marks as well, if required. Most printers use Type 1 fonts or TrueType fonts. Type 1 and TrueType fonts use different kerning and spacing methods. Using the wrong version can damage the text flow and layout.
Include hardcopies of the illustrations, images and photographs with the application file if you want to provide your final color match. RGB color is not used in color printing; please convert to CMYK before submitting.
CMYK: a four-color process using a percentage value of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black. This process is used for printed graphics.
RGB: a three-color color spectrum using values of the additive colors red, green and blue, producing visible light. This spectrum is used for video graphics.
SPOT: a one-color process (or multiple spot colors) using percentages of full color and the tinting, screening or shading of additive colors.
Do a color separation to verify all text and images separate correctly before sending your file please.