Add to Cart Box |
 |
Preparing your Large Format Files: Digital Specs and Guidelines
File Formats/Digital Resolution Specs for Large Format Printing
File Formats
Choose File Type
Recommended file types are .eps, .tif, .jpg and .pdf
| Recommended File Types |
| .eps | Save files from Illustrator as .eps, with all fonts & vector images outlined. Photo images embedded in the file must follow the same resolution guidelines below. Use Photoshop to manipulate images if necessary. |
| .tiff | Save files from Photoshop or other imaging applications as flattened (no layers) .tif with no compression. |
| .jpg | Save at high or maximum quality setting (minimal compression). |
| .pdf | When saving to .pdf, made sure downsampling is turned off and there is no bitmap compression for the best quality images. Include all fonts and do not allow font substitution. You may use high quality .jpg or zip 8 bit compression to decrease file size. |
| Other Supported File Types |
.ai
.psd
.qxd
.doc
.xls
.ppt | Files from Illustrator, Photoshop, Quark, Excel, Word & Powerpoint may be submitted for output however these file types often require additional setup time and charges. When possible, check first to see if your application allows saving in one of the recommended formats above. If you need to submit a file from one of these applications in it's native format, make sure to include all fonts and any other embedded files. Complex projects with multiple files and fonts may need to be sent to us with all files compiled into a .zip or .stuffed file, or on a CD-R. |
Check Color Mode
Recommended image type is CMYK.
| We can print from either CMYK or RGB files, however we suggest supplying files in CMYK for optimal output. All inkjet printers print in CMYK, while monitors display RGB. By converting to CMYK, you will see the closest representation of the final output, as there can be a slight color shift when converting to CMYK. If you supply an RGB file, our high quality output system will process the file for the best color conversion. |
Check Size and Resolution
For the best quality output, you should make sure there is enough resolution in your original source file.
| Guidelines |
Try to have an original source file that is proportionally 25% to 50% of your desired final output size.
For normal quality output, your original file should have 300 dpi resolution at 25% of the final output size. (For a 24” x 36” poster, your original file should be created at 300 dpi at 6” x 9”).
For the highest quality output, your original file should have 300 dpi resolution at 50% of the final output size. (For a 24” x 36” poster your original file should be created at 300 dpi at 12” x 18”).
|
| Normal Quality | Normal quality output is suitable for the majority of poster applications, including displays, banners, general posters, photo enlargements, signs, etc. |
| High Quality | High quality output is necessary only for ultra-photographic quality detail or art reproduction. |
Check Proportion
Be sure your original file scales up proportionally to the final output size you request.
| If the dimensions of your file are not the exact size of the final output, make sure your original file is in the same proportion as the desired output size. For example, a 4 x 6 original file sizes up to 16 x 24, not 18 x 24, and an 8.5 x 11 sizes up to 24 x 32, not 24 x 36. A good rule of thumb is to take your desired width and length and divide them by the same # to get the proportionate size. Example: if your desired output size is 24 x 36, divide both sides by 4 to get an original file size of 6 x 9. If your original file size is not in proportion, you may want to crop it, or adjust the final output size to the right proportion. |
HELPFUL HINTS:
Outdoor Specifications
Printing that is being displayed outdoors typically can be done in a lower resolution. The farther an image is being displayed the less resolution it will need.
- From 1’ to 5’ away, the final output size should be at 200-300 DPI.
- From 5’ to 20’ away, the final output size at 150 DPI is acceptable.
- From 20’ and further, 100 DPI or less is acceptable.
*Most billboard files are prepared at 50-72 dpi. The typical rule for outdoor signage that is viewed by people driving by is 50/50, which means at least 50 feet away and/or going 50 miles per hour. People won’t see little specks, ink banding or imperfections. Your message will still be communicated!
Clean-up:
If you scanned an image, make sure to clean up all the dust and scratches that appear. Viewing the image in PhotoShop at actual pixels and probing around with the hand tool is the best way to find small pieces of dust, and can easily be removed with the rubber stamp tool. Slightly sharpening the image will clear it up, and adjusting the levels will give the image density. Remember that images that are copied directly from the web will typically come out distorted when outputted.
Contour Cutting:
You will need to set up the cutting path in Illustrator. Please call a print specialist for detailed instructions on how to set up the cut path. 877-WET-INK7.
That's it! You're ready to
|
