1. COLOR MATCHING
All color matches require a Pantone color to be called out. The production dept. will do the rest. True spot
colors, RGB builds or CMYK color builds are not acceptable. Some colors are more likely to be achieved than
others due to device limits, however, all Pantone colors are matched to their best possible interpretation for
the specific output device. Hard copies, print outs or photos can be used as targets for color matching. All
critical color matches need to be specifically called out in the file as well as by e-mail or some other form of
written instructions.
2. DPI and FILE SIZE
Work in full size when possible, however if file size is too large you can set up files at 1/4, 1/3, or 1/2 scale
and adjust dpi accordingly. Set files up at 100 ppi at final size. Supply layered files when possible, however, if
you prefer to send flattened files, please send both a layered and a flattened version.
3. EMBEDDED IMAGES
Never embed files within your design. Always include a separate file, or “support file” for every placed image.
Embedded files cannot be checked for quality or adjusted for color and may act unpredictably when ripped
at output.
4. FONTS
Include all fonts, Postscript fonts are preferred. If you do not have the font convert text to outlines.
5. MULTIPLE PANEL PROJECTS
When creating multiple panel files, set up as one image and at the exact combined width. Images are tiled
at the production level from a single image. Designs generated as multiple files can incur production charges
and/or not be guaranteed to line up precisely. Attempt to have fonts and logos miss panel splits. It is a good
idea to measure out and include guides where panels meet.
6. PRINTED LAYOUTS
Whenever possible please include accurate printouts of your design. Although colors may be somewhat
different due to the many output devices used for proofing, an accurate layout helps confirm the composition
of the file. If any fonts are linked incorrectly or images shifted, our preflight department will have an accurate
map to reference. For e-transferred files, a flattened screen shot will work as a quick reference of the layout.
7. RGB or CMYK
When setting up RGB or CMYK, if the art is Raster (i.e. Photoshop) - use RGB, if it’s vector - use CMYK. In
the long run it doesn’t make a huge difference. We find that raster art looks better when kept as RGB due
to the larger gamut of our default working color space (AdobeRGB 1998), and vector art is more accurate
when ripped as CMYK. Ultimately it is image dependant, the decision to switch from one color space to
another will be made by our color specialists.
8. SOFTWARE
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Freehand MX. Also QuarkXpress.