Design Guidelines

Design

Our art department can design graphics for your promotions, events or corporate identity. See our section on Vehicle Wraps and Truck Lettering, or Pylon, plastic & wooden signs for more options.

File formats

We can work with most file formats including:

· Adobe Illustrator … ai, .eps (CC or older versions)
· Adobe Photoshop … .psd, .psb
· Adobe Acrobat Reader … .pdf
· Adobe InDesign … .indd, .idml, (CC or older versions)
· Universal format for photos … .jpg, .png
· Format for higher resolution photos … .tif
· Plot format for Omega by Gerber … .plt
· Corel Draw … CDR (version X7 or older versions)
· Corel Photopaint … CPT (version X7 or older versions)

We do not support PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Excel, or other document (.doc) type files. Although we can view them, they cannot be converted to working files.

Please convert fonts in your artwork

If sending us files designed in Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, please convert fonts to outlines and downsave for version CS4. An exception to this rule might be a .pdf file if it will be used directly for printing without having to modify the document. For best results, we recommend that you flatten all layers and export as a jpg. If sending us files designed in CorelDraw, please select all fonts and Convert to Curves, then save for version X7 or previous.

What is a Vector File?

We will sometimes ask you for a vector file. A vector file is different than a bitmap file (a.k.a. raster) which is comprised of pixels like you see in photos. The vector file contains basically shapes or objects which are made up of lines, either straight or curved. For example, we would use a vector file to cut the contour of a letter, either on a plotter or a CNC router. Embroiderers will also work with vector files to sew your logo on T-Shirts or baseball caps. Common formats for the vector file are .ai, .eps (vector), cdr., dxf, wmf, etc.

Mac or PC?

Our machines run on Windows-based programs, so if working on the Mac platform and prompted to save for Mac or PC, choose PC.

Large Format Digital Printing

When working with photos or other bitmap files, we are always looking for the best quality image, often referred to as ”resolution”. As a general rule, the higher the file size, the better the resolution. An image of say 10 megs will yield much better results than a 100 kb file downloaded from a website.

What about dpi?

In terms of dpi (dots per inch) blowing up images for large trucks or murals, we aim for anywhere between 72 to 150 dpi on the final output size. For the purposes of printing these large images, which are meant to be seen from a distance, the jpg format is the best to use. If, instead, we will print for you a 24×36 inch poster, then a 300 dpi .tif file might be more suitable.

You can contact our Art Department for further assistance including access to our online storage site for file transfers. 613-749-7303. Ask for Tristan.