ARTWORK PREPARATION

My image is in jpg format, will this be ok? back to top>
Jpeg is the most commonly used method of compression for photographic images. Jpeg is a poor compression method, meaning that every time a file is saved as a jpeg some amount of information is thrown away. The lost information isn't always noticeable when viewing an image on your computer screen but it becomes a problem when taking the same image to large format print. Jpeg images print with jagged, stair stepped edges (also no as pixilation), blotchy color and a loss of detail. The larger you print an image the worse it looks.

My logo is in jpg format, will this be ok? back to top>
Logos are commonly saved as jpeg files because they are small and easy to email. They look great on the computer screen but can not be scaled up to print. Logos should be submitted as eps, ai or pdf format only. If you only have a jpg logo, we can re-draw them into vector (scalable) graphics for a small fee. Please contact us discuss details.

What if my file is missing fonts back to top>
Your job will be placed on "Hold", if your file(s) is missing fonts. We will notify you of missing fonts and in most cases it can be emailed to us. However, please remember to convert your text to outlines before uploading your files to avoid production delays. For more help outlining fonts see Illustrator Instructions.

Why should I convert my fonts to outlines? back to top>
Converting your text to outlines is the most effective way to ensure we can print your files even if we do not have your fonts installed in our computer systems. When you convert fonts to outlines, the program will look at the fonts as scalable images rather than text. Once text has been converted to outlines, it can no longer be typeset like standard text layers, so be sure to save your original source file.

Illustrator Instructions for Custom Screen Print Products back to top>
Adobe Illustrator is the preferred application for large format printing. We provide a complete set of Illustrator product Templates built at 25% of actual size.

Place your vector logo in the appropriate template and scale to fit the screen size.

Set type as needed and scale to fit screen area.

Use pantone colors when color management is critical for branding. Use Illustrator's built in Pantone library (From the Window Menu select Swatch Libraries > Color Books > PANTONE Solid Coated)

Convert your text to outlines before uploading final art to Colored Ink. (Unlock all art and all layers. From the Select Menu, Select All. From the Type menu, choose Create Outlines.) To confirm that all fonts have been outlined (go to Type Menu, choose Find Font.) There should be no fonts listed in the Fonts Document window.

Save your file as an Adobe Illustrator Document (.ai).

NOTE: If your design includes images, beveled text, text glows and/or drop shadows, you will need to choose a Custom Digital Printing option.


Illustrator Instructions for Custom Digital Printed Products back to top>
Adobe Illustrator is the preferred application for large format printing. We provide a complete set of Illustrator product Templates built at 25% of actual size.

Vector logos and text should be created in Illustrator.

Use pantone colors when color management is critical for branding. Use Illustrator's built in Pantone library (From the Window Menu select Swatch Libraries > Color Books > PANTONE Solid Coated)

Convert your text to outlines before uploading final art to Colored Ink. (Unlock all art and all layers. From the Select Menu, Select All. From the Type menu, choose Create Outlines.) To confirm that all fonts have been outlined (go to Type Menu, choose Find Font.) There should be no fonts listed in the Fonts Document window.

If your design includes and image or multiple images you will need to create a Photoshop document. If your design includes beveled text, text glows or drop shadows please refer to Instructions for Creating Drop Shadows and Glows in Photoshop.

Create a new Photoshop file at the same size as the illustrator template bleed line. To determine the bleed size, select the black key line in the template and view “transform” from the Window drop down menu. (Set the resolution to 200 pixels/inch, Color mode CMYK, 8bit.)

Copy your Illustrator graphics and paste them into your new Photoshop document. (make sure they place at 100% of size). Use this new layer as a guide to position your images. Assemble your images and other design elements. Save a layered .psd as your working file. If your work is complete, turn off the visibility of the copied Illustrator layers before saving a copy of your design as a flattened .tiff file. You may use LZW compression to help manage file size.

Place the ..tiff file into your Illustrator layout. Make sure to LINK your .tiff file by checking the link box in the lower left of the Place Dialog Window.

Your completed Illustrator layout should contain no more than one linked Photoshop ...tiff file. This is important to ensure that your final file size is manageable for print production software.

Save your final file as an Adobe Illustrator Document. (Deselect the option "Create PDF Compatible File.") This will create a drastically smaller file, saving valuable time when uploading files.

Send us your Illustrator layout and the Photoshop .tiff file.


Instructions for Creating Drop Shadows and Glows in Photoshop back to top>
Apply drop shadow or glow effects to the illustrator graphics you copied and pasted into Photoshop. When you are happy with the Photoshop effect, create a layer of the effect. (From the Layer Menu go to Layer Style > Create Layer)

Turn off layer visibility for all FPO layers before saving a copy of your design as a flattened .tiff file. You may use LZW compression to help manage file size.

Place the ..tiff file into your Illustrator layout. Make sure to LINK your .tiff file by checking the link box in the lower left of the place dialog window.

Save your file as an Adobe Illustrator Document. (Deselect the option "Create PDF Compatible File.") This will create a drastically smaller file, saving valuable time when uploading files.

Send us your Illustrator layout and the Photoshop .tiff file.


Photoshop Instructions for Custom Screen Print back to top>

Photoshop is an image editing application. Photoshop images are not accepted for screen print items.

Depending on the design and the quality of the file our design team may be able to convert your file to Illustrator vector art. Please contact a Colored Ink representative to discuss details.


Photoshop Instructions for Custom Digital Print back to top>
Image based designs may be created in Photoshop. You can start your design using one of our Illustrator product templates.

Create a new Photoshop file at the same size as the illustrator template bleed line. To determine the bleed size, select the black key line in the template and view “transform” from the Window drop down menu. (Set the resolution to 200 pixels/inch, Color mode CMYK, 8bit.)

For custom items, including banners, start by creating a new Photoshop file at 25% of your design’s final output size. Add .25" to the document for bleed image. (Set the resolution to 300 pixels/inch. Color mode CMYK, 8bit.)

Assemble your images and other design elements. Save a layered .psd as your working file.
Save a copy of your design as a flattened ...tiff file. You may use LZW compression to help manage file size.

Send us your Photoshop .tiff file.


PDF Instructions back to top>

These guidelines should be used for our customers who don't have access to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign applications. Creating a PDF of your file will allow our design department to view your design and hopefully save it in a format compatible with the large format printers. After reviewing your file we will contact you regarding possible graphics charges to convert your PDF file into printable art.

With Adobe Acrobat Professional (this is not the same as Adobe Acrobat Reader) or Mac OSX, you can create a PDF from ANY application that supports printing. To create a PDF, simply choose "Adobe PDF" as your printer.

There are several FREE utilities such as PrimoPDF, which allow you to create a PDF document from these applications (or ANY other application).