Artwork Requirements

Each file should include a paper proof to serve as a layout and color guide.

Formats

All files should be saved in their original form if done in the following programs:

Adobe Illustrator 10 or previous versions
Adobe Photoshop 7 or previous versions
QuarkXpress 5.0
Corel Draw 9.0 or previous versions
Gerber Omega or previous versions
Macromedia Freehand 8.0
Adobe InDesign
For programs not listed, please save or export in EPS format.

Art can be sent as Mac or PC on

Floppy disk
Super floppy
Zip 100 disk
CD/DVD
Ftp site (please provide user ID and password)
Files may also be compressed and emailed up to 16MB to your sales representative.

Photographic Images

TIFF, EPS, PSD, PDF format. (JPEG or website files are not recommended for large format printing due to low image quality).

Include all images that have been placed or imported into the final layout of the file.

Color

CMYK is our print process so it is recommended to send in the art as CMYK but will accept in RGB form.
PMS pantone color match is required, please specify pantone colors in the file and on the hard copy proof.

Fonts

Convert fonts (type) to outlines (Illustrator) or paths (Freehand) or flatten image (Photoshop) or convert to curves (Corel Draw). If the type needs to be edited, include a copy of the font suitcase (Mac) or the True Image font (PC) with the file you submit to us.

Scaling

Please provide scale of artwork & final output size.

Scanned Images

Should be scanned at no less than 300 dpi at 1/4 size of the final printed piece.

Determining Scanner Resolution

Multiply the specified finished graphic dimension by the desired print resolution to determine the TOTAL pixels required for correct sizing.
Divide the total pixels by the input dimensions to determine the scan PPI setting to use on the scanner.
Set the scanner ppi (dpi) resolution. Use the next higher resolution if the scanner cannot be set to the exact resolution needed.
Printing Hints and Tips

Image Resolution

If you have a lower resolution size, or you “stretch” a small file into a larger size, the image will print with jagged edges and appear pixilated. Resolution and size are different, but proportional. For example, a 3”x3” size image at 300dpi resolution when stretched to a 6”x 6” image size, you will have a new resolution of 150 dpi. Even though the image size is larger, the image will have a lower resolution. NOTE: Once the resolution of a file is reduced, the “removed” resolution cannot be restored.

What size do I start with and what resolution do I use?

Knowing the final size of the printed image is the most important thing. If the final image is 10” x 10”, then make your final image size 10”x10” at 300dpi. If you are not exactly sure what the final size is, then scan it larger with more resolution. The size and resolution can be reduced but it is impossible to make it larger with sufficient resolution.

Can Internet images be used?

Images from the Internet or any kind of web site are 72 dpi GIF, JPEG or PNG files, which cannot be reproduced, in large format printing due to the poor quality. Color and resolution are removed from these images to allow rapid transfer throughout the Internet.

I made my image 300 resolution but it still looks pixelated, why?

One possible answer is, manually changing the already set resolution to a higher resolution. For example, if the resolution was originally created at 72dpi, then entering a number of 300dpi will make it pixelated. The original art needs to be created at a higher resolution for best print quality in large format printing.

Send art files to:

AutoTize LLC
13300 Bothell Everett Hwy, #6146
Mill Creek, WA 98012
info@autotize.com