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File Set Up

File Set Up Guide for Large Format Printing

To avoid unnecessary delays in creating your final output, please use the following File Set Up Guide and “Pre-Flight Checklist” before sending your artwork. If you have a question about how to prepare, please call our customer service team at (508) 872-3280.

DPI at Final Size for Output Devices

INK JET             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. 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.

Please add a 1/2″ 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 costs.

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.

Fonts

Please send all fonts 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, along with a pdf file. If images have been embedded in the document, please include separate image files as well.

Logo Art

When supplying us with Logo Art, it is best to send a “vector” or an “outlines” version done in Freehand. Please avoid a Photoshop file, since this will work only if it is a very high-resolution image.

Checklist

  1. Did you include both the Screen and Printer Fonts?
  2. Are all support files included? (i.e. high res files, image files)
  3. Did you include an up-to-date B&W or Color printout of the files?
  4. Did you specify all PMS colors on your laser?
  5. 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 the proportions?
  6. Are there any special color-matching instructions?
  7. Have you indicated any special retouching instructions? Proof?
  8. 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 .ai; InDesign.  We accept PDFs but be aware that editing and correcting them can be limited. If you will be providing us with 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.

For more information: Software we support