resources
prepress
Print-Ready File Formats
The following is a list of common file formats we accept, though .pdf is the preferred format:
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Raster: .psd, .jpg, .tif & .pdf
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Vector: .ai, .indd, .eps & .pdf
Turn Overprint off when preparing your file (varies by application).
PMS
If a PMS number is provided, most colors can be represented fairly closely. However, certain colors are impossible to represent exactly; some PMS colors are out of gamut for digital CMYK printing.
Bleed
In order to ensure ink coverage is edge to edge on your print, we ask that you send your files with bleed. For instance, if a 24″ x 36″ banner needs 1″ of bleed, your file would be 26″ x 38″.
Resolution
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BILLBOARD RESOLUTION
Raster files should be 50ppi at full size -
ANY OTHER PRINT
Raster files should be 72ppi – 200ppi at full size
PPI = Pixels per inch – the number of pixels per inch in screen/scanner file terms
Outline Fonts
When you add text to your file it is important that you “Outline” the text (sometimes called “Convert to Path”) 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.
Pockets, Hems & Welds
Extra material at the edge of the print is turned over and stitched or welded depending on the specifications of the project. It is important that nothing crucial (like text and logos) falls in the pocket area. Think of pockets like “margins.” For instance, if a 36” x 48” banner has 3″ pockets on all sides, all important information must fit within 35”x 37.5”. Background images and non-essential design elements may go into the pocket area.
What is a Pocket?
A pocket is an over-sized hem. It provides an opening to slide a pole through for a variety of applications.
Cut Paths
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
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 a 4″w x 2″h half
circle with a 1px stroke on a seperate layer.
Double-Sided Signs
A double sided sign with a directional arrow requires a different image to be provided for both sides.
When arrows face the same direction on the frontside file and the backside file (or the same image on both sides), then when they are printed together double sided, the arrows will be pointing in opposite directions.
However, when arrows face in opposite directions on the frontside file and the backside file, then when they are printed together double sided, the arrows will both be pointing the correct direction.
First & Second Surface Decals
First Surface refers to the front, exterior viewing surface of a substrate. This can be anything from a glass window in a storefront to clear Polycarb for a backlit sign. The printer produces your graphic right reading directly on the first surface of your substrate, or on the vinyl to be applied to the substrate; when viewed from outside, the print is seen directly rather than through the substrate.
There may be differences in how first surface is used depending on the product you have chosen and the application of the product.
Second Surface refers to the interior surface of a substrate. Artwork with second surface application will be reverse-printed, or mirrored, so that it can be viewed correctly from the outside, through the substrate, once installed.
Products that utilize second surface application have the benefit of the clear substrate protecting the image from fading, chemicals and/or abrasion.
File Setup and Material Size
A double sided sign with a directional arrow requires a different image to be provided for both sides.
When arrows face the same direction on the frontside file and the backside file (or the same image on both sides), then when they are printed together double sided, the arrows will be pointing in opposite directions.
However, when arrows face in opposite directions on the frontside file and the backside file, then when they are printed together double sided, the arrows will both be pointing the correct direction.