PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO ENSURE
YOUR ARTWORK IS PROPERLY SET UP FOR OUR SYSTEMS.

1. PROOF READ YOUR ARTWORK

* Make sure all spelling is correct (ie: names, towns, places, phone numbers, address, etc...
* Make sure you have the correct file. In the past, we have received files from other designers on behalf of the client, where an incorrect logo was used.
* We will always send back a proof of the signage we are creating, so please use attention to detail when reviewing our proofs before approving them.

2. ACCEPTABLE FILE FORMATS

- Be sure to convert all text/fonts to "Curves"
- Make sure there are no "pen strokes"
- Our sign creation system uses the PC Platform. If you are on a MAC Platform, then please output files as PC Format (when using Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop)
* Convert all text to curves (In Adobe Illustrator use "Create Outlines") otherwise fonts may not load properly.
CorelDraw - Version 13 or Lower
Adobe Illustrator - CS3 or lower (PC Format)
EPS or PDF - All fonts created to curves
TIFF or JPG - 300dpi Actual Size (150dpi actual size 'might' be acceptable in some cases)
Images downloaded from a webpage are low resolution, and are not acceptable

3. UNACCEPTABLE FILE FORMATS

Microsoft Office Files - Word, Publisher, Excel, PowerPoint, etc..
QuarkXpress - We do however, use Adobe InDesign CS3
Images Off A Website - The resolution is generally low, and unusable
Why are these formats "Unacceptable"?
The software used to create the signs is a combination of SignLab and CorelDraw, so when we receive an artwork file that is layed out in any of the above formats, we basically need to "recreate" the file in CorelDraw. Very rarely are we ever able to simply 'export and import' the file from the above formats, into CorelDraw correctly. Additional charges will apply for the time spent "converting" any artwork to a format we can use.

4. WHAT IS "LINE ART"?

When dealing with CorelDraw or Adobe Illustrator, artwork is typically created and outputed as Vector. Or in other words "Line Art". The systems we use to create signage, with exception to "Large Format Prints", require the artwork to be in "Vector Format" (such as a CDR, AI, EPS or PDF File). If the artwork is not supplied to us in this format, then our designers must first re-create the artwork before outputing it to our machines. This in turn adds to the setup time, as well as the job cost. Line Art (vector), can be blown from a small size to an extremely large on without any quality loss.

5. WHAT IS "BITMAP ARTWORK"?

When possible, it is always preffered that a file be in a Vector format, however, if your file is being digitally printed on our Large Format Printer, then files may be submitted in a Bitmap format (such as a TIF or JPG file). Because of the way a Bitmap graphic is created, it must be outputed in a high resolution. Generally they are outputed as 300dpi at actual size. If we are provided with small/low-res artwork, then our output may not be to your satisfaction. In order ot get a quality print, we need to start with quality artwork.