File Guidelines -- Which file type do I need?
Artwork Readiness -- What is "ready" artwork?
How should I send my artwork files?
Glossary of Terms (Print and graphics definitions)

File Guidelines -- Which file type do I need?

File Type: .EPS
Used For: Screen-Printing
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) can be used on a variety of platforms including Macintosh and Windows. This format allows your logo to be scaled to different sizes without changing the overall appearance. It will look the same at one inch as it does at 10 inches. The manufacturer can then optimize the appearance of your logo on the product you are purchasing.

File Type: .TIF or .TIFF
Used For: Screen-Printing
TIFF files are compatible with a wide range of software applications and can be used across platforms such as Macintosh, Windows, and UNIX. TIFF files are usually larger than JPG or GIF and take longer to open. If you are looking for a one-color logo, this may just do the job for you.

File Type: .AI or .CDR
Used For: Screen-Printing
Adobe illustrator and Corel Draw are two popular graphic art programs used by manufacturers of ad specialty products. Among others, they use these programs to manipulate the size and content of the artwork we send them on your behalf. These are both good choices for your artwork.

File Type: .GIF, .JPG, .JPEG
Used For: Computer Screen Viewing
GIF formats are commonly used for web graphics. If you scan a picture to send to Aunt Edna, you are most likely sending her a JPEG format. Their function is like a camera; they take a snapshot of the subject including the color and size. Where you may be able to change the size of the photograph you sent Aunt Edna, you can not separate the colors. A screen printer can only print one color (called sport color) at a time and so needs to separate the colors. This can easily be done with the AI, EPS, and CDR formats.

File Type: .PPT, .DOC, .XLS
Used For: Computer Presentation, Word Processing and Spreadsheet Applications.
Where these Microsoft applications all allow the use of graphics, the way they are used prohibits their use by screen printers. They should NOT be used as original artwork files.

File Type: .BMP
Used For: Computer Screen Viewing
BMP (Bit map) files were created just for the Microsoft Windows operating environment. It was a method used to create icons and other screen based graphics supported by the Windows operating system in the early 80's. When printing BMP files, you will probably notice irregular or jagged edges to the graphics. When you increase the size, the jagged edges just get bigger. It's like drawing your logo with little squares instead of lines. This file type is NOT recommended for screen-printing.

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Artwork Readiness -- What is "ready" artwork?
An electronic artwork file is considered "ready" when the artwork is created and delivered so the supplier can use it for prepress and printing without the need for modifications that would incur extra charges or cause delays.

1. Mechanical Artwork
The traditional standard for acceptable mechanical artwork is "camera-ready black and white" material. Typically, anything of a lesser quality may be subject to extra charges.

2. Vector Artwork Files
Vector artwork files must be written in the Postscript language. Files can contain no Postscript errors, stray points or colors assigned to elements in a manner inconsistent with the supplier's published requirements.

• Any type set on paths must be converted to Postscript outlines (curves). If additional or future typesetting is anticipated or type left unconverted, the font files must also be supplied for use on the supplier's specified computer platform (operating system).
  
  
• Any line thickness must exceed the supplier's minimum when the artwork is scaled to the actual imprint size. Files with any placed, parsed or linked elements require certain additional criteria described in the standard for "metafiles."
  
  
• The artwork file(s) should be accompanied by a printed proof, or its electronic equivalent, communicating to the supplier the desired result of the use of the e-artwork file(s).
  

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3. Bitmap Artwork Files
Bitmap files should render images at 100 percent of actual imprint size.

• Illustrations or ad layouts containing any line art elements or areas of solid color should have a Bitmap resolution (pixels-per-inch) of no less than the supplier's specified minimum.
  
  
• Continuous tone images (such as photos) which contain halftones, tints, grayscales, or are intended for process color separation should have a Bitmap resolution (pixels-per-inch) which is a multiple of no less than 150-200 percent of the line screen frequency specified by the printing process.
  
  
• Unless suppliers specifically request CMYK files, the color space of images submitted for process color separation should remain in the native RGB color space to permit suppliers to apply their own separation setup preferences.
  
  
• The artwork file(s) should be accompanied by a printed proof, or its electronic equivalent, communicating to the supplier the desired result of the use of the e-artwork file(s).
  

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4. Page Layout Documents
Page layout documents must be prepared to render the artwork and/or other elements to be printed at a scale of 100 percent of the actual imprint size.

• In addition to submitting the page layout document(s), there must also be the submission of all vector and/or Bitmap files referenced by the page layout document.
  
  
• The font files and document preferences necessary to properly render any text in the page layout file must also be supplied for use on the supplier's specified computer platform (operating system).
  
  
• The page layout file(s) should be accompanied by a printed proof, or its electronic equivalent, communicating to the supplier the desired result of the use of the page layout file(s).

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5. Metafile Artwork Files
Any metafiles that make reference to externally linked or imported images must be submitted together with those separate elements.

• All vector elements in the metafile must comply with the quality standard for vector files. All Bitmap elements must comply with the quality standard for Bitmap files.
  
  
• The artwork components in the metafile should be submitted at 100 percent of the actual imprint size. When rendered at 100 percent scale, the Bitmap elements in the metafile must comply with quality standard for Bitmap files.
  
  
• The artwork file(s) must be accompanied by a printed proof, or its electronic equivalent, communicating to the supplier the desired result of the use of the e-artwork file(s).
  

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6. Acrobat (PDF) Files
PDF files created from vector files must be suitable for reverse-conversion to vector files or for use in the PDF format such that the file meets the quality standard for vector files.

• PDF files created from Bitmap files must be suitable for reverse-conversion to Bitmap files or for use in the PDF format such that the file meets the quality standard for Bitmap files.
  
  
• PDF files created from metafiles or page layout documents should be submitted together with the source document, all fonts and imported graphic components unless the supplier specifically waives these requirements.
  
  
• PDF files are acceptable as proofs (both for submission of the order to the supplier and pre-production examination by the distributor) subject to the limitations of the Adobe PDF file format and any other limitations published by the supplier.

7. Other Than Above
Unless digital files satisfy the readiness standards for vector files, Bitmap files, metafiles, page layout files or PDF files — or they are otherwise specified as acceptable by a particular supplier — those digital files DO NOT meet the readiness standards for e-artwork.

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How should I send my artwork files?
For camera ready artwork, either e-mail or call for pickup (480)830-1001.

Digital files less than 5 Megabytes can be e-mailed.

Files larger than 5 Megabytes need to be uploaded to my online file folder.
Please call to discuss others options for your project type.

Online file folder
https://www.onlinefilefolder.com/index.php?action=folder&folder_num=8803562

Click here for a Glossary of Print and Graphics Definitions

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Call (480)830-1001 or e-mail us a request for ideas or product pricing for your next project. You will be glad you did!