Print Ready Artwork - Things you should know before supplying PositiveSigns with a file
Artwork Requirements - We Work with a Variety of Files.
PositiveSigns can reproduce almost any logo or typeface. However, you can save money by providing your own artwork. Our preferred file formats are detailed below. We may be able to work with other file formats, however, the file types not listed below may require more design time as they cannot be directly imported into our software.
Accepted File Formats:
AI or EPS - Adobe Illustrator
Vector image files created by Adobe Illustrator can be scaled/enlarged to any size. Illustrator files should be saved in one of the following three formats: .ai, .eps or .pdf files. It is important to note that all fonts and strokes must be either converted to outlines or the fonts must be provided. Linked images (if any) are to be supplied or embedded and should follow the resolution guidelines below.
PDF - Adobe Acrobat
A high resolution PDF file exported as a high quality print (press quality).
PSD / JPG or TIFF - Photoshop Document
Documents created by Adobe Photoshop should be saved as either .psd, .jpg or .tiff files. Make sure the colour process is converted to CMYK and not RGB. High resolution JPG or TIFF files saved with minimal compression are preferred and necessary for quality enlargements. See scaling and resolution guidelines below.
INDD • Adobe InDesign
When sending InDesign documents the complete packaged InDesign document must be supplied including all fonts and links.
Scaling & Resolution
Whenever possible, it is best to create files at the final print size with the proper resolution. These guidelines represent the minimum recommended dpi for your rasterized artwork based on viewing distance.
Important Note about Enlargements & Scaling
If your file requires enlargement, then a higher resolution is necessary (300 dpi) to avoid loss of image quality. Sometimes artwork can be too large to create/submit at final print size so it must be scaled. For easy handling, files are best scaled at 1:10. Example – A file is being printed at 1200mm x 1200mm and needs to be 150 dpi at that size. When scaled to 10% of the final size, it will produce a 120mm x 120mm file with a resolution of 1500 dpi.
Fonts
Before saving a file, make sure all the text in your vector art has been converted to outlines. This will ensure that the integrity of your design is maintained (i.e., kerning or special effects applied to the font). Production may be delayed and extra design time applied if we need to install the fonts or ask that you supply them.
Corporate ID / Logos
Please supply all logos in vector format (i.e.: .ai or .eps). A .pdf that has been saved to preserve layers and editing capabilities is also acceptable. If your logo has been rasterized (converted to pixels) or has photo elements, please supply in a PSD layered file or as a high resolution .jpg or .tiff. See Scaling and Resolution guidelines above.
Colour Reproduction
All colours that are critical to your design or corporate identity and require a specific colour match must be specified as a Pantone (solid coated); CMYK colours, or you must supply a colour correct sample for reference. Please note: Not all Pantone colours can be reproduced using CMYK inks. Where an exact colour match is not available, we will use the closest possible match. What might appear correct on your computer monitor will more than likely not be represented in the final output at the printer.
Submitting Your Artwork:
Files up to 20MB email to PositiveSigns at i[email protected]
Files between 20MB to 1GB, send via Filestofriend.com or Drop Box
Files up to 2GB send via Drop Box
Files of any size can be supplied to PositiveSigns through a portable memory stick
PositiveSigns can reproduce almost any logo or typeface. However, you can save money by providing your own artwork. Our preferred file formats are detailed below. We may be able to work with other file formats, however, the file types not listed below may require more design time as they cannot be directly imported into our software.
Accepted File Formats:
AI or EPS - Adobe Illustrator
Vector image files created by Adobe Illustrator can be scaled/enlarged to any size. Illustrator files should be saved in one of the following three formats: .ai, .eps or .pdf files. It is important to note that all fonts and strokes must be either converted to outlines or the fonts must be provided. Linked images (if any) are to be supplied or embedded and should follow the resolution guidelines below.
PDF - Adobe Acrobat
A high resolution PDF file exported as a high quality print (press quality).
PSD / JPG or TIFF - Photoshop Document
Documents created by Adobe Photoshop should be saved as either .psd, .jpg or .tiff files. Make sure the colour process is converted to CMYK and not RGB. High resolution JPG or TIFF files saved with minimal compression are preferred and necessary for quality enlargements. See scaling and resolution guidelines below.
INDD • Adobe InDesign
When sending InDesign documents the complete packaged InDesign document must be supplied including all fonts and links.
Scaling & Resolution
Whenever possible, it is best to create files at the final print size with the proper resolution. These guidelines represent the minimum recommended dpi for your rasterized artwork based on viewing distance.
- If the graphic will be viewed from a far distance (i.e., billboards, etc.) artwork can be 50 dpi at final print size.
- If the graphic will be used for vehicle graphics, site signs, banners, etc., a minimum of 150 dpi at final print size is recommended.
- If the graphic will be viewed up close (i.e., tradeshows, retail displays, decals, etc.) it is best if the file is a minimum 300 dpi at final print size.
Important Note about Enlargements & Scaling
If your file requires enlargement, then a higher resolution is necessary (300 dpi) to avoid loss of image quality. Sometimes artwork can be too large to create/submit at final print size so it must be scaled. For easy handling, files are best scaled at 1:10. Example – A file is being printed at 1200mm x 1200mm and needs to be 150 dpi at that size. When scaled to 10% of the final size, it will produce a 120mm x 120mm file with a resolution of 1500 dpi.
Fonts
Before saving a file, make sure all the text in your vector art has been converted to outlines. This will ensure that the integrity of your design is maintained (i.e., kerning or special effects applied to the font). Production may be delayed and extra design time applied if we need to install the fonts or ask that you supply them.
Corporate ID / Logos
Please supply all logos in vector format (i.e.: .ai or .eps). A .pdf that has been saved to preserve layers and editing capabilities is also acceptable. If your logo has been rasterized (converted to pixels) or has photo elements, please supply in a PSD layered file or as a high resolution .jpg or .tiff. See Scaling and Resolution guidelines above.
Colour Reproduction
All colours that are critical to your design or corporate identity and require a specific colour match must be specified as a Pantone (solid coated); CMYK colours, or you must supply a colour correct sample for reference. Please note: Not all Pantone colours can be reproduced using CMYK inks. Where an exact colour match is not available, we will use the closest possible match. What might appear correct on your computer monitor will more than likely not be represented in the final output at the printer.
Submitting Your Artwork:
Files up to 20MB email to PositiveSigns at i[email protected]
Files between 20MB to 1GB, send via Filestofriend.com or Drop Box
Files up to 2GB send via Drop Box
Files of any size can be supplied to PositiveSigns through a portable memory stick
