Detailed Artwork Guidelines

The following guidelines are designed to help you set up your file for large format graphics so that there will be as few delays and problems as possible in the production of your job.

File Formats and Programs to use?

Files may be MAC or PC formatted in one of the following file formats.
QuarkXPress 4.1, 5.0, 6.1 & 6.5 – saved for output with fonts and imported graphics
Adobe PhotoShop CS (8.0) or below in flattened CMYK TIF / EPS / JPEG / or PSD
Adobe Illustrator 9, 10.0 & CS with outlined fonts
Adobe In Design CS saved for output with fonts and imported graphics
Adobe PDF (This must be distilled with PRESS settings, and must include 5mm bleed and trim marks )
Macromedia Freehand 10.0 with outlined fonts
CorelDRAW 8.0 - (include original CDR file, fonts and placed art) Must be exported or saved as an .EPS: with outlined fonts If CorelDraw files are sent they may incur additional artwork charge to double check their output. Microsoft Office, Excel, Powerpoint & Publisher files can not be used for large format high-resolution artwork. Please call for options & alternative methods of artwork production
Document Setup:
Setup documents as Full size / 1/2 size / 1/4 size / 1/8 size Indicate final size & enlargement factor Allow at least 5mm bleed on all print edges.
Pop-up systems @ 1/4 size, 1 panel per page, set-up as spreads ( QuarkXpress and Indesign templates can be provided )
Roll-up systems @ 1/4 or 1/2 size add 200mm bleed at the bottom of the artwork (plus the standard 5mm bleed) to allow for the graphic to bleed into the cassette. (Not required with Tensioned systems)
Fonts:
Please ensure that you include all used fonts with your layout including those used in placed EPS files.
Placed Images:
Pixel-based images should ideally be supplied at 1/4 size @ 300dpi. and must be no bigger than 100% when placed, with the resolution at 300dpi for 1/4 size, 150dpi for 1/2size or 75dpi for full size. Save PhotoShop files as a flattened CMYK TIFF file or EPS file. Vector-based images should be saved as an EPS format with outlined fonts ensuring the document setup is CMYK. Embedded Images Avoid embedding images in vector based files ie illustrator, linking images is preferred. Remember to include the placed pixel image.
Colour:
CMYK must be used in placed art & pictures. Please indicate any colour matches by specifying a PMS colour that you would like to have matched.
Illustrator Files – Filters & Effects
Illustrator 9 and above come with many interesting filters & effects, we recommend any special features to be done in Photoshop. We recommend you do not use the special filters & effects in Illustrator ie Transparency

How Should I Save My File ?

Please DO NOT save your Quark files as an EPS. These files are locked, meaning that we cannot manipulate the content, proportion or colour of the file in any way. If you are placing a Quark EPS in another file, please include all support files. Save any PhotoShop files as a flattened CMYK TIFF file or EPS file. ( JPEG CMYK may be used in emailed documents)

How Should I Send My Artwork?

Artwork can be sent on the following types of media via:
• E-mail up to 5MB max per email
• CD-ROM
• DVD Rom
• FTP site (collection only)
NOTE: Artwork should ideally be supplied on a fully formatted CD with a colour visual or PDF proof.
Tips & Suggestions
• All finished artwork must be with us at least 10 working days prior to your deadline.
• All finished artwork must be supplied with a paper visual or PDF proof of the final artwork.
• All finished artwork should ideally be supplied at 1/4 size in QuarkXPress @ 300dpi. All pixel-based images within Quark must be no bigger than 100%, with the resolution at 300dpi for 1/4 size, 150dpi for 1/2size or 75dpi for full size.
• Wherever possible save pixel based files as Photoshop EPS or TIF files.
• MAC Users please save all files with their file extensions.
• Allow 5mm bleed all the way around artwork.
• Set multiple panels as spreads in Quark (each panel = one page)
• Ensure all fonts, vector artwork (Illustrator and Freehand eps files) and pixel images linked or embedded within any graphic files are included.
• All fonts within Illustrator and Freehand must be outlined.
• Please note that Pantones are not always 100% attainable when working with the four-colour process. If the colour is critical, a test sheet can be supplied for a reasonable match.
• Remember that a CMYK split in Photoshop, will not necessarily match the CMYK split in Illustrator, Quark or Freehand when printed.
• In relation to pixel based files, the image viewed at 100% in Photoshop is generally what you see when the item is printed.
• When designing for Pop-up, try and keep small copy off the panel breaks. As a rule we try to avoid copy under 50mm cap height running over the panel break, but ideally copy should not be on the line break at all.
• Be aware that the two end graphics on a Pop-up are tightly curved, so anything on the out side half of this will not be seen from the front.
• When setting up artwork for ‘Cassette’ style banner stands you need to add 200mm bleed at the bottom of the artwork (plus the standard 6mm bleed) to allow for the graphic to bleed into the cassette. The additional 200mm does not apply for non-cassette ‘Tensioned’ style banner stands, but the standard 6mm must still be included.
• Display/Exhibition graphics should always be rolled with the image facing outwards.
• Display/Exhibition graphics should always be stored in an appropriate case.
• Display/Exhibition graphics should never be dropped in to their respective cases or drums.
• Banner Stand graphics should never be dropped or released allowing the banner to recoil at speed, this will result in the graphic being irreparably damaged.
• Please specify if the graphic is for outdoor use as solvent inks and an outdoor media must be used.

Ready to upload your artwork ?