What is the difference between raster and vector?
Raster based artwork such as photos, or flattened artwork (from Adobe Photoshop) are made up of tiny squares (pixels) and depending on your resolution and/or final output size desired, the file could have a low quality end result. Any raster elements you wish to use should have a high enough resolution (DPI) before considering them for your large format product.
Vector based artwork such as illustrations or clip-art style elements (from Adobe Illustrator) is made with mathematical calculations, and can be scaled up to any size without losing quality. Keep in mind that any effects used in Adobe Illustrator are raster based and have transparency – this greatly adds to file size and you must have correct settings in your “Document Raster Effects Settings” to ensure best output for these effects. If you’re doing a photo-quality print on a 36″ x 48″ poster, and leave the raster effects settings at default 72 DPI – you may see tiny squares in your drop shadows, as opposed to a smooth shadow.
What type of files should I send?
We recommend saving as a PDF file. You may also send the file in the following types: JPG, JPEG, TIF, TIFF, and EPS.
We prefer that you send PDF with embedded or outlined fonts. PDF files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around. Remember to flatten your files before uploading.
For Roll Labels, we recommend designing:
- Vector files (e.g. EPS or PDF)
- 300 DPI or higher
- Use black (100% K)
- For fine lines and text smaller than 9pt, use black (100% K) only
What color mode should my files be?
Your designs should always start and finish in CMYK color mode. If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job.
What resolution should my file be?
Your artwork files should be at 300 dpi. Low-resolution files may be printed as is or will be placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turn-around.
How should I set up my bleed?
Bleed must extend past the cut-line and will be trimmed from the product during the final cutting phase. When the image is required to extend all the way to the edge, bleed is needed to preserve the finished look and the quality of the final product.
Please keep all text at least 0.125″ inside the cut-line.
- The bleed for Standard Products is 0.125″.
- The bleed for Booklets and Presentation Folders is 0.25″.
We recommend using our templates at all times.
What is rich black and how can I achieve it?
Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as you might like.
We recommend using C60 M40 Y40 K100. This will give you a deep, dark, rich black.
Do you ship to PO Box addresses?
No. Our selected carriers do not generally ship to PO Box addresses. Economy shipping, if available, will ship to a P.O.Box.
Can I use my own shipping account?
Unfortunately at this time, we do not offer that option.
