Basic Requirements


Preferred:
Illustrator (8 & up) .ai
InDesign (1 & up) .indd
Photoshop (5 & up) .psd
Publisher 2007 .pub
(.psd is raster artwork)

Supported:
Corel Draw (8 & up) .cdr.
tif (if raster is acceptable, see above)
.pdf (fonts must be converted)

Higher contrast, higher visibility, and improved legibility…

Publisher Files are only for viewing and quoting. There will be a charge of $75.00 for recreating a workable file. (vector) If and only if your artwork does not need to be manipulated in any way and is print ready, you will NOT be charged the $75.00.

Requirements by Print Method


Screen or Flexo printed items:

  • All jobs require vector artwork.
  • Raster artwork is only acceptable for photographs and similar style artwork.
  • If raster artwork is the only art available contact your sales representative for details.

Digital (full color) items:

  • All jobs require vector or raster artwork.
  • Vector artwork is preferred
  • If raster artwork is the only art available 600dpi is required for best results.

Your artwork proofs will be available through email or fax. Your finalized projects will also be available through emails, fax, cd’s, or dvd’s.

Artwork Submission Guidelines Definitions & Examples


Raster Artwork
Raster artwork is an image created of many pixels. This results in artwork that is not editable, scalable, or able to be separated for spot color reproduction. Common Raster file formats include: .jpg .bmp .psd .tif .pcx

Vector Artwork
Vector artwork is an image created of points and paths. This results in artwork that is editable, scalable, and able to be separated for spot color reproduction. Common Vector file formats include: .ai .fh(x) .cdr .indd .qxd (these formats may also contain raster artwork)

Vector Artwork is required. To avoid additional charges and additional time…

  • Artwork must be submitted at actual size of finished product.
  • All fonts must be converted to outlines/paths.
  • All placed/linked images must be embedded or included separately.
  • All images must include the required bleed if necessary.
  • A color copy or jpg indicating cut should be submitted for reference.
  • All spot colors should be specifically identified. Include white if necessary.
  • Cut/Die line should always be clearly indicated with an unused spot color.

Methods for Submitting Artwork


Preferred: Email and/or Website (contact customer service for details), CD-   R/RW
Supported: ZIP 100/250,
1. Include a jpg or PDF for reference
2. Convert all fonts to paths/outlines
3. Include or embed all placed images
4. Submit artwork at actual size
5. Identify all spot colors 6. Allow for bleed if necessary
7. Submit the original file if possible
8. Never flatten/merge the layers of a .psd
9. Indicate the cut/die line clearly
10. Verify art meets all Submission Guidelines
Any files larger than 1 mb, go to: hightail.com and follow instructions.

Live Text & Converted Text


Live Text: Live text is still in a text format in the artwork’s original program and can still be spell checked and corrected. Live text does require the fonts used in order to be displayed and printed correctly.Converted Text (Outlines/Paths/Curves): Outlines/paths/curves are vector artwork and as such can no longer be spell checked. However they do not require fonts in order to be displayed or printed correctly.

Cut Margins & Bleeds


Cut Margin: Cut margin is the minimum space required between elements of art and the finished edge of the product. Size and product are the two main factors that determine cut margin. Note that bleed borders must meet or exceed our minimum cut margin.

Bleed: Bleed is the distance the ink extends past the finished edge of the product before final cutting. Standard minimum bleed is 1/8″ (.125″). Raster files must allow for the required bleed when submitted because they are not editable like vector files

High Contrast = High Visibility

When selecting colors for use in a layout remember that Visibility is key. Often color combinations can hinder visibility due to a lack of contrast. Below are some examples of low contrast color combinations and our recommendations for better visibility.

Low contrast, low visibility, and decreased legibility…

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