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Guidelines for Providing Art
GENERAL GUIDELINES
  • Remove unused color swatches
  • Create a second file and convert fonts to outlines
  • Please provide .125" bleed
  • Provide a PDF or JPG for reference
  • The optimum resolution for color and grayscale
    graphic images (e.g., Photoshop images)
    is 300 pixels per inch (ppi) at final size. This
    facilitates proper output of your artwork to film
    separations at line resolutions of at least 175 lines
    per inch (lpi). The minimum recommended
    resolution is 200 ppi (for lpi output).
  • The optimum resolution for black & white bitmap line art (e.g., scanned line art and type or items drawn in Photoshop) is 1000 ppi at final size. This facilitates proper output of your artwork of at least 175 lpi. The minimum recommended resolution is 600 ppi (for 150 lpi output).
  • Color images must be saved in CMYK mode for proper output. We recommend the "U.S. Web Coated (SWOP)v2" setting in Photoshop. If you do not know how to go about this, do not attempt the conversion. We can do it for you provided the images are linked (not embedded) in your final page layout. Important: Many colors do not convert to CMYK well, often appearing flat or dull in appearance compared to their RGB counterparts on screen. This is especially true of Pantone colors converted to CMYK. Consult the Pantone Color Bridge for both RGB to CMYK and Spot Colors to CMYK conversions before creating colors.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR up to and including CS5:
Although Illustrator allows you to embed images into the file, Specialty Finishing prefers the linked, high-resolution files and fonts.
Just a few tips when using some of Illustrator's effects:
  • Always set Document Raster Effects Settings to 300 dpi; not 72 dpi. You can find this setting in the Effect menu.
  • Please do not use spot colors in a gradient mesh.
All fonts, or an outlined file, must be supplied. If an outlined file is provided, and a text change is required, there may be a charge for typesetting.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP up to and including CS5:
We prefer Layered files. Layered files are especially helpful if a photo has several elements, drop shadows or an element that needs to be converted into spot or Pantone colors.
  • The minimum resolution for a continuous tone image is 300 dpi.
  • The minimum resolution for a bitmap image that includes text is 1000 dpi at 100%.
    Specialty Finishing does not recommend text be created within a continuous tone image.
  • If the image goes to the edge of the piece, please provide enough image for .125" bleed on all sides.
INDESIGN up to and including CS5:
Supply all high resolution links, fonts, and a PDF from the final file.

QUARK XPRESS up to and including 8.0:
When supplying a Quark file, we request the customer supply a PDF of the final file.
XPRESS is well known for text reflow. Please use actual Bold, Oblique, and Bold Italic fonts instead of the provided options on the bottom of the measurement pallet, or the type style menu.
Provide all fonts and linked files used in the file.

FREEHAND up to and including 10:
Provide all high-resolution links, fonts.

PDF: Provide a high-resolution, print-ready PDF.

MEDIA: CD, DVD, E-mail, or FTP.
If you would like to use our FTP, please contact your Customer Service Representative, who will provide you with a secure folder, user name and password on our FTP server for your use.
Because of the variables inherent to Specialty Finishing's printing, often times additional engineering is completed to produce a higher quality, more consistent printed product.

If you have any questions, please contact us at (800) 288-1800

We look forward to working with you!
 
4200 South 121st Plaza Omaha, NE 68137  |  Phone: (402)330-2356  |  Toll Free: (800)288-1880  |  Fax: (402)330-1344
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