ABOUT FILES AND FORMATS
There are 2 kinds of graphic files:

VECTOR FILES
• Composed of a series of lines and nodes, also called paths or strokes
• When enlarging or reducing, the original integrity is not lost
• Often created in programs like Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw
• Common file extensions : .ai, .cdr., .eps (not from Photoshop)

RASTER FILES
• Composed of pixels (a grid of colored squares)
• When enlarged or reduced the original integrity is lost because of resolution alteration.
• Resolution is critical and should be no lower than 150 dpi at final output size (we rely on the resolution given so it is better to give a file with resolution at a higher dpi than needed)
• Often created in programs like Adobe Photoshop or artwork scanned with a scanner.
• When you or your client uses a scanner, the file will ALWAYS be a Raster file.
• If you are working on a MAC platform, please save your file as PC/Windows as that is the platform we use.
• Common file extensions : .psd, .tif, .jpeg

The file type we need from you is dependant upon on what type of signage we are creating for you. Here is a brief overview of what we do:

DIE-CUT VINYL DECALS
• Shapes cut from stock rolls of single color, adhesive vinyl
• When using multiple color images in vinyl, they will be made of overlaps. (Composed in a puzzle piece fashion to achieve single or multiple color projects.)
• Path provides cut line in die-cutting
• Vector files are suitable

DIGITALLY PRINTED VINYL DECALS
• Image printed on adhesive vinyl
• Printed using cmyk or stock spot colors
• Generally white or clear is generally the background color base
• Printing on colored background is possible, but involves printing a white primer
• Path is needed for contour cut compared to generalized shape like rectangle or circle
• Vector and Raster files are suitable

DIGITALLY PRINTED SIGNS
• Image printed directly on banner/substrate or full-sized decal applied to banner/substrate
• Printed using cmyk or stock spot colors
• Vector and Raster files are suitable

When sending a file, please provide us with the following:
•File name and what program the was created
•Size
•Color (pms #’s when possible)
•Material/substrate
•Quantity
•Printout of the project so we have a general idea of what we will be doing

If you fail to follow these guidelines, you may jeopardize your deadline, incur production charges (billed at $75 per hour) and/or turn a normal job into a rush job. If you have any questions, please call.

MOST COMMON PROBLEMS WE HAVE READING CLIENT FILES
•All fonts have not been converted to outlines/curves/objects/
•All strokes have not been converted to paths
•There is a Raster file placed in the Vector file
•There are too many strokes to convert
•There are too many relative overlapping shapes not merged
• File not saved as PC/Windows

PROGRAMS WE USE
• Adobe Creative Suite CS3
• Corel Draw X3
• Colorburst (a Sign-making Software)