SIGN TYPES:
SENDING US ARTWORK:
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DIRECTIONS:
1.For vinyl-cut graphics, and most digitally printed graphics, we prefer Adobe Illustrator .eps or .ai files (version 10 or less).
-For digital printed images & photos, we except high res .tiff's or .jpgs
2.Make sure fonts are "converted to outlines." Please specify any PMS colors if applicable.
3. Email artwork, or artwork questions to nic@innovative-signs.
If artwork is too large to email, feel free to drop us off a cd or hardcopy/camera-ready artwork. |
| IN A PINCH? Send us what you have and we will try and make it work... |
ART EXPLANATION:
Below is information explaining "what's and whys" of sending proper artwork:
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EXPLANATION:
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The photo below shows a pixel-based image. A .jpg, .tif, or .bmp - notice the jagged edges, blurriness, & "pixelation." These kinds of files (noticably) are made up of tiny squares called pixels. |
The photo below is what vector-based line art looks like - crisp and clear - no matter how big you need it. |
The photo blow shows how vector-based line art is different from pixel-based images. Notice the fine lines and points exist instead of jagged pixels. |
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WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
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USAGE:
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pixel based art: ONLY high resolution images may be used for digital printing. The one above would be too low resolution. |
vector-based art = excellent for digital printing. Can be enlarged to any size. |
vector-based line art is a MUST for cutting vinyl. This allows the vinyl plotter (cutter) to follow the points/lines as it cuts the artwork. |
CONVERTING TO OUTLINES:
(.PDF .AI & .EPS files)
1. This is you logo or type you are using. Notice the blue underline (text selected). As you see it, the font and spelling are changeable. However, you do not want to send a file this way.
In Adobe Illustrator, click TYPE>Create Outlines
2. This shows the text converted to outlines. This makes each letter its own piece of artwork. Notice the change from #1. Now, the font is preserved no matter what machine opens it. This is the preferred way to send vector - artwork.
3. This happens when a file is NOT converted to outlines. If you ever send a file to a computer that does not have the font you intended, it will make a generic font. You can prevent this by converting the font into outlines.
NOTE: If you are sending a .doc, let us know what font you intend to use.
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FILE TYPES:
Below is a list of the most common file types, as well as things you should know about them:
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Filetype's Icon
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Filetype Name & Explanation |
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.AI, .EPS
Adobe Illustrator Files
Our most preferred file type. We prefer the art sent as version 8, but accept anything lower than CS. Line art can be any color including the logo's exact PMS colors. These files are usually small in size because of their line art makeup. Sometimes pixel images are "placed" or imported into the .eps or .ai files to accompany the line art; such as photos with text caption, designs, etc. This is acceptable as long as the images can be digitally printed or redrawn.
NOTE: taking a .jpg, .tif or any other image and saving it as an .ai or an .eps file does not covert it into line art.
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.PDF
Adobe Acrobat File
Almost same as above, but these files are acceptable and viewable on any computer since 1994 - Mac or PC. For our purposes, please make sure the fonts are "converted to outlines" before emailing them to us.
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.PSD
Adobe Photoshop File
These are images made or enhanced using Adobe Photoshop. These can be any size or resolution, and any color. Photoshop images sometimes have layers, so please flatten to one layer before emailing the file, unless some layers need editing. Image should be at least 150 dpi at full size, 300 dpi at 50% size.
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.TIFF
Tagged-Image-File-Format
One of the most common formats for bitmapped images. Can be any resolution, and they can be any color, greyscale, or b&w. These files are acceptable, however for digital printing purposes, make sure they are at least 150 dpi at full size, 300 dpi at 50% size. In the instance of ordering vinyl graphics the .tif will need to be redrawn to become line art.
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.JPG or .JPEG
Joint Photographic Experts Group
A compressed file for color images. It reduces files to about 5% of their normal size, and detail is lost. This is a popular format for emailing files because of their small size. JPGs are also popular internet images because they load fast. Given these quick facts, .jpg is not a preferred format to print or enlarge. We accept this format, however in an instance of ordering vinyl graphics the .jpg will need to be redrawn to become line art.
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.QXD
Quark X-Press Document
Quark is an excellent program for making multi-paged documents: magazines, newspapers, brochures, etc. If you are planning on sending us one of these files, could you first export the file as an .eps - and open it in Illustrator to convert the fonts to outlines.
***We do not have the Quark program and would be unable to use the .qxd file.
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.DOC
Microsoft Word Document
MS word documents are usually text with added images, etc. We accept and can copy any text from your word document for making signs. Documents with images pasted from the internet cannot be accepted as printable artwork. Any images pasted into a word document will be judged on a case-to-case basis. If there are any problems we will contact you.
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.BMP
Bitmap Image
These images come in any color or resolution. We accept these files, and will contact you if the resolution is not good quality.
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.GIF
Graphics Interchange Format
These images are mostly optimized for internet usage for viewing only. They are small and compressed files, usually not good quality for digital printing or enlarging. Note images taken from the internet are usually 72 dpi, whereas print standard is 300 dpi. A 72 dpi file can never be improved to 300.
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.PPT
Microsoft PowerPoint Document
PowerPoint is a program used to display presentations on a projector or computer monitor. These files were pretty much meant only to be seen, not printed. It is nearly impossible for us to export any art from a powerpoint document and use it for printing purposes. Let us know if this is the only artwork you have to send us before emailing it.
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