File Types
Files must be either TIFF, JPEG, PNG, Ai or EPS
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
A Vector based file such as Illustrator or Freehand is beneficial as it can be enlarged to any size without loss of quality. Image Scans placed in these documents will still suffer the same problems as any pixel based document and the scan should allow sufficient information for the finished size. If possible, do not embed scans.
To avoid font reproduction problems please OUTLINE all text.
Ensure that the output resolution in "Document setup" sub menu: "printing & Export" is set to a minimum 800 dpi and "compatible gradient and gradient mesh printing" is checked if you have used gradients in the file.
Adobe InDesign: These files are accepted.
Software NOT suitable
PowerPoint and Word Processor packages such as "Word". These use a low resolution version of logos etc so that they work quickly. This is rarely suitable for our manufacturing output.
CD or FTP files
There are a number of options for providing us with your files. 1. Burn them to disc CD/DVD or 2. Connect to our server via FTP and upload your files. For FTP upload please contact our art department so we can establish a secure in-box for you.
Resolution
In general a pixel based file such as a Photoshop EPS with a resolution of 100dpi at the finished size will create an excellent Digital Glass® output.
What goes in is what comes out – but several times bigger! The smallest spot of dust or image blemish will be acutely obvious on the finished item.
Finished size
Please ensure that the supplied document is in proportion, and scans have sufficient information to provide the finished output size.
We manufacture at a minimum of 600 dpi the input resolution of the file can be as low as 72dpi and still produce superb results. It is important not to drop below this threshold.
Do not supply low res positionals, use the finished high res scan.
Black: Large areas of black should be made up of 100% Black plus 50% Cyan, 50% Magenta, 50% Yellow to give depth of colour.
Scans/pictures
For most applications a 35mm Transparency is only sufficient for small detail elements. Scanning at very high resolution will not provide enough information. A large format Transparency for maximum quality at full size.
Aim to achieve a minimum output resolution of 100dpi at the final manufactured size
* Please make sure the scans are saved with a preview, preferably as an EPS file.
* Files should be converted to CMYK including Duotones.
Common Problems
* Type has not been converted to OUTLINE
* The proportions of the document are incorrect.
Colour Accuracy
Digital Glass® manufacturing uses a 5 colour system. The advantage is large, high impact, full colour designs. The disadvantage is that Pantone/Ral colours cannot be printed as solid colours, although in most cases an excellent result can be obtained with the process system.
Do Not specify CMYK percentages for specific colours.
Please remember this when comparing, say, your logo on a compliment slip with a graphic panel. The logo on the slip is Litho printed in the one specific colour whilst theDigital Glass® version may be made from a mixture of Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, Black and White.
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