Below you will find basic guidelines for art-work preparation.
If you are not really familiar with file preparation process simply send us what you have and we will go from there.
File formats
Formats of the files we work with :
Pdf, ai, eps, eps,cdr, jpg, jpeg, tif(f), png
Design mock-ups can be provided in Microsoft Word or Excel format.
Art-work size
All art-work should be provided at exact output size (unless stated otherwise). Why? The answer is very simple – when some art-work is scaled the appearance of pictures, strokes and applied effects may change greatly. So when you start creating art-work please set it at the proper size from the very beginning.
Fonts
All text must be converted to outlines (Adobe Illustrator), converted to curves (CorelDraw).
All linked files must be included during saving.
Recommended resolution settings for raster files
For stickers, labels, decals - 300 dpi at actual size
For designs containing text of size 6 or less, 360 dpi is recommended.
Vector art-work will produce better quality when you have small white text on dark background.
Recommended resolution for vinyl banners
90 dpi at actual size, if viewed from very short distance -180 dpi at actual size
Recommended resolution for custom posters
180 dpi at actual size if viewed from very short distance or contains small text.
90 dpi at actual size for bigger size posters.
Colour models
Vector data - CMYK and Pantone+ Coated Spot Colour Library
Raster images - CMYK, RGB
Spot colour management
Digital inkjet uses process colours to simulate actual Pantone colours based on LAB values of Pantone colours, ICC profile and print mode.
In other words Pantone spot colours will be output as close as possible.
We strongly recommend to use Pantone+ Solid Coated colour library for best results.
Colours from Pantone Solid Uncoated library will look washed out.
Cut line preparation
If you are using vector-based program (Adobe illustrator, CorelDraw, etc) cut line should be represented by a separate vector line with visible colour outline or stroke placed on a separate layer.
If you are using raster-editing program (Adobe Photoshop etc), do not draw the cut line. Allow proper bleed for cut line placement and we will do that for you.
Bleed requirements
For large format decals and posters - 0.25" on all sides
For custom stickers, labels, decals - 0.125" on all sides.
So if you design a sticker 2"x3" your art-board size should be set to 2.25"x3.25" and background image should be extended to the edges of art-board.
What is bleed and why it matters?
The term " bleed" is used usually when cutting or trimming of the printed product is involved. When any image or element on a page touches the edge of the page, extending beyond the cut line it is said to bleed.
The design element, such as background may bleed or extend off one or more sides.
Why proper bleed is important?
Any cutting equipment is not ideal therefore cut line can shift slightly. If important design elements are placed too close to cut line, they can be cut off. If background is not extended beyond the cut line, there is a real possibility of having unwanted white lines.
To make processing of your file easier and faster:
Take bleed into consideration from the very beginning
Do not place any important elements (text) within 0.125" from the cut line.
Extend elements of the design beyond the cut line
If you are not sure that your file is suitable for high-quality output just send it to andrey@eyecatchingprints.com and we will go from there.
If you are not really familiar with file preparation process simply send us what you have and we will go from there.
File formats
Formats of the files we work with :
Pdf, ai, eps, eps,cdr, jpg, jpeg, tif(f), png
Design mock-ups can be provided in Microsoft Word or Excel format.
Art-work size
All art-work should be provided at exact output size (unless stated otherwise). Why? The answer is very simple – when some art-work is scaled the appearance of pictures, strokes and applied effects may change greatly. So when you start creating art-work please set it at the proper size from the very beginning.
Fonts
All text must be converted to outlines (Adobe Illustrator), converted to curves (CorelDraw).
All linked files must be included during saving.
Recommended resolution settings for raster files
For stickers, labels, decals - 300 dpi at actual size
For designs containing text of size 6 or less, 360 dpi is recommended.
Vector art-work will produce better quality when you have small white text on dark background.
Recommended resolution for vinyl banners
90 dpi at actual size, if viewed from very short distance -180 dpi at actual size
Recommended resolution for custom posters
180 dpi at actual size if viewed from very short distance or contains small text.
90 dpi at actual size for bigger size posters.
Colour models
Vector data - CMYK and Pantone+ Coated Spot Colour Library
Raster images - CMYK, RGB
Spot colour management
Digital inkjet uses process colours to simulate actual Pantone colours based on LAB values of Pantone colours, ICC profile and print mode.
In other words Pantone spot colours will be output as close as possible.
We strongly recommend to use Pantone+ Solid Coated colour library for best results.
Colours from Pantone Solid Uncoated library will look washed out.
Cut line preparation
If you are using vector-based program (Adobe illustrator, CorelDraw, etc) cut line should be represented by a separate vector line with visible colour outline or stroke placed on a separate layer.
If you are using raster-editing program (Adobe Photoshop etc), do not draw the cut line. Allow proper bleed for cut line placement and we will do that for you.
Bleed requirements
For large format decals and posters - 0.25" on all sides
For custom stickers, labels, decals - 0.125" on all sides.
So if you design a sticker 2"x3" your art-board size should be set to 2.25"x3.25" and background image should be extended to the edges of art-board.
What is bleed and why it matters?
The term " bleed" is used usually when cutting or trimming of the printed product is involved. When any image or element on a page touches the edge of the page, extending beyond the cut line it is said to bleed.
The design element, such as background may bleed or extend off one or more sides.
Why proper bleed is important?
Any cutting equipment is not ideal therefore cut line can shift slightly. If important design elements are placed too close to cut line, they can be cut off. If background is not extended beyond the cut line, there is a real possibility of having unwanted white lines.
To make processing of your file easier and faster:
Take bleed into consideration from the very beginning
Do not place any important elements (text) within 0.125" from the cut line.
Extend elements of the design beyond the cut line
If you are not sure that your file is suitable for high-quality output just send it to andrey@eyecatchingprints.com and we will go from there.