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.
Follow these guidelines when sending graphics:
- Native files from IllustratorCS4 or earlier, PhotoshopCS4 or earlier, InDesignCS4 or earlier, (NOTE: some templates may list specific options from the above choices). Please see specific requirements below in regards to each software package. DO NOT send PDF or EPS files exported from these documents as your final layout. Always supply the native layout files as per these instructions.
- If you are sending a flattened file from Photoshop, please save that file as a LEVEL 12 JPG image at 100% scale.
- Please provide a 2" bleed on all layouts unless otherwise noted on your product template. If no template is located online, please call and one will be provided.
- Convert all fonts to Outlines, Curves or rasterize them in PS. This includes any linked images used inside your layouts!
- DO NOT embed your raster images into your layout program (ie: Illustrator). Please "link" these images using the appropriate proceedure according to your software.
- Include any linked or placed files. Do not place .EPS raster images in your layout program. Save .EPS raster images as Level 10+ 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.
- Resolution at 100% should be 100 ppi/dpi for raster images.
- RGB or CMYK color spaces are accepted. However, please do not mix elements from both.
- Include a color preview PDF or low resolution JPG of your layout with PMS #'s called out if color is critical.
- For a guide to preparing your Xpressions SNAP graphics please view the Xpressions File Preparation Guide.
- For a guide to preparing your Salesmate Xpressions graphics please view the Salesmate File Preparation Guide.
- Call if you have any further questions.
View our Graphic Frequently Asked Questions
Software we DO NOT accept files from
These programs are not 100% compatible with our form of large scale printing.
- Adobe PageMaker, Adobe ACROBAT PDF
- 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.
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.
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.
Mixing custom colors with transparent objects or altering the opacity of colors while overlaying on top of other colored items in your layout program may produce undesireable results in large format printing.
Xpressions SNAP & Xpressions Salesmate
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. For a detailed guide to preparing your Xpressions SNAP graphic layouts, please view this Xpressions SNAP File Preparation Guide. For a detailed guide to preparing your Salesmate Xpressions SNAP table top graphic layouts, please view this Salesmate File Preparation Guide.
Lite Displays (thatlitething)
If you are preparing graphics for thatlitething, please refer to our lite graphic guide.
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.
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. |
