AZCA Printing & Graphics, LLC - Art Specifcations DETAIL

Vector Based
Graphics Files:

We prefer to work with vector (outline) graphic files because they are resolution independent (we can scale up these images without loss of quality. This is the best format to send sign graphics to us, we generally don’t have to alter your artwork, although we will perform pre-press work (trapping, color separation, etc.). It’s important to understand that most vector graphics programs can include bitmap graphics or effects, these are not vector graphics. A vector graphic only contains outlines. We will except files from the following vector graphics programs:

CorelDraw

.cdr

We support CorelDraw (*.cdr) versions 5 through 10. If you are sending a Corel file, be sure to include font files or convert all text to curves (select text and press CTRL+Q) prior to saving.

Adobe Illustrator

.ai

We accept Illustrator (*.ai) files version CS2 and lower. If you are sending a Illustrator file, be sure to include font files or create outlines from all text (select text and press CTRL+SHIFT+O) prior to saving.

EPS

.eps

Encapsulated PostScript Files (*.eps) are a great format that most vector based graphics programs will export. Remember to convert all text to paths, curves, outlines before exporting an .eps file. While we prefer to use the original native file format from the above programs, we will accept an EPS file, provided that there are no embedded bitmaps included.

Flash

.swf or .fla

Macromedia Flash is the industry standard for vector graphics for the web. While not intended for sign graphics, we can extract elements to aid in the creation of your sign design.

Raster Based
Graphics Files:

Raster (or bitmap) graphic files are pixel-based formats. This is the best format to send photos to us. Keep in mind that your photo will be output at 300 dpi in the final size (photos on name riders are usually 3-1/2 x 5 inches). Generally, photo images that were saved for business cards and web sites are NOT high enough resolution.
While we prefer vector graphics for sign art, we will accept raster images, but we will have to re-create your design using your file as a guide. We will except files from the following raster graphics programs:

Corel Photo Paint

.cpt

We accept Photo Paint (*.cpt) files version 10 and lower. You can send us photos in this format, but be sure they are at least 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches. If you are sending a sign layout in Photo Paint format, be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide for when we "re-create" your artwork.

Adobe Photoshop

.psd

We accept Photoshop (*.psd) files version CS2 and lower. You can send us photos in this format, be sure they are 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches. If you are sending a sign layout in Photoshop format, be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide for when we "re-create" your artwork.

TIFF

.tif

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) The standard "raw data" file in the graphics world. Produces high quality images due to the fact it does not use compression in it’s standard form. We highly recommend sending us all photos or pictures in this format, but please be sure they are at least 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches.

JPEG or JPG

.jpg

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) Using sophisticated compression techniques, this format can be 1/10 the size of normal "raw data" files. While well suited for photographic Web files, we don’t recommend using these files for printing. Please do not compress your jpeg.

GIF

.gif

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a very popular and well-used file format for line-art graphics on the Web. If you are sending a sign layout in this format be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide, we will have to re-create your artwork.

Windows Bitmap

.bmp

Bitmap (Windows Bitmap) files (*.bmp) are raw data files that are often used for background images within Window’s Desktops. If you are sending a sign layout in this format be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide, and we will have to re-create your artwork.

Vector:

A digital file format, where the image is made up of true lines & curves to form a perfect image that can be enlarged to any size and remain the same quality.

Bitmaps:

A digital file format, where the image is made up of pixels.

Note:

To quickly find out if your image is a bitmap, zoom in a few clicks. If the image loses quality and pixels begin to show up, it is a bitmap.

Colors may vary slightly from, Monitors to Desktop Printers, Laser Printers,
Presses, Plotters, etc. Always provide a color print with your disk so we
can see preferred colors of final product.

If you have any questions regarding your files, feel free to give us a call.
Just ask for the Graphics Department.

Vector Based Graphics Files:	We prefer to work with vector (outline) graphic files because they are resolution independent (we can scale up these images without loss of quality. This is the best format to send sign graphics to us, we generally don’t have to alter your artwork, although we will perform pre-press work (trapping, color separation, etc.). It’s important to understand that most vector graphics programs can include bitmap graphics or effects, these are not vector graphics. A vector graphic only contains outlines. We will except files from the following vector graphics programs:
CorelDraw .cdr	We support CorelDraw (*.cdr) versions 5 through 10. If you are sending a Corel file, be sure to include font files or convert all text to curves (select text and press CTRL+Q) prior to saving.
Adobe Illustrator .ai	We accept Illustrator (*.ai) files version CS2 and lower. If you are sending a Illustrator file, be sure to include font files or create outlines from all text (select text and press CTRL+SHIFT+O) prior to saving.
EPS .eps	Encapsulated PostScript Files (*.eps) are a great format that most vector based graphics programs will export. Remember to convert all text to paths, curves, outlines before exporting an .eps file. While we prefer to use the original native file format from the above programs, we will accept an EPS file, provided that there are no embedded bitmaps included.
Flash .swf or .fla	Macromedia Flash is the industry standard for vector graphics for the web. While not intended for sign graphics, we can extract elements to aid in the creation of your sign design.

Raster Based Graphics Files:	Raster (or bitmap) graphic files are pixel-based formats. This is the best format to send photos to us. Keep in mind that your photo will be output at 300 dpi in the final size (photos on name riders are usually 3-1/2 x 5 inches). Generally, photo images that were saved for business cards and web sites are NOT high enough resolution. While we prefer vector graphics for sign art, we will accept raster images, but we will have to re-create your design using your file as a guide. We will except files from the following raster graphics programs:
Corel Photo Paint .cpt	We accept Photo Paint (*.cpt) files version 10 and lower. You can send us photos in this format, but be sure they are at least 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches. If you are sending a sign layout in Photo Paint format, be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide for when we "re-create" your artwork.
Adobe Photoshop .psd	We accept Photoshop (*.psd) files version CS2 and lower. You can send us photos in this format, be sure they are 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches. If you are sending a sign layout in Photoshop format, be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide for when we "re-create" your artwork.
TIFF .tif	TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) The standard "raw data" file in the graphics world. Produces high quality images due to the fact it does not use compression in it’s standard form. We highly recommend sending us all photos or pictures in this format, but please be sure they are at least 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches.
JPEG or JPG .jpg	JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) Using sophisticated compression techniques, this format can be 1/10 the size of normal "raw data" files. While well suited for photographic Web files, we don’t recommend using these files for printing. Please do not compress your jpeg.
GIF .gif	GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a very popular and well-used file format for line-art graphics on the Web. If you are sending a sign layout in this format be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide, we will have to re-create your artwork.
Windows Bitmap .bmp	Bitmap (Windows Bitmap) files (*.bmp) are raw data files that are often used for background images within Window’s Desktops. If you are sending a sign layout in this format be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide, and we will have to re-create your artwork.
Vector:	A digital file format, where the image is made up of true lines & curves to form a perfect image that can be enlarged to any size and remain the same quality.
Bitmaps:	A digital file format, where the image is made up of pixels.
Note:	To quickly find out if your image is a bitmap, zoom in a few clicks. If the image loses quality and pixels begin to show up, it is a bitmap.
	Colors may vary slightly from, Monitors to Desktop Printers, Laser Printers, Presses, Plotters, etc. Always provide a color print with your disk so we can see preferred colors of final product. If you have any questions regarding your files, feel free to give us a call. Just ask for the Graphics Department.