ARTCAL Graphics & Screen Printing File Preparation Guide

ARTCAL FILE PREPARATION GUIDELINES

COMPUTER CUT VINYL GRAPHICS or SPOT COLOUR SCREEN PRINTING

All text, scanned or imported images must be vectors. We cannot use a bitmapped image. (e.g. jpg, gif, bmp). If vector file is not available, an art charge may apply.

Files supported: (PC formatted only)
.eps
.cdr – Corel 9 – if using a more recent version, ensure you save down to a lower version(Corel 9 or 10)
.ai – Adobe Illustrator

LARGE FORMAT DIGITAL PRINTING

Files should not be separate; they should be fully assembled and ready to print.
Please see below for which file formats and d.p.i are acceptable. If unsure please contact an Artcal representative.

300 d.p.i – actual size (for images that are viewed up close eg: trade show displays and posters)
100 d.p.i – actual size (for images that are viewed from a distance eg: truck graphics, billboards)

Files supported: (PC formatted only)
.eps
.cdr – Corel 9 or 10 – If using a more recent version, ensure you save down to a lower version.
.tif - colour mode: CYMK
.psd - colour mode: CYMK
.pdf - colour mode: CYMK

MEDIA SUPPORTED

Large files can be compressed using Winzip or WinRar or saved to CD or DVD

CHECK LIST

ATTACH COLOUR HARD COPY (attach a colour printout with order or send an electronic colour .pdf or .jpg file)

SPECIFY PMS COLOURS (if applicable, Pantone colours will allow our technicians to meet specific colour requirements)

CONVERT ALL FONTS TO CURVES/OUTLINES

CONVERT ALL STROKES or OUTLINES TO OBJECTS (with vector graphics, stroked outlines can cause undesirable effects when printed)

ENSURE FILES DO NOT NEED TO BE ASSEMBLED PRIOR TO PRINTING (supply artwork as one file, do not supply separate elements in a file folder for our operators to assemble. Exporting the final image as an .eps or .tif file will combine all elements as a whole.)

Download this guide as an Adobe PDF File.

Give us a call at 1 800 265 6128 or 519 453 6010, we are anxious to share your vision.