FILE PREP, Color Requirements, Software & More
For a smooth transition from file to output, please follow these important guide lines. Use the following File Prep, “Large Format Printing Set Up Guide” and “Pre-Flight Checklist” before sending your artwork. If you have a question about how to prepare your file(s), please call our customer service team at (508) 872-3280.
DPI at Final Size for ICL Imaging’s Output Devices
INKJET This process requires a resolution of 100 DPI.
DYE SUB This process requires a resolution of 100 DPI.
HP XL1500 This process requires a resolution of 100 DPI.
Page Layout, Dimensions, Proportions and Bleed
It’s important to establish the correct size and proportions at the beginning of the design. With the correct File Prep, Large Format Printing will go much smoother.
Please note that it is not necessary to put a project together at 100% of the final size in your page layout. Pages can be built at 50% or 25% of scale so long as the project’s dimensions are proportional to the desired final size. For example: if the final printed size is 48×96, you can prepare the page layout at 24×48. We will magnify your file to the final dimensions prior to printing the job.
Please add a 1/2 inch bleed around all the final print dimensions. If you are designing with a 50% or a 25% scale, the bleed should be set at 1/4? or 1/8? to avoid unnecessary cost. File Prep Large Format Printing will result in files with fewer problems.
Color Requirements
To ensure that we produce the color swatch that you want, be specific about using Pantone name colors in your document. Make sure that the color type, File Prep, Large Format Printing, is set to Spot Color and not process color.
Fonts
Please send all fonts that are used in your document, including fonts used in any placed EPS files.
Supporting Files
Please send us all supporting files that are used in building your document(s), including the native files that are used to create any EPS files. If images have been embedded in the document, please include the separate image files as well.
Hard Copy
Please send us a “Hard Copy” output of your file – B&W or Color Laser will be fine. You can fax it to us at (508) 872-7364 or email a PDF file to csr@icl-imaging.com. This will provide us a guide for proofing your order.
Logo Art
When supplying us with Logo Art, it is best to send a “vector” or an “outlines” version done in Illustrator. Please avoid a Photoshop file, since this will work only if it is a very high resolution image.
File Prep Large Format Printing Checklist
- Did you include all Fonts?
- Are all support files included? (i.e. high res files, image files)
- Did you include an up-to-date B&W or Color print out of the files?
- Did you specify all PMS colors on your laser?
- Are Raster Images the correct file size for the size and output device? (Call our customer service team if you are unsure.) Did you specify final output size and check proportions?
- Are there any special color matching instructions?
- Have you indicated any special retouching instructions? Proof?
- Did you delete those files that are not part of your final image?
Save Your Work
It is best practice to save your work in the native format of the application that you are working in, i.e., Illustrator, InDesign. We accept PDFs but be aware that editing and correcting them can be limited. If you will be providing us with a production ready pdf, please use our PDF Job Options. Please note that you may have to adjust the Marks and Bleeds setting to ensure that the proper bleed is printed. This is how the File Prep, Large Format Printing process works.
For more information on Software we support.
Best Software to use for File Prep
Our Digital Imaging Department works on Apple’s current release of the IMac Platforms. For File Prep, we can accept Macintosh based files in the following applications. We support the latest version and earlier versions of each software package.
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**Microsoft files are not intended for large format output, but are accepted on an exception basis. Expect some inconsistencies and variations when enlarging; color matching and/or Pantone Matching are not supported and are not guaranteed. Please notify our Customer Service Representatives prior to sending us these file types.
Color Management for Large Format Printing
Color is very subjective. You and I may see colors differently. Colors viewed under various lighting conditions will look different. Testing colors prior to producing your job is very important. The Pantone Color System should be used when ever possible to specify colors.
If you want us to pre-test your colors that will be used in a project, it is important for us to know if there will be any specific Pantone or Custom colors being used. Let us know before we pre-test your files for color, if there will be any specific Pantone or Custom color matches.
What is your favorite PMS color?
Color Requirements
To ensure that we produce the color swatch that you want, be specific about using Pantone name colors in your document. Make sure that the color type is set to Spot Color and not process color.
The Pantone Color Matching System is our standard color reference. To ensure that we produce your image correctly, reference the Pantone Color Matching System #’s when specifying colors as in PMS 185 red.
We also recommend using the North American Prepress 2 color setting that consists of an Adobe RGB (1998) icc color profile for all RGB images and the U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2 icc color profile for all CMYK elements. Images should be converted to these icc color profiles and saved with embedded profiles. Make sure that the color type is set to Spot Color and not Process Color for best color management.
NOTE:
- In order for you to achieve predictable color from your monitor to print, it is very important to have it properly calibrated.
- It is also very important to establish the identical color settings for all applications used in the workflow.
- Exact color matching of products can only be achieved by supplying us samples of them. We routinely match to clothing, shoes, handbags and artwork provided.
- Standard viewing for reflective color is the 5000K-view booth. For backlit transparencies, we use an industry standard light box with cool white fluorescent lights for our color management.
- All of our proofs are printed on the actual material using the output device that will produce your final graphics.
- Color effects beyond our control are the actual lighting conditions found in the final viewing environment. If you know what that light source is, please let us know and we will do our best to factor it in to our color management.
- In extreme cases we have actually gone on site with a ring around of color tests and made corrections in that environment. This can be costly however and is used only in certain situations.
Different output printing devices and materials, such as vinyl, paper and fabric can, in some cases produce the same image differently. Our experienced staff will work with you to pick the right combination of print media and machine to meet your large format printing expectations.
Finally, we always welcome clients who would like to visit ICL Imaging and review color management directly with our color technicians. Please contact us for an appointment before hand.
For more information on Blacks please see our Blog on;
WHY DO BLACKS PRINT DIFFERENTLY
Quick Quote
Get a Quick Quote or Have an In-Depth Conversation with Us.
Visit our Quick Quote and fill out the Quick Quote Form to receive a fast quote.
For an in-depth conversation with one of our very experienced Account Executives, as well as learning more about our products and services, please contact us at; 800 660 3280 or Emailing INFO@icl-imaging.com
Upload Page
You may Upload your Graphic files for printing on our upload page at: https://transportericl-imaging.com/dropbox/upload
Please provide as much information as you can when sending us files. All fields marked with the asterisk (*) must be filled in. Reference any Quote or Job #’s if you have them.
If you need additional help, please call us at (508) 872-3280 and ask for Customer Service or Email them at csr@icl-imaging.com
About ICL Imaging
ICL Imaging is New England’s premier Visual Marketing Print Production Company specializing in full-service large format printing, solutions, and service. With over 60 years experience, our best practices and experienced people set us apart.
We offer you a vast array of materials including, quick change-out Magnetic Systems, Fabric, Vinyl, Mesh, Backlit Transparencies, and top quality Photographic Paper. We have over 500 materials available that we can offer you – and we’ll make the choice easy for you! Samples are available. MORE…
QUALITY
Critical color matching to your specified colors with our PMS based profile system for speed and accuracy. Our triple check quality control process and on-time delivery system will meet your deadline.
SERVICE
Four Customer Service Reps, Eight Outside Account Executives and 37 Production and Administration employees will guarantee your satisfaction and ease of doing business.
TRUST
Since 1956, ICL has focused on all the details that support your ultimate success. When you want consistent quality delivered on time and on budget –Call ICL Imaging (800) 660 – 3280
ICL Imaging is New England’s full service large format printer offering a wide selection of materials and output devices. Graphic sizes up to 16 seamless feet wide.
We’ve built our 60-year reputation on guaranteed customer satisfaction and high-quality production, with best practices and experienced people that set us apart.
“YOUR CHALLENGE – OUR SOLUTION”
