Artwork Page

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS

Please follow these general guidelines when preparing your digital files for printing. It will reduce the amount of time needed on our end to get your files ready for production. Thank you!

Fonts

Do not create text with four color process. Text should consist of one process or spot color to avoid registration issues. Convert all text in document to outlines. If this is not possible you will have to supply us with all the font files used in your document. If your fonts are not included we will have to search our library which could be extremely time consuming and not always provide us with an exact match to the one(s) used in your document. NOTE: If your document was created in Quark, please make sure there are no attributes added to the characters such as Bold, or Outline etc. You can, however choose fonts in the pull-down menu that already exist as "Bold"versions etc.

Applications/File Formats

We prefer to work with EPS or high resolution PDFs, but will accept TIFF & hi-res JPG files in certain circumstances. We may be able to use other file formats if they were created with Adobe Illustrator, Quark Xpress, InDesign or Photoshop. If sending files with non-vector elements, please save native file with layers intact. Do not create artwork in microsoft publisher as it produces low resolution files.

Linked Images

Don't forget to include the original files of all images that have been linked to your document. Hint: In Quark use the"collect for output"function or"Usage" if you are unsure of what images to include.

Image Quality

All images should be supplied at actual size and uncompressed with a resolution of 300 DPI. Any RGB images should be converted to CMYK or they will not separate correctly. If background bleeds to the edge of label, please extend it .125" past the label edges.

File Transport

You may send us your artwork by postal mail or you can email it to us (if it is under 10 mb).

Blends/Gradients/Screens or Tints

Keep all color tints (screens) at 4% or higher. There can be no gradients that end at zero percent! Colors that drop off at or near 0% in your supplied files may produce an undesirable rough edge on press that may not be visible on the digital inkjet proof we provide for your approval.

All gradients should be built in Illustrator or Photoshop using a gradient fill for the selected object. DO NOT use Illustrator's gradient tool. DO NOT build your gradient in Quark. Both of these methods will likely cause unwanted banding in your image when it is printed on our presses. Hint: There should be a 50% color difference between the lightest and darkest points of your gradient. Make sure you use enough steps.

Colors*

Make sure any black objects in your artwork are 100% Black(K) and not percentages of CMYK. This is especially important for artwork that contains UPCs.

*Spot color selection should be limited to a 7 color maximum per UV coated label and 8 color maximum per laminated label. Labels that do not meet these requirements will have to be ran through our press twice for an additional charge.

PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CALL US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.