Digital Design Technical Support Guidelines
Digital files need to be prepared in different ways depending on which of our output services they are intended for. The procedures are fairly simple if followed from the start. However, once completed, a file that has been prepared incorrectly for a particular output service may take some time to convert. If files are not correctly supplied we will give you the choice of either sending us new files or for ourselves to amend your existing files at our universal charge of $75.00 per hour.
To ensure you receive back what you ordered, all jobs must be accompanied by an official order detailing sizes, file names, fonts used, mounting instructions, etc. A laser proof of your job is vital to ensure we open the files as you created them.
To help you save time and cost we’ve prepared the following technical information on each of our services. We’ve tried to include as many software packages as possible, but if you don’t see the one you use listed, give us a ring. Likewise, if you have any queries about any aspect of our services, please feel free to contact us.
We can also receive files electronically via FTP on the internet. Please follow the etiquette of containing all the files you need to send in a single folder whose name contains the senders (your) name and the intended recipient’s name or department. Failure to do this may result in misplaced files and delays.
Some types of files can also be received via e-mail (email attachments are usually limited to approx. 10mb by most isp's).
In all instances: Do not forget to check that you have copied all required files and identified all fonts required (including those in placed files) - try opening the files from the disk you intend to send to us.
Fonts
We are able to output fonts from the Adobe Professional Series Library and the Bitstream Typeface Library plus some True type fonts (from Corel Draw and Microsoft Office). We cannot offer the normal turnaround on a job if the fonts used are not from these libraries since we may have to purchase the required font which will take time. Alternatively, software packages such as Freehand, Illustrator and Corel Draw allow type to be converted to outlines (paths). A ‘fonts used’ list must accompany each job so that we can load the required fonts. Ensure that you include fonts which have been used in placed elements - these fonts will not be listed when opening documents or in font usage lists. Do not use any of the Mac system fonts i.e. Geneva, Chicago, Monaco, New York, Charcoal etc.
Document Sizes
For great quality large format prints, we highly recommend a final output of resolution of 100dpi in CMYK color. We also recommend designing your files at 1/4 or half size the final output sizes. The formula for this process is:
Design Size: 12"w x 24"h @ 200dpi
Enlarged 200% = 24"w x 48"h @ 100dpi.
Where possible, create documents the same size as the final output. If your software will not allow this, create the document quarter size. Try to avoid creating the document any smaller as some of our output devices are unable to enlarge files beyond a certain point. If you do need to create a document smaller than quarter size - please contact us beforehand.
Scans
It is important that any scans supplied to us are appropriately sized. If they are too small, the image will be crudely pixilated when enlarged to final output size. If they are too big they will take along time to output. If a file is submitted to us too big, we typically make the necessary downsize modifications as needed in order to get the best quality with the least amount of rip time. In some cases, if they are too big they will not print at all. We’ve listed correct scan sizes for each of our services later in these notes.
TIFF or EPS, RGB or CMYK?
All scanners record information via RGB information (values of Red, Green and Blue light). Most repro houses will supply scans as CMYK - these scans are usually converted from RGB to CMYK ‘on-the-fly’ via software. Such scans are eminently suitable for our CMYK services. However converting a CMYK scan back to RGB will always be a compromise, some color information will be irretrievably lost.
Although our preferred scan type is TIFF, EPSs are also acceptable. However, EPSs should only be supplied where TIFFs cannot be used: i.e. where a clipping path is involved. In all other cases, EPSs should be avoided as their file sizes (when saved) are larger than TIFFs. Likewise, if you do supply EPSs, bear in mind that our recommended file sizes will only relate to EPS sizes when opened - not their sizes when saved.
• Never supply EPS files as DCS (desktop separations) none of our processes utilize DCS files.
• Always convert duo tones, tri tones etc. to RGB or CMYK.
• Always delete redundant Alpha channels or layers.
• Always flatten layers.
As a general rule avoid using image compression (LZWJPEG) unless you need to squeeze elements on to a disk.
Grayscale TIFFs or EPSs
All our services accept grayscale files. The same rules for TIFFs or EPSs apply as listed above. To work out the file size needed, divide by 4 for the CMYK services.
Missing Elements
The most common problem we encounter with all services is files that are sent without all the relevant elements. In the case of Quark XPress, we recommend the ‘Collect for Output’ feature which copies all the necessary elements (excluding fonts in older versions) into a new folder. This also has the advantage of keeping your overall folder size to a minimum. Sending the ‘kitchen sink’ can also present problems - we always work from a copy of client’s disks and copying irrelevant files is a waste of time. Sending unnecessary files can also lead to confusion as to what actually needs to be output. A useful practice is to open the document(s) from the disk you intend to send to us and ensure all placed images are present. If you are using a type utility such as Suitcase or ATM Deluxe deactivate fonts which do not appear in your font usage list, then try printing the document - this will reveal any missing fonts in placed files.
Problem files: TIFFs in QuarkXpress -
Sometimes, TIFF scans appear to ‘break up’ when placed in Quark - particularly when the scan has areas of pure white in it. If this happens on screen, the chances are they will print out that way. This problem only occurs with files placed in picture boxes where the background fill is set at None. Fortunately the solution is simple: change the background fill to White.
Problem files: Quark EPSs in QuarkXpress (aka nesting)
Another common problem with Quark is Quark’s own EPSs. Do not be tempted to ‘EPS’ a Quark file and then nest it in another Quark document. It may look fine on screen but it is likely that it will not output correctly. EPS files created in other packages are usually unaffected. If you need to incorporate a page from one Quark document into another try grouping and then copy and paste - beware of subsequent scaling - there are limitations!
Problems with Custom Effects
Illustration packages such as Freehand offer a range of special text effects such as Inline effect, Shadow effect or Zoom effect. These should be avoided. Likewise, avoid using textured or custom fills for objects or lines. Invariably files using these effects either do not output at all or output incorrectly. Each of these effects can and should be created using other means. For example: the Inline effect can be just as easily achieved by converting text to paths and adjusting fill and line.
Storage
Never send your only copy of a file - always keep a back-up copy. Graphics Central, Inc. takes no responsibility for storing files even for a matter of days after the job is completed. However, for a small charge we will write your file to CD or copy it to media of your choice. To take advantage of this service, you must let us know that you require you send your job in.
Cut Out Vinyl Graphics
We can cut self adhesive vinyl up to 36” wide and variable length from file. You can save time and money by ensuring the file you supply to us is going to cut correctly. We need an Illustrator or Freehand file (or Text-only Quark XPress) in order to cut vinyl.
To preview what is going to be cut, turn outline or key line view on in Illustrator or Freehand. All the lines you see in that view are the paths which the blade will cut when instructed by the cutter software. Overlapping shapes or lines may need to be ‘joined’ if a single object is to be cut out. A straight line with an applied stroke thickness will become an invisible single cut unless the ‘expand stroke’ tool is used (Freehand) or the ‘thick line’ is redrawn as a rectangle.
Software that is not capable of outlining text or shapes is not suitable for vinyl cutting. However, we can usually find ways of cutting vinyl from other sources but you will incur costs for us to do so.
We can reproduce cut out vinyl from supplied black and white (or solid color) artwork as long as the quality of the artwork is sufficiently good enough. Similarly we can convert a line art scan (no halftones )to a format suitable for cutting.
Please note if the file is set up incorrectly we will endeavor (subject to your approval) to rectify the file at our universal rate of $75 per hour.
Floor Graphics
Floor graphics is a growing area where images/signs can be printed onto material which is suitable for sticking directly onto a floor (stores, offices, supermarkets, exhibition stands etc). Floor graphics can be produced Inkjet or Vutek output.
The process is quite simple, in that an image is created by the standard methods for digital output and then printed onto a self - adhesive material. The magic ingredient is the over laminate. The finished product gives the end user a self adhesive graphic which can be easily applied to most floor surfaces by simply removing the backing paper. The comparatively low - tack adhesive means that the product can be effortlessly repositioned several times, much like wallpaper, until the desired effect is achieved. Then when the graphic has been used it's indented amount of time, it can be removed leaving behind little or no residue at all.
The ability of the product to with stand the rigorous punishing exhibition schedules has already been proven and is very resistant to the usual heel marks found in everyday life. The product also has a luster finish which is obviously an advantage in the usual harsh lighting conditions found in the exhibition environment and is slip-resistant.
The material is flexible enough to be rolled for shipment, care should be taken to ensure that it is rolled with the laminate to the outside and not less than 11" in diameter. The same material can also be used for external displays, but it is worth remembering that as with most products, the edge also needs to be sealed with silicone, to avoid water infiltration.
Vehicle Wraps
When provided with a given car template, one can work in almost any program - Illustrator, Freehand, Corel Draw, Photoshop, etc.
*** When using Photoshop, the illustrator template will need to be blown up to reach final size, i.e. a template @ 1:20 will need to be sized 2000% to reach final size.
It is important to pay close attention to the template and the vehicle. Because a car is 3-dimensional and a template is not, some areas will overlap. Please be careful with placement, especially on the hood and trunk. Also, allow a 6" overlap or bleeds for installation.
For final output, We suggest using 100 dpi. However, we are capable of outputting vehicle wraps as low as 35 dpi. Please note that the quality of the vehicle wrap will be at risk if output is higher or lower than the given range (35 dpi-100 dpi).
Please do not design over the following, as they will be cut out; lights, grills, license plates, front/passenger windows.
Please make sure corners and edge moldings transition smoothly throughout the vehicle. Bumpers can be a bit of concern. If the vehicle's bumper is painted, it is acceptable to design over them. If the vehicle's bumper is of a "natural" material, i.e. chrome, do not design over them.
Roof designs are another area of concern. Please inform Graphics Central if you plan on including a roof design in your template. Most car vehicle wraps are designed with roof designs, where, SUVs and vans are not.
One last note for designers, text and other important information need some "play room," particularly for easier installations. Please leave room (left, right, up and down) in your design for printers and installers to make adjustments as necessary.
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Digital Design Technical Support Guidelines
