Step One - File Preparation

1. Software Supported

We can output digital files from the following software products: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, Macromedia Freehand, QuarkXPress, and CorelDraw 11 or earlier.

2. Setting up your document

You may build your document at scale 1:1, or less down to 1|4 scale. Build your documents dimensions in inches, NOT feet. If your final product is 3' x 5', build it as 36" x 60" or a scale proportional to this.

3. Bitmap or Scanned Images

When including Photoshop (bitmap) images, you should scan or create your image so it's resolution at final size is no less than 200 dpi. If you import this file into another program for placement, make sure the file is the correct size and resolution in Photoshop. Do not resize the image in your vector or layout program.

Note: Rasterized type in Photoshop will lose it's crisp look at resolutions lower than 300 dpi.

4. Color Matching

When submitting color files for printing it is necessary for you to provide an industry accepted color proof such as a Matchprint or equivalent. As an alternative, we can produce a small print sample of your file for an additional charge. If you specify pantone colors, we will make every effort to match them as closely as possible. Due to the nature of digital imaging, exact Pantone color matches are not always possible. For an additional fee we can provide you with a printed color chart so you can see how your Pantone colors will print.

5. Hem and Trim Allowance

Color or background bleeds run from 1/2" to 3" depending on the product being made. Even if your document doesn't bleed (white background) folding and hemming the document uses up space just as a bleed would. The live area is the area that is safe for type and important visuals. If you don't know what allowances to make, please contact us for a template.

Step Two - Send Us Your File  

Save a Copy of your file with the type converted to paths or outlines. (If your program will do that of course. Illustrator, Freehand and CorelDraw have this capability.) Include the fonts (both outline/printer and screen/bitmap files) in case you need us to make a last minute change.

Include all the files you placed into your artwork. Even if you embedded the files, we still need the original files.

Once you've collected all these files in one place, .zip it, .sit stuffit, .tar it into one nice little package and send it to us. CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM will be great! Or, you can email it (if your service will allow attachments the size of your submission) to john@jackripper.com

We also need a printout with all your color matches marked on the printout. This will help the art department and the printing department to quickly check that they are using the colors you have specified. (Fax this if you email us.)

Make sure you have included the contact info of the designer in case we have questions.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We are always glad to offer advise regarding pre-press design to help streamline the digital imaging process.