SOFTWARE PROGRAMS
National
Signs has the following requirements for digital printing When Submitting
artwork, please ensure it is supplied in a native version (Macintosh
or PC) of one of the following programs:
-
Adobe
Illustrator CS2
-
Adobe
PhotoShop CS2
These
programs offer the greatest flexibility and versatility and allow
us, when necessary, to amend, adjust or correct your files. When creating
your artwork, please remember that these programs have different characteristics,
strengths, and weaknesses. Please create your artwork in the most
appropriate format and program. For more specific details on the file
formatting, please refer to the sections and Vector and Raster Artwork.
PLEASE
NOTE: If you are working on a platform that does not support any of
these applications, please call our Art Department to discuss your
options prior to producing any artwork. Files supplied in other applications
may require rebuilding and incur additional charges, or may not be
useable at all.
VECTOR
ARTWORK – resolution independent
Whenever
possible, please create your artwork in vector format (Adobe Illustrator,
Macromedia Freehand, etc.). Vector artwork provides the highest quality
output while maintaining the smallest file size. It is particularly
well suited for text, logos, charts, diagrams, line drawings or any
other element requiring sharp, crisp clean lines. Vector artwork can
be scaled to any size without suffering degradation in quality, and
is therefore ideally suited to large format digital printing.
When
working with vector images, please note the following points:
ALWAYS:
- Create
text elements and logos in vector format (Illustrator, Freehand
etc.) unless special PhotoShop effects are required
- Specify
all vector colors using the PANTONE® Matching System (coated)
or provide a printed color sample to match to (letterhead, brochure,
business card, etc.)
- Supply
all fonts used in your artwork (both screen & printer) or
convert text to paths
- Supply
an accurate color or black and white proof for each element of
your display
- Use
gradients rather than blends (these are much easier to amend or
color correct)
- Supply
original files for EPS or linked elements (including any fonts
used)
NEVER:
- Specify
vector colors using CMYK values exclusively (different printers
interpret CMYK values differently so this will not provide us
with a reliable reference for color matching)
- Embed
images (we are unable to check embedded images and will print
them as is)
- Supply
True Type or PC fonts; always convert them to paths.
RASTER
ARTWORK / SCANNING - Resolution Dependent
When
using raster (bitmapped) images in your display, please bear in mind
that file sizes for these images are significantly larger than equivalent
vector images. Raster images are particularly well suited for photographs,
illustrations, and other continuous tone images. However, they are
generally not suitable for the reproductions of text, logos, diagrams,
line drawings etc. Avoid up-sampling or "rezzing-up" raster images
(artificially increasing the resolution through software) as this
can result in a loss of quality. To obtain the highest quality results,
it is extremely important that all images are scanned at the correct
resolution.
IMPORTANT:
All scanned images require a resolution of at least 75 dpi (dots per
inch) at final size. 100-125 dpi is sometimes needed for Lambda® when fine detailed or small text has been incorporated into the Raster
image. This resolution will provide the optimum print quality for
your display. Images supplied with a resolution below the requested
minimum may result in an inferior output. Images supplied with
excessive resolution do not necessarily add to the quality of the
output. They merely increase the size of the file.
FORMULA
FOR PROPER SCAN DPI:
Divide
the height of the final image by the height of the original image
and then multiply by the desired final DPI.
|
For
Most Images
Original
Image Height 11"
Final
Image Height 88"
Required
final DPI: 75
88
÷ 11 x 75 = 600 DPI
This
image must be scanned
at
600 DPI to achieve a final
DPI
of 75.
RGB |
When fine detail or fine text is
part of Raster image.
Original
Image Height 11"
Final
Image Height 88"
Required
final DPI 125
88
÷ 11 x 125 = 1000 DPI
This
image must be scanned
at
1000 DPI to achieve a final
DPI
of 125.
RGB |
|
|
|
|
|
If
you plan to use scanned images in your display, always have them professionally
scanned by a qualified operator or send them to us for scanning. Please
be wary of scanning your images on low-end desktop scanners, as the
results may be unacceptable. Always take great care when choosing
original images to scan. A sharp, clear, well-defined original will
create a stunning display. Conversely, images, which are dull, grainy,
out of focus or lacking in clarity, will produce disappointing results. Always examine your originals very carefully and be particularly
wary of small flaws and imperfections. These may seem insignificant
on your original, but once enlarged they can often result in poor
quality, unacceptable images. Do not assume that expensive transparencies
supplied by professional image bankers will be suitable for large
format printing. These are usually duplicates of the original transparency
and should be examined as carefully as any other image. If in doubt,
please send your images to us and we will be happy to check them for
you at no charge.
Whenever
possible, please supply your images as original transparencies. Transparencies generally provide the highest quality results and are
usually far superior to prints, negatives, or duplicate transparencies.
Please supply transparencies in the largest format available (8"x
10", 4" x 5", 21/4" square). If original transparencies are not available,
please supply duplicate transparencies, high quality photographic
prints or negatives. Pre-printed images (magazines, brochures, etc.)
are not suitable for scanning. During the offset printing process,
images are broken down into a series of colored dots. Scanning and
enlarging these dots will result in unsightly and poor quality images.
If you are supplying images in PhotoShop format, please send us the
original (unflattened) layered files. Layered files provide more flexibility
and control when making amendments and/or color corrections to images.
When
working with scanned images, please note the following points:
ALWAYS:
- Have
your images professionally scanned by a qualified technician
- Scan
images at a resolution of at least 75 dpi, 100-125 dpi
for images containing fine detail or fine text at final output
size.
- Start
with the best quality original you can obtain, preferably an original
transparency
- Check
your original very carefully for flaws and imperfections
- Beware
of images shot with high-speed film - they will probably be very
grainy
- Save
all raster based images as RGB in one of the following formats:
- EPS Lo Res for FPO purposes only
- EPS
Hi Res when being used as a placed image
- PhotoShop (please supply the original layered file whenever possible - if
this becomes to large to manage please call before sending image
)
- TIFF (RGB)
- Supply
an accurate color or black and white proof for each element of
your display
- Ensure
images are rotated, sized, and cropped in the original application
(i.e. PhotoShop) and not in your page layout program (Illustrator,
QuarkXpress, etc.)
NEVER:
- Supply
images with a resolution over the minimum requested
- Provide
files intended for output to vinyl as raster images - they will
not print
- Create
files with raster text (text generated in PhotoShop) as this may
break-up when enlarged and produce poor quality images - try to
limit the use of raster text only to those instances where special
type effects are required.
- Up-sample
or "rez-up" images -ensure they are scanned at the correct resolution
- Attempt
to scan images on low-end desktop scanners
- Supply
any pre-printed images for scanning
- Assume
that your images are suitable for large format printing-have them
checked prior to proceeding with any design or artwork (this applies
to transparencies, prints, negatives, and digital files)
CROP
MARKS & BLEED
If
you are creating artwork (i.e. for detachables), ensure that accurate
crop marks are included for each element. When using images, which
extend across several panels, please do not dissect them. Supply images
as a single piece of artwork with bleed around all the external edges.
A bleed of 1
inch (at
final output size) is required on each side of your artwork to ensure
accurate cropping and trimming. Files supplied without bleed or crop
marks, or constructed from a number of individual documents may require
rebuilding and possibly additional charges for time required.
FONTS
To
ensure that all of your elements print as designed, please provide
us with ALL fonts (both screen & printer) used in your document, including
fonts used in imported EPS files. Alternatively, convert all text
and fonts to paths. Do not supply True Type or PC fonts as we do not
support these formats.
COLOR
As
stated earlier, colors for vector artwork must be specified using the PANTONE® Matching System (coated). As different printers
and technologies all interpret CMYK values differently, specifying
colors using CMYK values may not yield accurate dolor matches. However,
specifying colors using the PANTONE® Matching System provides
us with a precise color reference and dramatically increases our chances
of accurately matching your colors.
Always
be sure to include a color proof with your artwork. However, please
specify whether we are to match to your printed proof or the actual PANTONE® colors. There is often a significant difference between the two, so please be
sure to indicate your preference. If no preference is specified, we
will match to PANTONE® references rather than the printed proof.
IMPORTANT:
Due to the inherent nature of large format digital printing, perfect
color matching cannot be guaranteed. While every effort is made to
match your colors as accurately as possible, certain color shifts
and/or differences should be expected. Reprinted archived files will
not exactly match original prints. If color matching from one element
to another is required, all elements must be printed at the same time,
using the same process.
VINYL
To
process graphic files for vinyl output, we require extremely clean
and accurate vector artwork (Illustrator, Freehand). Raster bitmap
files and files created in QuarkXpress are unsuitable for vinyl output
and cannot be cut. File structure is extremely critical in vinyl artwork
as all paths are cut. Consequently, overlapping, intersecting or joined
paths cannot be used. For example: if two elements in a design touch,
either separate them or convert them to one continuous shape. To achieve
maximum quality, please try to ensure that shapes are kept as simple
as possible.
When
working with vinyl, please note the following points:
-
ALWAYS:
-
Ensure
all vinyl artwork is produced in vector format
-
Ensure
artwork is clean, simple and free of intersection or overlapping
lines
-
Ensure
all text is converted to paths
-
Supply
an accurate color or black and white proof for each element of
your display
-
NEVER:
-
Provide
artwork intended for output to vinyl in QuarkXpress format
-
Provide
artwork intended for output to vinyl in raster format
| |
NOT
ACCEPTABLE: All intersecting and overlapping lines will be cut. Results will not be usable. |
|
ACCEPTABLE: Lines have been joined to produce a single element, avoiding
any intersecting or overlapping lines. |
|
ACCEPTABLE: Shapes have been separated to produce individual elements, avoiding
any intersecting or overlapping lines. |
COLOR
PROOFS
For
larger displays, or in instances where color matching is particularly
important, we recommend the printing of a color proof. These proofs
are printed and laminated using the same processes and materials that
will be used in the production of your final display. As a result, they
provide an extremely accurate representation of how your final display
will look. If a color proof is required, additional time is usually
needed.
When
checking your proofs note the following points:
ALWAYS:
- Check
your proof very carefully for content, spelling size, and layout
- Pay
particular attention to names, telephone numbers, web site addresses,
etc.
- Check
to ensure that all elements (type, logos, etc.) have been specified
using the correct colors and have been positioned accurately
- Call
us for clarification if there is anything you do not understand
NEVER:
IMPORTANT:
Please examine all proofs that we send you very carefully. By signing-off
these proofs, you are accepting responsibility for the content and instructing
us to proceed with the printing of your display as it stands.
Proofing is only available if ample time is given. Proofs are
chargeable.
DESIGN
TIPS
As
stated earlier, the guidelines, specifications and design principles
for trade show displays and large format digital printing are often
significantly different from other visual media (brochures, magazines,
internet sites, etc.). It is therefore critically important that you
consider the points and principles listed below when designing your
display. Adhering to these basic principles will help to ensure that
you achieve the maximum impact from you display.
ALWAYS:
- Ensure
the focal points of your display (main image, company logo, principal
messages, etc.) are at eye level or higher
- Ensure
that no meaningful part of your graphic is positioned in the lower
1/3 of the booth – this area offers the least amount of visibility
and can often be obscured by people, chairs, podiums, etc.
- Keep
the number of images to a minimum-where the use of several images
is required, focus on one or two main images and use the remaining
ones for support purposes only
- Keep
text to a minimum-treat your display like a billboard and ensure
your company name, image, and written message are all easily seen
and understood at a glance
- Be
aware of frame breaks (Original 8+ only) and design your display
accordingly to avoid losing important imagery or text behind a frame
- Where
text is running across several images or graphic backgrounds, ensure text has highlights or shadows to maximize
easy readability
NEVER:
- Assume
that a design suitable for another type of media (brochures, magazine,
Internet site, etc.) will be appropriate for your trade show display-your
design may need to be amended in order to achieve the maximum impact
- Over-complicate
your display with too much text or too many graphic elements-keep
your display as simple and eye-catching as possible
IMPORTANT:
If you have questions or queries regarding any aspect of your display,
please do not hesitate to call us for clarification. We are happy to
assist you in every aspect of the design and productions process and
are always on hand to offer advice, guidance, and support.
FINAL
CHECKLIST
Prior
to sending us your artwork, please take a moment to look through this
checklist to ensure that your artwork meets our specifications and requirements.
Adhering to these guidelines will help to avoid any unnecessary production
delays or additional artwork changes. It will also ensure that your
display is produced to the highest possible standard.
ALWAYS:
- Supply
all files in native versions (Macintosh or PC) of Adobe Illustrator,
Macromedia Freehand, QuarkXpress, Adobe Photoshop, or Pagemaker
- Supply
all text and logos in vector format (unless special PhotoShop type
effects are required)
- Specify
all colors for vector artwork using the PANTONE® Matching System (coated)
or provide a printed color sample to match (letterhead, brochure,
etc.)
- Supply
all fonts (screen & printer) used in your files and/or convert
all fonts to paths
- Use
gradients and NOT blends (these are easier to amend and color correct)
- Supply
original files for any EPS or linked elements (including any fonts
used)
- Supply
PhotoShop files in their original layered versions (some exceptions
do apply - if in doubt please call)
- Amend,
scale, crop, and rotate images in the original application
- Ensure
your artwork contains crop marks and sufficient bleed ( 1 inch or 2.54cm on all sides)
- Have
your photographic images professionally scanned by a qualified technician
- Supply
an accurate color or black and white proof for each element of your
display
- Provide
a directory of what is on your disk together with your contact details
and detailed notes clarifying any special instructions or requirements
- Review
and return proofs promptly
to avoid any unnecessary productions delays
- Contact
us for clarification if there is anything that you do not understand
NEVER:
- Supply
artwork in file formats that we do not support-we will be unable
to print your display
- Supply
text and logos in raster format (i.e. PhotoShop) unless special
type effects are required
- Specify
vector colors using CMYK values ( always use the PANTONE® Matching System)
- Supply
us with True Type or PC fonts (always convert them to paths)
- Embed
images into your files (we are unable to verify these)
- Supply
images with a resolution below the requested minimums
- Up-sample
(rez-up) images – always scan images at the correct resolution
- Supply
artwork intended for output to vinyl as Raster, QuarkXpress or Pagemaker
- Supply
extraneous files which are not required to produce your display
- Send
compressed files
- Approve
any proof that you are not happy with or do not understand
NOTE:
Art received that does not comply with the above specifications are
subject to additional art changes.
