Six Steps to Trouble Free Graphic Output

1. Work at actual size and provide 1/2" bleeds.

To avoid many common graphic issues, it is important that you work at actual size when designing your graphics. However, if your graphic is too large for your application, work at 25% of the final size. Just like any job you would send an offset printer, we need the image to bleed beyond the final cut size. Programs like Illustrator, Indesign and Quark all allow you to set the page up to the final size and drag the image beyond the page borders to create your bleeds. We cannot work with graphics unless they have bleeds.

2. Create text and graphics in a vector illustration program.

Illustrator, FreeHand and Corel Draw are all vector-based graphics programs. Images that are produced in such programs will stay crisp when printed at larger sizes. Raster art, like that designed in a paint program such as PhotoShop, will not appear as crisp.

Raster artwork is produced when programs such as PhotoShop and Fireworks are used to produce graphic files. Raster objects are defined by colored pixels. The disadvantage of raster art is that the pixels get larger and are more noticeable when you enlarge an image.

Acceptable file formats include: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Quark Xpress, PDF, EPS, TIF or JPG.

See the "vector vs. raster" section for more information.

3. Selecting your colors.

For best results choose colors from the CMYK palette. Pantone spot colors may not turn out exactly as specified, so you would be better off using the Pantone Process color guide or a TRU-Match swatch book. Feel free to use numerous colors. When you design a ColorWave print, unlike with vinyl or silk-screen printing, there are no additional charges for multiple colors.

4. Scanning images.

Images saved in CMYK format will yield the best results. For ultimate quality, scans should be 100 dpi at the final size of the ColorWave print. For example, if your graphic is to be 24"x36"when printed your scan should be 2400-3600 pixels (This is only a guideline, and you can probably get by with less. Due to the potential of large file sizes, we discourage using scans larger than 100 dpi at the final print size).

Please do not increase the resolution of your images in PhotoShop. The application will make up pixels for you, but the result will be larger file sizes and reduced image quality. Due to the file sizes needed for optimum picture quality, you should try to scan from the original transparency or negative. We offer both of these services.

5. Supply your native application file.

We prefer to work from native application files rather than postscript files, like EPS. The native files allow us to make changes if necessary. Also, don't forget to send your placed graphics like EPS and TIFF files and any fonts used in your files. If you do not provide all of these, it could affect the final output.

6. Always provide a hard copy.

When we are preparing your files for production, it helps a great deal if we have a hard copy. We can use the hard copy that you produce to make color comparisons. This way we can make sure that the final we give you is as close to your vision of it as possible. If you e-mail your files, be sure to fax your printed proof to us. This is not necessary for graphic production, but it helps to ensure that the files you receive look exactly the way you intended them to look.