Software Accepted

We use Macintosh versions of the following software. In most cases we can work with artwork created by PC versions of the same programs.

• Adobe CS2: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat
• QuarkXPress 7
• Macromedia Freehand MX

Electronic File Transfer

Whenever submitting artwork electronically make an archive of the entire job folder. Use Stuffit for Mac files or Zip for PC files. Do not Zip Mac files unless using the built in OS X archive feature or having confirmed that your archive utility is set to “Preserve Macintosh content.”

• Files < 5MB can be e-mailed.
• Files 5MB to 600MB can be uploaded via FTP - Contact your
  account manager for User ID, Password and instructions to our FTP site.
• Files larger than 600MB should be sent on disc.
  

File Set-up Guidelines

Document Setup:
It is important to call BEFORE starting the design if you have not worked with a specific process before. Request specifications for the specific product you are designing.

• If your graphic contains photos as well as logos, copy or line-art, set-up your document with a page-layout like QuarkXPress, InDesign or Illustrator.
• Do a Collect or Package to gather correct fonts and linked/placed images.
• Set-up large multi-panel graphics on one page when possible.
• Include bleed for trim to edge of panel (or shape) of all graphics. See specifications for your particular product.
• Files may be created at any scale in any of the acceptable software programs as long as the proportions are correct.
• Indicate any cutouts, die lines, or placement of overlying images on a separate layer in your layout.

Color Matching:
It is almost impossible to “match the laser print” when doing image color correction. Understand that color is device dependent, the same digital color will print differently on different output devices and media.

• Use PMS (Pantone Matching System) Solid Coated numbers for specifying vector file colors. We will adjust spot colors to the closest possible match for the output device and media.
• If matching something other than a PMS color make sure the sample is large enough.
  

Image Resolution:
Resolution specifications apply only to raster files. To maximize image quality do not rasterize vector graphics or fonts.

• Set-up raster files for Lambda printing at 125 to 200ppi at final output size, file size permitting.
• Set-up raster files for Inkjet printing at 150 to 200ppi at final output size.
• Higher scan resolution will usually result in higher quality but will mean larger files. However, files resampled to a higher resolution may not yield an acceptable image.

Things To Remember:

• DO NOT embed images in Illustrator or InDesign.
• Include all linked image files with your layout document.
• Do not stylize fonts in QuarkXPress, use the font menu.
• Always include the screen and printer fonts with every file, even those in Photoshop.
• Always include the appropriate amount of bleed.
• Remove all extraneous elements, such as stray points, unused images or other assets outside the bounds of the artboard.
• Always include a printed copy or PDF of your final document. Note any PMS colors required for matching.