FILE SET-UP GUIDELINES
The following is a list of common file formats accepted:
● Raster: Photoshop (.psd), .jpg, .tif, .bmp, .png & .pdf*
● Vector: Illustrator (.ai), CorelDraw (.cdr), InDesign (.indd), .eps & .pdf
● The preferred format is .pdf.
Not accepted:: Publisher, FlexiSign, Quark, CAD, or Word documents.
BILLBOARD RESOLUTION: Raster files should be 10ppi at full size.
MOBILE BILLBOARDS: Raster files should be 30ppi at full size.
ANY OTHER PRINT: Raster files should be 72ppi – 200ppi at full size.
OUTLINE FONTS When you add text to your file it is important that you
“Outline” the text (sometimes called “Convert to Curves”) before you send it
to be printed. If the text isn’t outlined, font substitution may occur when we
open the file. Sending fonts with your files is acceptable, but not ideal, there
are many variations of a single font , and unless the font is exactly the same
font in the document, we may not be able to apply the font correctly.
EMBED LINKED FILES When you place an image into a program like Illustrator or InDesign,
that image is not stored in the file itself. Instead, the program “links” to the location where the
image is stored on your computer. When you save the document, the image is not being saved
with it. When you submit files to be printed, you must “Embed” the linked images. The procedure
varies from program to program, consult the HELP section of your software.
PLEASE ADD BLEED In order to ensure ink coverage is edge to edge
on your print, we ask that you send your files with bleed. Bleed is extra
color that extends beyond the final size of your print. For instance, if a 24” x
36” banner needs 2” of bleed, your file would be 28” x 40”.
We are able to match almost any color. In order to match a color, you must
provide us with a Pantone (PMS) number or a physical sample. We use the
Pantone Matching System and we print 4color/4c CMYK. Certain color are
impossible to match exactly, however we will match any color to less than a 6.0
dE2000. DeltaE (dE) is a single number that represents the ‘distance’ between
two colors.
If your project is cut to shape, we ask that you
supply us with a cut path. A cut path is a vector
shape that allows our cutter to read and match
up with registration marks. A simple one pixel
stroke on the shape is needed, and preferably
placed on a separate layer named “Cut Path”.
Windslits allow air to pass through the
banner, preventing damage to the banner.
As many or as few windslits as desired can
be added, but is recommended that
windslits are spaced around 10″ apart from
each other and at least 4″ from the edge of
the banner. When building your file, we
need the windslits to be 4″w x 2″h half
circle with a 1px stroke. Or you can
download the windslit template and place it
in your document. Please put windslits on a
seperate layer from your artwork.
WINDSLIT TEMPLATE
BANNER TEMPLATE
POLE BANNER TEMPLATE
WHITE INK — Our White Ink process can be applied in one of two ways:
FLOOD WHITE
● This is a full coverage printing process where white ink is printed behind the entire graphic ● No special steps need taken in order for a file to print Flood White
SPOT WHITE
● This is a partial coverage printing process, where white ink is printed in specified areas of the graphic
● The specified areas can be where just white ink prints or where white ink is prints behind graphics on a clear substrate, making the graphic opaque and surrounding areas clear
In order to specify what areas of the print are to print with white ink, special steps will need to be taken (see
below).
SPECIFYING AREAS FOR SPOT WHITE
The following is an overview of the steps to take when specifying what areas on your final print that you would
like white ink to print.
VECTOR BASED ART
● When working with vector files, the simplest way to create a specified white ink area is to copy all the art white ink is to print behind, paste that art directly over graphics and combine the art into one solid shaped.
● Take the combined art and change the fill color to solid magenta (0/100/0/0). ● Create a new layer, name it “White_Ink” and move the combined white ink art onto that layer.
● If you are planning to print white only (not behind a graphic) simply put all this art on the “White_Ink” layer with a fill color of solid magenta.
RASTER BASED ART
When working with raster files, (the following pertains to Adobe Photoshop only) the simplest way to create a
specified white ink area is create a selection where white ink is to print behind and create a “Spot Channel”
from the named “White_Ink”
ADVANCED SPOT WHITE TECHNIQUE
● With a print that has a drop shadow, it is advised not to print white ink behind the drop shadow. The white ink distorts the drop shadow and gives it a white “glow” around the drop shadow.
● When creating white ink art for a graphic that has a gradient that fades into nothing, it is advised that the white ink gradient fade out before the actual gradient it will print beneath. This is for the same reason as that of the drop shadow.
● White ink can be printed in different percentages of opacity, but don’t take that to mean the ink may print at a higher density than what you expect when creating your file.