| Laser Proofs | We recommend including a reduce-size laser proof of your document with your file. This proof helps guide our technicians to accurately produce your job. |
| Color Test | Files To test and verify colors print as expected, you may send a color test file before or along with the actual job. We will print this test file first, and show you the results. This color test print can be up to 12"x36", and will be charged at our minimum rate of $36. |
| Fonts | All fonts used in your job must be included on disk with your application files. Without proper inclusion of fonts, your type may default to another typeface that is less desirable. When using fonts in Illustration programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, or CorelDraw, it is recommended to convert text to paths/outlines prior to saving as an EPS. This will simplify collecting fonts for your job. |
| Supporting files |
To avoid delays with your job, it is crucial that all fonts and supporting files, such as logos or scanned images, are supplied with your native application documents. Your document cannot be accurately output without these files. |
| Document Size |
When preparing a file for Big Color, please set your document size to the actual trim size. Bleeds can be added by extending objects outside of the page area. |
| Trapping | No trapping is required for our Big Color output. |
| Gradients and flat tints |
Our Big Color printer generates gradients and flat tints that are extremely smooth. It's probably the best ink-jet quality you can find anywhere! |
| Black Undercolor |
Unlike traditional offset, black undercolor is not necessary to produce a rich black. In fact, elements with black under will come out lighter than just 100% black. |
| Continuous Tone Image Format |
Scanned images should be saved in EPS format, with JPEG preview, and JPEG Maximum Quality encoding. When saving your files, be sure to save them in CMYK mode. Also, please be sure not to include transfer functions or halftone screens. DCS files should be resaved as composite EPS (1-file). Otherwise, it will print as low resolution. |
| Continuous Tone Image Resolution |
Resolution for continuous tone images should be no less than 150dpi at the final output size. Higher resolutions can be used, but there will not be a substantial improvement in image quality and may increase RIP time. |
| Scanned Linework |
When scanning line art, logos, or other linework, optimum resolution is 600 dpi. |
| Duotones | Duotones must be saved in EPS format, and for best color reproduction, should be converted to CMYK. |
| Acceptable File Formats |
We support virtually all graphics on the market used for color graphics and print publishing. We strongly recommend providing documents in the native software application format. Excellent results are achieved by using: QuarkXPress Please be sure to include all fonts when submitting files. |
