The following guide will assist in providing us with artwork for your
digital printing needs. Further questions can be answered by calling
us at 419-222-7767.
Software
Currently, Sign Pro Imaging uses Adobe Creative Suite version Cs5. If providing us with artwork from a newer version of the Adobe Creative Suite, make sure it is compatible with CS5. Vector files should be saved as legacy format. InDesign files should be exported as InDesign Interchange format. Photoshop files generally work from version to version without any further exporting or saving.
Vector Files
When printing vector files we print .eps files. If providing us with artwork that is ready to print with no changes, .eps files are recommended. We suggest that all fonts have been converted to outlines or the font files provided. A .pdf of the final artwork is also recommended, especially if images or fonts are not provided.
If the artwork needs editing or design work by us, we recommend .ai files. Please keep all fonts as live text, and provide us with the fonts we may need for the project. Also, all images in these files must be provided.
When submitting vector artwork please make sure the art inside of the file is actually vector. Taking a .jpg file and exporting it as an .eps is the same equivalent of providing us with a .jpg in the first place. If you are unsure if your files are vector we can
assist you.
We recommend making your overall document size an inch or two larger than the final artwork. Also, objects in the document that are
not supposed to be printed should not be in the file. All artwork must also be trimmed so that nothing falls outside of the final document size.
Raster Files
When printing raster files we print .jpg files. When providing us with .jpg files we require full size images with a resolution of at least 100. Images from the web, unless from a stock photography site, are unusable. The resolution and size of these images don't provide
enough quality to print, and almost all of these images are
copyrighted images.
If the image does not need manipulated, we prefer a full scale .jpg file with a resolution of 100dpi. If the final product is not going to be viewed up close, a lower resolution will work. If we need to make changes to the file please send it in its original format.
InDesign Files
If providing InDesign files, you should submit a packaged folder including fonts and linked files. This can be done in the File menu of InDesign. A .pdf proof is also recommended.
Sending Artwork
Email
If the files you are sending are less than 10MB they can be emailed to us at artwork@signpro-lima.com.
FTP
If the files are large, they must be sent to our FTP site.
Files may be easily submitted below:
(Large files will take a while to upload.)
Please email us at sales@signpro-lima.com or call us at 419-222-7767 once your flies have been uploaded.
Further FTP directions are as follows:
If using a Windows PC you can easily upload files by using Internet Explorer. In the address bar type in ftp.signpro-lima.com.
Do not
place a [www.] or [http://] in front of the address. Once the page loads, drag and drop all the necessary files into the 'incoming' folder. This will not
work if you are using web browsers other than Internet Explorer (Firefox, Opera, etc.). Link: ftp.signpro-lima.com.
If using a Mac you will need to use a FTP application. We recommend Cyberduck. Click to be directed to the Cyberduck website.
Disk Artwork
You may also provide your artwork via disk. CDs, DVDs, USB flash drives, memory cards, and 3.5" Floppy disks are all usable.
File Types
.psd - acceptable raster file at 100 dpi @100%.
.jpg - acceptable raster file at 100 dpi @100%.
.tif - acceptable raster file at 100 dpi @100%.
.ai - acceptable vector art.
.pdf - acceptable as vector and raster at 100 dpi @100%.
.eps - acceptable as vector and raster at 100 dpi @100%.
.indd - acceptable if packaged with images and fonts.
.bmp - unacceptable.
.png - unacceptable.
.gif - unacceptable.
.svg - unacceptable.
Submitting artwork as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Powerpoint,
Microsoft Publisher, and Microsoft Excel is unacceptable. None
of these programs handle graphics well, and are not made to print artwork from.
Color
We print digitally using CMYK color (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). Your computer monitor is a RGB display (red, green, blue). The colors on your screen are not the exact colors you will get in the final print. If a Pantone color is to be printed, assign the PMS colors within the program. These colors should be selected from a Pantone Color Formula Guide Book. When printing using PMS colors it is required that a .pdf proof is provided. When color is critical, you're required to come in for a PMS color match.
Digital Printing vs. Cut Vinyl vs. Screen Printing
Most signage we make is digitally printed. Digital printing gives you the flexibility of unlimited colors, including full color imagery.
Cut vinyl is used for things such as window lettering. Most cut vinyl is used in 1 or 2 color jobs. With cut vinyl, each individual color is a separate layer that is applied to the signage.
Screen printing is used for signs ordered in large quantity.
Customer Comment Card
The link on the top left of this page allows you to download our customer comment card. Once downloaded, you can either fill out the form by using Adobe Acrobat Reader, or print the form out and mail, fax, or drop off your completed form.
If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download the latest version here. It's a free download. You will need to have Acrobat 6.0 or higher installed on your computer.
PC Instructions
Internet Explorer—Click on the link. If it does not work, you may need to upgrade to Internet Explorer 7.
Firefox—Click on the link.
Mac Instructions
Safari—Click on the link.
Firefox—Click on the link. When the "opening" box appears, select "Save to Disk". |
