FTP / Uploads

You can upload files using this link to our ShareFile location. Be sure to include a message in the supplied comment box with your contact information so we know what this file is for. Please zip/stuff everything into one file. If for some reason our upload site will not function for you, please call us and ask for the graphics department.

NOTE: You may also simply upload your files to your own corporate/personal server and forward us either a link for download or FTP instructions to access your files.

Follow these guidelines when sending graphics:

1. Native files from Illustrator CS4 or earlier, Photoshop CS4 or earlier, InDesign CS4 or earlier, (NOTE: some templates may list specific options from the above choices). Please see specific requirements below in regards to each software package.
2. DO NOT save Photoshop/Bitmap files as EPS raster images.
3. If you are sending a flattened file from Photoshop, please save that file as a LEVEL 12 JPG image in RGB format at 100% scale.
4. Please provide a 2" bleed on all layouts. Refer to the template files for your particular product. If no template is located online, please call and one will be provided.
5. Convert all fonts to Outlines, Curves or rasterize them in PS.
6. DO NOT embed your raster images into your layout program (ie: Illustrator). Please "link" these images using the appropriate proceedure according to your software.
7. Include any linked or placed files. Do not place .EPS raster images in your layout program. Save .EPS raster images as Level 12 JPG images before placing them into your layout program. Do not place .EPS vector images either. Simply cut and paste those vector objects directly to your layout file.
8. Resolution at 100% should be 100 ppi/dpi for raster images. Please contact the graphics department for further information regarding resolution and proper setup if you are not familiar with large format file preparation.
9. RGB or CMYK color spaces are accepted. However, please do not mix elements from both.
10. Include a color preview PDF or low resolution JPG of your layout with PMS #'s called out.
11. Call if you have any further questions.

NOTE: Graphics for Plotted Vinyl projects can only be completed with Vector files. Your Sales Representative will notify you if your project falls into this catagory. There will be additional charges for conversion of any raster images such as *.TIF's, *.JPG's, *.BMP's, etc. Vinyl projects can include, but are not limited to, single and two color headers, tablethrow covers and various text graphics. Vector file format extensions often are: .ai, or .eps.

Software we DO NOT accept files from
These programs are not 100% compatible with our form of large scale printing.

• Adobe PageMaker, Adobe Acrobat
• Macromedia Freehand
• Corel DRAW
• QuarkXPress
• Microsoft Word, Microsoft PhotoDraw, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Publisher

If you have your artwork in one of the programs listed that we do not accept, please contact the Graphics Department for options.

Color Matching
Include reference numbers for Pantone SPOT Coated colors or a printed sample of color desired. Pantone Spot Coated colors are the recommended palette to use when preparing color critical files. If color is critical please note as such on your order. Printed color proofs are $80 each.

Note: Colors in Large Format Printing vary slightly from 4 color offset printing. If you wish to work in CMYK and have a CMYK match performed, you must supply us with a printed color swatch to work from.

Exporting
Some *.EPS and other exports do not respect page size or document setup. Draw a bounding box without any fill or bounding lines to represent page size. Position your artwork within that box as desired before exporting. DO NOT save Photoshop files as EPS raster images. When possible, do not export your documents. Simply send us the native file according to the software requirements above.

Xpressions & Xpressions SNAP
Full graphic sizes for our Xpressions displays will be found on the appropriate product page in PDF format for each unit. However, Xpressions displays have a tension fabric setup. Therefore, you should review our X-FACTOR rules when preparing your graphics.

Showstopper™ Tents
When purchasing a Showstopper tent that will have one or more imprint locations you must prepare the artwork using solid colors only. Pantones are recommended but not necessary. Gradients and/or photographic elements can only be printed on the 10ft dye sublimation package. You must supply a VECTOR copy of your artwork for basic imprint orders.

Software Specifics

Adobe Illustrator / InDesign:
Whenever possible, it is recommended you avoid the raster filters directly inside Illustrator and InDesign. Rather, you should create your raster effects in Photoshop and then place either a PSD or a JPG of the completed file into your layout as a linked image.

The Graphics Department does not recommend using embedded images (an image that has been placed into Illustrator but is not linked to the original file), as we have no way of knowing whether or not the original image is of high enough quality.

Always save Illustrator/InDesign files in their native format. Do not send files as EPS.

NEVER scale raster images (ie: tif, bmp, jpg) inside Illustrator/InDesign. Always pre-set the size in Photoshop first before placing it inside an Illustrator document.

When saving Illustrator files, be sure to turn off the "PDF Compatibility" and the "Include Linked Files" features during the "Save As" proceedure. This will minimize the file size substantially.

Adobe Photoshop:
If you are requesting a specific element to be color matched in a raster file, please send the layered PhotoShop file along with that element on a separate layer. Additional comp time bay be added for color matching to a flattened file.

If you are sending a flattened Photoshop file, please save the file as a LEVEL 12 JPG image at 100% scale.

Scanning

If you are providing your own images for us to use in a large format, you will need to have a high resolution drum scan done from a transparency. While a 35mm slide or negative will work fine for smaller graphics, a larger image, such as a photo mural or banner, will need to be scanned from a larger 5x5 transparency. Keep in mind that the quality of the scan is also dependent on the size and quality of the original film or artwork. For example, producing a 4-panel mural (118" x 90") from a slide or out of focus transparency will compromise the quality no matter how high the scan resolution. The quality can also be compromised when using a duplicate transparency.

When scanning film or other artwork for Inkjet or Lambda printing, it is best to use the following specification guidelines:

Provide a maximum input resolution of 100 ppi/dpi when scaled to the final print size, in RGB or CMYK color space.

Single Color Heat Transfer Vinyl Logo Table Throws

Artwork should be simple, consisting of text and/or a logo without a lot of detail (no gradation or dot patterns). Vector files are required for this type of application. PMS colors can only be matched using Screen Printing. Call for information.