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General
ALTERNATIVE -- For a 1-color imprint |
Each product line has different artwork requirements. The majority of the platforms are MAC, but several prefer PC (SnugZ lanyards, Food service items [paper plates, cups, napkins, etc]). However, these PC based factories can all read .EPS files from MACs. In general most factories can read Adobe Illustrator (.ai) and PhotoShop (.psd) files and many can read CorelDraw (.cdr) produced from MAC or PC.
We cannot use art that has been embedded in word processing files (.doc). Nor, can we accept .bmp or jpeg, .gif, pict .exe, .pcx, .ppt, .pdf, or xls files for imprinting. NOTE: You can send us (sales office) artwork in .bmp, .jpg or .pdf format for review and evaluation, but it will need to be re-sent in acceptable format with your order.
Colors to Print: We do NOT determine or print the colors from your artwork. You must tell us specifically what color to print. It is always best to tell us the PMS color codes for reference - even if we are not doing a specific "color match." We have standard reds, blues, greens, etc and we do not charge extra for using standard colors. There is an extra charge for a "PMS match."
Following are some of the colors that are frequently used by our factories as standard colors - note that not all of these colors are standard for all products.
BE AWARE: All monitors display color differently and the differences can be drastic. We have no way to know if the color as you are viewing it is accurate. We strongly recommend stopping in at a local printer and viewing their PMS reference books. The final printed color can also vary from reference books because the PMS system is meant for printing on paper and we are printing on a variety of other materials.
PMS Color "Matches:" You must specify "coated" or "uncoated" PMS Codes. If you submit a color code without the "C" or "U" the factory will assume their standard code. We do not take responsibility for printing wrong colors if you do NOT specify the full PMS code - each factory uses different codes as standard depending on the product being printed. Some of our products, like ceramics and glassware, we cannot do color matching. We do NOT guarantee exact color matches. If the exact color match is critical, we STRONGLY suggest that you order a pre-production proof for your approval. We will assume no responsibility if you do not order a pre-production sample and the color is not to your liking.
Resolution: Artwork can be viewed as "perfect" on a computer monitor if it is 72-96 ppi. However in order to obtain a good printable image we must have high resolution art, at least 400-800 ppi. To test your artwork, print it out with a good laser printer - if you get good solid print (no shades or gaps) and the edges are straight and not jagged - your art is probably OK.
Fonts: We want all text converted to paths, outlines or curves to lock in the font style. If this is not possible, then printer and screen fonts in the artwork must be sent to us along with your image files, unless you know we have your font. We reserve the right to reject artwork where the fonts have not been converted to outlines or paths. In general most of our plants have the Adobe Font Library.
Single Color:
Send in black and white artwork.
Multiple Spot Colors:
For
multi-color imprints your artwork MUST be color separated.
Spot colors means we will print specific solid colors.
We prefer your separated art in black/white with
one copy full color.
We do not print from the colors in your artwork -
you must provide instructions - see below.
4-Color Process:
Many of our products can be imprinted with a 4-color process image.
You must send us color separated art in a CMYK file.
Registration of Multi-colored imprints: For most flat work, registration is not a problem, but on round surfaces (cups, mugs, glasses, water bottles, etc.) registration will likely be a problem if you are printing more than 1-color. Published tolerances for most factories is 1/8" but in practical terms imprinted colors do not generally move right/left more than 1/16". If perfect registration is necessary, on round surfaces - we most likely cannot do it, unless we use a special process (e.g. using a decal process on ceramic mugs). You must provide us your written specifications if registration is an issue. You can order a pre-production proof (which we suggest), but be aware that registration can vary some through out the run.
Halftones/Screens Tints, Graduated Tints: This is difficult on many/most of our products. See information in "Definition" section below. We make no guarantees for printing halftones and screens - we suggest you order a pre-production proof if the quality of the screened image is important. But be aware that ink coverage can vary on screens through out the run.
Compressed Files: If your files are extra large you should send ZIP files (PC) or Stuffit files (MAC or PC). It is also wise to send in compressed format to reduce the possibility of transfer interruption.
ARTWORK NOT CONSIDERED CAMERA READY: Photographs, slides, transparencies, low resolution laser art, halftones, photocopies, faxed art, letterheads, business cards, or laser printed hard-copy art printed at less than 1200 dpi.
Telephone Orders: Due to the complexities of the printing business, we will accept telephone (voice) orders, but we want them confirmed in writing. You are responsible if we proceed with the order and it is completed or printed incorrectly and you have not sent written verification of the order or and imprint.
VERIFICATION of ARTWORK: We need a fax or hardcopy of your artwork in order to verify the imprint if you send it by email or on disk. Again, you are responsible if we proceed with the order and it is completed or printed incorrectly and you have not sent hardcopy verification of the imprint and all printing specifications, including size, colors, location, etc. We will use our standard printing specifications unless we are instructed in writing otherwise.
Returned Artwork: If you want your artwork returned, please request specifically that it be returned upon completion of your order.
Font/Type
Styles
TEXT Only: In general we can produce copy in almost any standard font, or in a font style that is nearly identical or very similar. Alternatively, you can send your font by email or floppy disk, if it is consistent with the electronic art requirements of your product.
Ball Point Pens: Stock typestyles available for laser engraving are: Script Italic Standard
ARTWORK: If you send camera-ready paper artwork, you are all set!
Artwork definitions for your learning pleasure:
Trapping: Trapping is the process of overlapping adjacent colors to avoid multiple-color registration problems. Trapping, also called "choke and spread," is necessary in screen printing. Trapping is the process of overlapping adjacent colors to avoid multiple-color registration problems. Trapping, also called "choke and spread," is necessary in screen printing.
Halftones/Screens Tints, Graduated Tints: Halftones and screen tints are areas of color created by dots instead of solid ink coverage. Many of our products cannot be printed in this format -- normally 4-color process printing is required. Graduated screen tints are areas of color that gradually change their density from light to dark. Graduated screen tints below 10% will not print. Tints of 90% or more will print solid. Please keep screen tints between 70% and 30%. Again, in many cases graduated screen tints may not be printed except through 4-color process.
Bleed: An imprint is considered to "bleed" when the image runs to the edges of the product.
Line Screen: Line screens refer to the number of lines per inch in a halftone image. The lower the number, the larger and more widely spaced the dots. Higher numbers allow reproduction of fine detail. Line screens refer to the number of lines per inch in a halftone image. The lower the number, the larger and more widely spaced the dots. Higher numbers allow reproduction of fine detail. Many of our factories us a 65 line screen.
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