Artwork Requirements

Our in-house Art Department can output your logo / personalised graphic to a suitable format for printing on to just about any product or surface. Preferably we require a vector based .ai, PDF or .eps file where possible! Vector artwork files that contain raster elements must meet the minimum requirements for raster art files (300dpi @ 100%) . Files created from page layout documents such as InDesign should be submitted together with the source documents, fonts and all supporting files. See below for further information on file requirements.

Fonts

Any fonts used in the production of art files should be converted to curves (outlines) prior to submission. If future typesetting will be required, the original font files must be included with the artwork file to be used on a Mac platform.

Vector Files

Where possible we always prefer vector files. A vector file is a computer graphic that uses mathematical formulas to render its image, instead of using pixel data like a raster file. A vector image begins with a point, two points create a path. Paths can be straight or curved, and then connected with more points to form longer paths or closed shapes. Each path, curve, or shape has its own formula, so they can be sized up or down and the formulas will maintain the crispness and sharp qualities of each path. Illustrator art is vector based which enables colour separations and a clear final print. Vector art can be scaled to any size and printed on any output device without losing detail or clarity. This makes vector files ideal for displaying graphics at minuscule or considerable sizes.

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.EPS Files

Eps files (Encapsulated Postscript) are the most versatile file format and are the are standard format for importing and exporting Postscripts files and carrying information to computers, printers and image setters. Eps files can be made up of text, graphics and images. They can be created in Illustrator, Acrobat and Photoshop and can be exported from InDesign.

.AI Files

An AI, or Adobe Illustrator Artwork file, is proprietary to Illustrator and can typically be read and edited within its native program, with some exceptions. In addition to Illustrator, CorelDRAW can also edit this file format, but with limitations. These files are also version-dependent, meaning the same file will be viewed differently across distinct versions of Illustrator.

.SVG Files

An SVG, or Scalable Vector Graphic, is defined in XML text files. This means that they can be searched, indexed, scripted, and compressed. SVG images can be created and edited with any text editor, as well as with drawing software such as Illustrator. It’s resolution independent and it displays high quality at lower file sizes, making it ideal for the web.

.PDF Files

A PDF, or Portable Document Format, is a universal standard file format that can display both vector and raster graphics. Use this file format for preparing a design for print or for displaying web/screen based graphics. PDF files created from vector files retain the editing capabilities of the program that was used to create them (e.g. Illustrator).

 

Raster Files

All Raster elements and art files must be sized to 100% or larger than the actual imprint size. All Raster images must meet or exceed 300 dpi when rendered at the actual imprint size. All raster elements must be submitted in the proper colour space (CMYK).

 

  .TIFF Files

Tiff  (Tagged Image File Format) is the leading commercial and professional image standard. Tif files are raster files that can be saved as RGB or CMYK and can be placed into most applications. They can be created in Photoshop and if created properly (300dpi & CMYK) the print reproduction will be optimal.

.JPG Files

A jpeg is a compressed raster file. Jpegs are most commonly used for the web and emailing.  Jpegs are the best format for compressing photographic images however they use a lossless compression which means that some quality is lost when the image is compressed. If the image is compressed too much the result is noticeably pixelated. The compression and colour-space of the files is usually not suitable for printing. Jpegs can be created using Photoshop and Illustrator and can be exported through InDesign & Acrobat.

.Gif Files

Gif (Graphics Interchange Format) files are compressed raster images. Gifs use a lossless compression similar to Jpegs. The files are also saved for 72dpi screen viewing whereas 300dpi is the standard minimum for  print output. Like Jpgs, Gif’s are files that should not be used for pre-press they are more suitable for web design. Due to their small file size, Gifs ar often used to display low-fi animations on the web.