file preparation

white foil on black paper business card

File Preparation FAQ

We ask that all artwork be vector in either .PDF or .AI format with all type outlined for best results when printing.

Vector graphics allow designers to build high-quality works of art, with clean lines and shapes that can be scaled to any size. When you scale a vector image file, it isn't low resolution and there's no loss of quality, so it can be sized to however large or small you need it to be. Any art made with vector illustration software like Adobe Illustrator is considered vector art.

Each color should have its own layer. When choosing and specifying colors, make sure to refer to an Pantone Solid Uncoated color swatch book whenever possible. Colors always look different than they do on a computer screen when printed, so to ensure the best outcome, use a physical Pantone guide when selecting an ink color.

Yes! The artwork will need to be scanned in and turned into a vector art file.

Before we can print an illustration or drawing, it needs to be scanned into your computer at at least 300 dpi. A higher dpi can prevent pixelization. For best results, convert your image to black and white (not greyscale). If using Photoshop, you can increase your image's dpi, which will make the file size large. However, you can then save it as a .TIF with LZW compression which will make the file size much smaller. 

If you have Illustrator, you can convert your image to bitmap mode and then use the Live Trace tool to make your image a vector art file. Save your finished image as .PDF for best results. 

Your art boards should be set at the print size. If your print is a 5" x 7", the page size should be set at the same dimensions. If your artwork has bleed, set it to .125" in your design software. 

LET'S START THE CONVERSATION

We're here to help when you're ready to get your project started. Please send us an email or a quote request and we'll say hello soon!
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia there live the blind texts.