File Types:

• Vector (preferred); these are files we are able to manipulate and color separate if needed
• PDF (must be Press Quality with CMYK, high resolution images, and embedded fonts)
• EPS (minimum 300 dpi resolution)
• TIFF (minimum 300 dpi resolution)
• JPEG (minimum 300 dpi resolution)
• Compressed files should be sent in either ZIP or RAR files

*NOT Acceptable: Microsoft electronic files are not acceptable as output for print production. This includes Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.

Digital Printing Only

• How to add a “Clear” Spot Color to your artwork. (Digital Printing Only!) >>View PDF<<

Software Programs we support for Macintosh and PC:

• Adobe Illustrator – Most Illustrator files contain vector elements we are ABLE to manipulate and color separate if needed. Illustrator files should be saved as EPS files.
• Adobe Photoshop – These are pixel (photo) images that we are UNABLE to manipulate if needed.

• If the art is spot colors with no screen tints, needs to be saved as a bitmapped TIFF or EPS image at approximately 800 pixels per inch.
• If the art is spot colors with screen tints, needs to be saved as a grayscale TIFF or EPS image at approximately 800 pixels per inch.
• If this is a 4 color-process job, the art needs to be saved as a CMYK TIFF or EPS file and be 100% final print size with at least 300 pixels per inch.

• Adobe Acrobat
• Adobe InDesign – We need the supporting placed images and fonts in addition to the InDesign file. We do not accept True Type fonts.
• QuarkXPress – We need the supporting placed images and fonts in addition to the QuarkXPress file. We do not accept True Type fonts.

Additional Specifications:

• Die lines should be provided as a separate layer or file.
• All RGB defined colors and files must be converted to CMYK. (We can convert RGB files to CMYK, however this will alter the color.)
• Convert fonts to outlines or paths. If sending a PDF file, embed all fonts.
• We do not accept True Type fonts.
• All embedded and linked images in your document must be a minimum of 300 dpi resolution.
• Be sure to send all linked files for artwork placed in your document, as well as all printer and screen fonts used.
• Type Size: Minimum type size: 6 point.
• Small registers/trademarks with fine lines may appear as a dot on product.
• Serif Fonts: Avoid using fine serif fonts. These fonts are usually too thin and fill in or lose detail in the printing process. Also avoid using serif fonts in four color reverse copy areas.
• Line Thickness: Minimum line thickness: .5 point. (1 point minimum line thickness for reverse copy or art.)
  
• Bleed: Art intended to print to the edge must extend 3/32” outside cut line. Art not intended to print to the edge must remain 3/32” inside cut line.

• Imprint Area/Live Copy: Due to variances in cut, all copy must be at least 3/32” inside cut lines.
• Halftones: Halftones are made up of dots and are not recommended for type.

• Digital art: Halftones must be between a 5% to 90% screen.
• Silk Screen art: Halftone must be between a 30% to 70% screen. Avoid graduated halftones.
• Offset art: Gradient halftone range 2% to 100%. Screen tint range 10% to 90%.

• Additional requirements for Silk Screen print method:

• Butt register not recommended. Please call for assistance.
• Trapping: 1 point minimum. If art is too fine we will overprint. Trapping may cause a color change where colors meet.
• Overprinting: We use UV inks, which are somewhat transparent. When overprinting 1 color on top of another the appearance of colors may change. Keep this in mind when creating fine details. Black, however, will cover everything.

Helpful Hints

• When supplying PostScript fonts with a job, be sure to supply the printer fonts (also called outline fonts) and screen fonts (bitmap fonts). Both must be available for proper output.
• When supplying fonts, be sure to supply those used in the creation of EPS files. (They will not show up in your page layout application on the list of fonts used.)
• Specify fonts and their style (bold or italic, for example) by using the long menus in your publishing program rather than selecting bold or italic by clicking on a style bar. The menu selection will give you a more accurate representation of the font and style desired. On the Mac platform, clicking on the style bar allows you to select styles for which fonts don’t actually exist.
• Limit the number of fonts used in each job.
• Avoid saving EPS files within EPS files. Avoid transparencies and Illustrator filters to create shadows; they convert to low resolution files.