Client Supplied Art Guidelines

Accepted formats and file types

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

QuarkXpress and Freehand (are accepted, but not recommended)

WE DO NOT PRINT FROM PDFs, or convert to an acceptable print format from a provided PDF. Yes, we know they are widely accepted throughout the print industry. Our vibrant large format digital to photographic rip system is different than standard inkjet or color process printing. To prevent conversion errors due to remnants, non-standard effects or missing resources, we have adopted this policy.

File Size

Please set up file size or artboard to actual print size. Where a large bitmap or background image is used, it is encouraged to use a bleed. (1/4” is fine). When a bleed is used, or file is not set up to finished print size, please indicate print area with cropmarks. The sizes we provide are always cut sizes. Documents should be set up at full size or in direct proportion to the provided size. If fabric graphics are being installed BEHIND the truss, at least 1″ of that may be obscured at the edges. This makes the VISIBLE image for the fabric portion 1″ inside the given dimensions.

We require 2″ bleed on EACH EDGE, all sides for fabric graphics. You should include an additional 2″ of bleed for background images on fabric, at each edge of the graphic to ensure that your graphic will be produced exactly as designed. All other substrates, rigid or flexible, require 1/2″ (half inch) bleed at each edge.

Resources

All print files should be provided in their native format. We ask for native or layered files because we may produce your exhibit graphics by different processes. Native files allow us to better control color and consistency between, for example, graphic fabric wall panels and lean detachable header graphics.

Text

If text is used, it should either be as MacOS compatible fonts sent to us with the art or all text should be converted to outline. 

Resolution

All bitmap image resources must be a minimum of 100 DPI, and a maximum of 200 DPI. All resources for formats other than Photoshop must be included and linked. Linked resources give us the ability to check resolution on bitmap images (see “Bitmap art” below). We cannot guarantee the visual quality of a print from a file with embedded resources. Although it is not best, we will accept raster or flattened final artwork (.tiff, .jpg, or .eps) at 100 DPI to 200 DPI at final print size.

Color Matching

RGB and CMYK are accepted but all files should have a consistent color space.Please specify all colors be matched as PMS. Different graphics containing critical logos, type or imagery should all be created in the same program, since PMS colors can vary from one program to another. (AI’s PMS 321 may be different from Quark’s PMS 321!) Depending on the finished print process, there may be an extra charge for specific color matching.

More considerations

Each finished graphic should have its own file. The only exception to this is when your layout spans multiple separate or cut-up panels. In that case, keep the entire mural as one file, and note any breaks with guides or marks.

Proofs

It is always recommended to supply us with a set of proofs. Low-resolution jpg’s or screenshots of the art are accepted for this purpose. If you are mailing us files on disk, color printouts are also helpful.

Sending artwork

Archive your project folder (‘create archive’ in MacOS, or use zip or Stuffit), upload and send to your project manager at: https://graphic-upload.wetransfer.com/

Submission requirements- Details by program

Illustrator (.ai)

–provide in native format with resources linked, not included.

–raster images must have an input resolution of 100-200 DPI

–convert all text to outline, or supply all fonts if you are working from a Mac

–it is not recommended to use the shadow, transparency or color management

features in AI

Photoshop (.psd)

–provide in native format, keeping separate layers intact

–file resolution must be from 100 DPI to 200 DPI

–rasterize font layers, or supply all fonts if you are working from a Mac

InDesign (.indd, .inx)

–Provide in native format with separate resource files included.

–raster images must have an input resolution of 100-200 DPI

–convert all text to outline, or supply all fonts if you are working from a Mac

Vector art vs. Bitmap art

Vector Images consist of lines and curves that are defined by mathematical objects called vectors. Each vector is an individual element or point that is infinitely scalable. It can be manipulated by itself of in conjunction with all others (for instance, as a logo) without any loss of quality. Bitmap (also called Raster or Photographic) images consist of colored squares called pixels. Bitmap images are created by combining a series of various colored pixels, similar to the child’s toy “Litebrite.” Bitmap images are said to be “flat.” The more pixels per inch (resolution or DPI), the larger the image can be printed with quality to the eye. Bitmap files that are too small will appear aliased (“jaggy” or “stairstepped”) when printed, because there are not enough pixels for that image size.