Artwork Preflight Checklist

Layout Files

Please set up for output in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, QuarkXPress, or Adobe InDesign.

What to Include

In order to achieve the best results, please include a color/laser proof and/or Pantone® color (if needed). Our color results may vary, we will strive to match as close as possible. Also be sure to include on CD the following:

• All fonts used in the layout & support files
• Raster Images Files (i.e. Photoshop PSD/EPS/TIF)
• Vector Files (i.e. Freehand EPS or Illustrator EPS)

Fonts

Prevent font defaults by avoiding the use of “bold” or “italic”, etc. stylized font attributes. In some instances, these attributes will not take effect during postscripting. Instead, select the bold or italic font from the font list. Make sure to provide all fonts used in the layout & support files. If necessary, convert your text to outlines/paths. Please include both printer and screen fonts True Type or Type 1.

Resolution & Pixel Based Images

Large bitmap images can consume your hard disk space & be difficult to transport. Save imaging time by rotating, cropping and scaling high-resolution images in a photo manipulation program before inserting into a layout. Image resolution at capture should be appropriate for final output size (i.e. output a 30” by 40” image at 100 ppi or 50% the actual size - 15" by 20” image at 200 ppi). Different output devices attain and therefore require different resolution used at final size. Check with your sales representative with any question.

Vector Images

Where possible, please use vector based images for logos and other illustrated images in your layout. Vector images can be enlarged almost indefinitely while retaining sharp lines, clean edges and consistent color. We prefer Freehand or Illustrator EPS file formats.

Creating Bleed

All files to be output require at least 1 inch bleed around them. Banners and other extra long plots and specialty items may have increased bleed requirement. Please check with a representative for this information.

Rich Black

Prevent inconsistent blacks by using rich blacks consistently throughout the layout. Create a custom color for black as:

• Cyan 40% / Magenta 30% / Yellow 20% / Black (K) 100%

Proportions

Setup your files at 100% of the final output size. If this is not possible, set up proportionally at 50% or 25% of the final output size. Do not go any smaller if possible. Make sure your file is proportional to the final output size. If the job needs to be re-configured before output due to inconsistent proportions, the cost of your output may increase sharply.

Color

Large Format Printers are not Pantone® devices. Colors will be close but not exact. Where possible, we would appreciate color proofs and Pantone® colors be included when job is submitted.