 |
|
Vector
Based Graphics Files:
|
|
We prefer to work with
vector (outline) graphic files because they are resolution independent
(we can scale up these images without loss of quality. This is the
best format to send sign graphics to us, we generally don’t have to
alter your artwork, although we will perform prepress work (trapping,
color separation, etc.). It’s important to understand that most vector
graphics programs can include bitmap graphics or effects, these are
not vector graphics. A vector graphic only contains outlines. We will
except files from the following vector graphics programs:
|
CorelDraw
.cdr |
We support
CorelDraw (*.cdr) versions 5 through 13 (or "X3"). If you are sending a
Corel file, be sure to include font files or convert all text to
curves (select text and press CTRL+Q) prior to saving. |
Macromedia Freehand
.fh9 or .fh10 |
We accept Freehand
files from version 5 through 10 (*fh5 - *.fh10). If you are sending a
Freehand file, be sure to include font files or convert all text to
paths (select text and press CTRL+SHIFT+P) prior to saving.
|
Adobe Illustrator
.ai |
We accept Illustrator
(*.ai) files version CS2 and lower. If you are sending an
Illustrator file, be sure to include font files or create outlines
from all text (select text and press CTRL+SHIFT+O) prior to saving. |
EPS
.eps |
Encapsulated PostScript
Files (*.eps) are a great format that most vector based graphics
programs will export. Remember to convert all text to paths, curves,
outlines before exporting an .eps file. While we prefer to use the
original native file format from the above programs, we will accept an
EPS file, provided that there are no embedded bitmaps included. |
Flash
.swf |
Macromedia Flash MX is
the industry standard for vector graphics for the web. While not
intended for sign graphics, we can extract elements to aid in the
creation of your sign design. |
|
Raster
Based Graphics Files: |
 |
Raster (or bitmap) graphic
files are pixel-based formats. This is the best format to send photos
to us. Keep in mind that your photo will be output at 300 dpi in the
final size (photos on name riders are usually 3-1/2 x 5 inches).
Generally, photo images that were saved for business cards and web
sites are NOT high enough resolution.
While we prefer vector graphics for sign art, we will accept raster
images, but we will have to re-create your design using your file as a
guide. We will except files from the following raster graphics
programs:
|
Corel PhotoPaint
.cpt |
We accept PhotoPaint
(*.cpt) files version 12 and lower. You can send us photos in this
format, but be sure they are at least 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches. If
you are sending a sign layout in PhotoPaint format, be aware that we
will only be able to use your file as a guide for when we "re-create"
your artwork. |
Adobe Photoshop
.psd |
We accept Photoshop
(*.psd) files version CS and lower. You can send us photos in this
format, be sure they are 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches. If you are sending
a sign layout in Photoshop format, be aware that we will only be able
to use your file as a guide for when we "re-create" your artwork.
|
TIFF
.tif |
TIFF (Tagged Image
File Format) The standard "raw data" file in the graphics world.
Produces high quality images due to the fact it does not use
compression in it’s standard form. We highly recommend sending us all
photos or pictures in this format, but please be sure they are at
least 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches. |
JPEG or JPG
.jpg |
JPEG (Joint
Photographic Experts Group) Using sophisticated compression
techniques, this format can be 1/10 the size of normal "raw data"
files. Please do not compress your
jpeg. Keep it at the "Highest Quality"
(Illustrator =10, Photoshop = 12) |
GIF
.gif |
GIF (Graphics
Interchange Format) is a very popular and well-used file format for
line-art graphics on the Web. If you are sending a sign layout in this
format be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide,
we will have to re-create your artwork. |
Windows Bitmap
.bmp |
Bitmap (Windows
Bitmap) files (*.bmp) are raw data files that are often used for
background images within Window’s Desktops. If you are sending a sign
layout in this format be aware that we will only be able to use your
file as a guide, and we will have to re-create your artwork. |
|
Vector: |
A digital file format, where the image is made up of
true lines & curves to form a perfect image that can be enlarged to
any size and remain the same quality.
|
|
Bitmaps: |
A digital file format, where the image is made up of
pixels.
|
|
Note: |
To quickly find
out if your image is a bitmap, zoom in a few clicks. If the image
loses quality and pixels begin to show up, it is a bitmap. |
Colors may vary slightly
from, Monitors to Desktop
Printers, Laser Printers, Presses, Plotters, etc.
Always provide a color print with your disk so we
can see preferred colors of final product.
If you have any questions regarding your files,
feel free to give us a call.
Just ask for the Graphics Department.
|
 |
