ART QUIDELINES
We use state-of-the-art printing processes specific to each individual display that include LAMBDA, high-end INK JET, DYE-SUBLIMATION directly onto many fabrics and direct-to-substrate printing.

We work with many manufacturers and printers, each with their own specific art guidelines. We can provide specific art guidelines and templates for every job.

Designing for large format can be easy. The following tips will save you time & effort, decreasing your production turnaround time:

1) COLOR MATCHING - all color matches require a Pantone color (or PMS# color)

2) DPI and FILE SIZE - work in full size whenever possible, however if the file is too large you can set up files at 1/4, 1/3 or 1/2 scale and adjust dpi accordingly. Set files up to 100 DPI at the FINISHED SIZE.

3) EMBEDDED IMAGES - never embed files within your design. Always include a separate file or "support file" for every placed image. Embedded files cannot be checked for quality or adjusted for color.

4) FONTS - we prefer to have all text converted to outline.

5) MULTIPLE PANEL PROJECTS - when creating multiple panel files, set up as ONE IMAGE at the exact combined width. Attempt to have fonts and logos miss panel splits or cuts.

6) PROOF LAYOUT - whenever possible please include a PDF or JPG proof of your design to reference compared to full size art.

7) RGB or CMYK - when setting up RGB or CMYK, if the art is Raster (i.e. Photoshop) use RGB, if it's vector use CMYK. Ultimately it is image dependant and will be analyzed by our color specialists.

8) SOFTWARE - every printer is different, but overall our preferred software is Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign with vector elements and/or high resolution images.

ART FAQs
What does "VECTOR" art mean?
Vector art consists of lines and curves that are mathematically defined objects. When viewing art in keyline mode you can see the points or vectors connecting your lines and curves. They can also be seen when using the pen tool or editing the points along a path. Vector art is ideal for type and drawn shapes because they can be enlarged to any size while maintaining crisp outlines and details without sacrificing quality. The distance between the vectors is calculated mathematically and is not dependent upon resolution.

What is RASTER art?
Raster images consist of colored squares, called pixels. They are created by combining a series of various colored pixels. Digital photographs are made up of pixels. If you view a raster image at 200% or more you are able to see the individual pixels that make up the image. Raster images are dependent upon resolution so image enlargement is limited by the original size at which the file was created. If a file is produced at a size that is larger than its resolution will allow, the quality will decrease. Printing a low resolution file will result in pixelation. Individual pixels are large enough to be easily discernable. Increasing the resolution will not solve this problem if there are not enough pixels to begin with. The program will add more pixels based upon estimation of their location and will then assign their neighboring pixels’ color value. This may cause an image to look muddy.
TO SEE HOW YOUR IMAGE WILL PRINT - LOOK AT IT AT 100% AT FULL SIZE AT 100 DPI. THIS WILL SHOW YOU EXACTLY HOW IT WILL PRINT - IF IT LOOKS PIXELATED AT THIS SIZE - IT WILL PRINT THAT WAY.