Acceptable Graphic Formats
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENDING PC & MAC ELECTRONIC ART
Acceptable file formats:
Images (raster images)
Adobe Photoshop (and similar programs)
- Resolution for colour images should be at least 300 dpi.
- Resolution for black and white bitmaps should be at least 1200 dpi
- Convert colour mode to CMYK
- Save file as .psd, .tif or .eps
- Include a PDF proof or printed hard copy
Adobe Acrobat
- Save files as .pdf (300 dpi or higher resolution)
- Include a PDF proof or printed hard copy
Logos (vector images)
Adobe Illustrator
- Use spot colours (PMS colours) or grayscale (b&w), no CMYK
- Include any "placed" images, do not embed images
- Create "outlines" on all text or send fonts used
CorelDRAW
- Use spot colours (PMS colours) or grayscale (b&w), no CMYK
- Use spot colours (PMS colours) or grayscale (b&w), no CMYK
- Include all image files (.tif, .eps), do not embed images
- Include all printer & screen or TrueType fonts
- Export file as .ai for Mac, convert text to curves and turn on "Simulate Complex Filled Curves"
- Include a PDF proof or printed hard copy
Page Layouts
QuarkXPress
- Layout file (.qxd)
- Include all image files (.tif, .eps)
- Include all printer & screen or TrueType fonts
- Include a PDF proof or printed hard copy
Text files
Microsoft Word
- Save as .doc, .rtf or .txt Acceptable media:
- 3.5" diskettes
- CD-Rom
- Iomega Zip Disks
- E-mail attachments (under 2 Megabytes)
General production parameters:
Fonts
We cannot accept PC fonts. Use Postscript Type 1 fonts. Postscript fonts require both the Font Suitcase and the Outline/Printer File. Submitted Truetype fonts cannot be guaranteed to print correctly. If you must use Truetype fonts, send the file in high resolution PDF format (keep in mind that not all Truetype fonts are embeddable).
Images
Halftones and bitmaps should be set at 300 dpi minimum. Submit only grayscale and CMYK colour modes. Pantone colours (PMS) should be submitted in CMYK equivalents.
Scanned Images
Before placing images in programs like Illustrator, CorelDRAW or QuarkXPress, the images should be checked for the following:
- All placed art should be in TIFF or EPS format
- The resolution should be at least 300 dpi
- The colour mode of the image should be either Monochrome (bitmap mode), grayscale or CMYK. The CMYK mode is used for colour images and grayscale/monochrome for black & white.
- Crop and size images properly before placing so that masking, scaling or rotating is not necessary while in the drawing/layout program.
File Naming
Always use a three character extension to identify your file kind: .tif, .eps, .qxd, .pdf, .cdr, etc. Keep the file name short but descriptive. Use only alpha-numeric characters, do not use punctuation, slashes, dashes, hyphens, etc.
Unacceptable Files
We cannot accept files composed in formats not listed on this page. In particular, do not submit MS Powerpoint or MS Publisher files. As well, graphics downloaded or saved from Web pages are not acceptable for print products. These graphics have low resolution images (usually 72 dpi), which are fine for screen display, but far below acceptable quality standards for print.
Other Notes
Do not send the only copy of your files. Always retain a backup of your materials. If your file is corrupt or lost, we can rely on your backup.
$30 Art Charge
$30 art charge will be added to final invoice for file formats other than the ones mentioned on this page. This charge also applies to hard copies sent via mail.
Delivery
We will ship catalogue products with standard imprints within 5 business days (unless otherwise stated). Stock products are shipped within 24 hours. Orders with custom artwork and design modifications will take 10 business days, after the customer's final approval. Please allow time for delivery.