- What File formats and software do you support?
- How can I get files to you
- How do you handle FONTS?
- What resolution should I use?
- Are there any other things to know about Imports and Links
- Can I include a reference print for matching.
- Can you fix my file if it doesn’t look right.
Q: What File formats and software do you support?
A: We work directly with the following file formats: TIFF, EPS, JPEG, PDF.
We accept the following software applications in native format:
| Application | Mac * | IBM PC * |
|---|---|---|
| Macromedia Freehand | v 9.0 | — |
| Adobe Illustrator/CS | v 10.0 | v 9.0 |
| QuarkXpress | v 5.0 | v 3.32 |
| Adobe Pagemaker | v 7.0 Plus | v 7.0 Plus |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Office 98 | Office 2000 |
| Adobe Photoshop/CS | v 8.0 | v 8.0 |
| Adobe InDesign | v 2.0 | v 2.0 |
| Adobe Acrobat/CS | v 6.0 | v 6.0 |
| CorelDRAW! | — | v 9.0 |
| * This version or older | ||
Based on our present color management system, the ideal color space is RGB but CMYK or grayscale is OK. We will convert files to the appropriate color space for the output requested. We cannot image directly from duatones, LAB, Index color, etc. It is important that all imported or linked files also be in the appropriate format and color space.
Photoshop files should be saved as TIFF’s. When saving DO NOT use LZW compression. Do not save TIFF’s with ALPHA channels or with LAYERS.
Q: How can I get files to you
A: We accept files on:
* CD’s
* Files sent to our FTP server. We offer T1 connectivity for file transfers. Please read the instructions on FTP Transfers.
* JPEG files for photoprints can be uploaded to our Online Imaging Service
* Digital camera files can be uploaded to our Online Imaging Service
* E-Mail – small files for commercial imaging projects (no files over 5 MB)
* Iomega Zip100/250 disks, Jaz 1 Gb and 2 Gb cartridges
* 3½” floppies
Q: How do you handle FONTS?
A: While we have, and are licensed to use, an extensive font library, it is always better if you include both you screen fonts and your printer fonts whenever submitting an order that requires fonts. Even fonts within the same font name can have subtle differences that may lead to problems with your order. If you are using a program like Illustrator then you should turn your fonts into OUTLINES before submitting. When creating PDF files make sure to “include” fonts and to select “for print”.
Q: What resolution should I use?
A: Typically, for photographic quality prints from digital camera files or from scanned images the resolution you work with will be less than the resolution we are printing at with the exception of small photographic prints. (4×6, 5×7, 8×10, up to 11×14 or so)
For example: the file size we use to make a 16×24 LightJet print from a 35mm slide will usually be around 60 MB. That is only 230 ppi at final size. The LightJet will process the file up to the final printing size of around 285 MBs. (406 dpi RGB @ 36 bits)
In the case of digital camera files it is even more dramatic. It is not unusual to take a 3 megapixel file (about 9 MB in RGB TIFF) and make beautiful prints up to 20×30 inches.
An important point is that you should not “REZ UP” your file size. Don’t take a 1 or 2 MB file and try to bump up the resolution in Photoshop. All you accomplish is to make the image look soft. The interpolation algorithums built into the front-end software of our printer host computers is far superior to the interpolation available in Photoshop or any other consumer level programs.
For printing to photographic papers on the LightJet you can use the following chart as a guide. It is just a guide. Remember that digital camera files can go larger, pixel for pixel, than files from scanned film and that smaller prints need greater resolution in relation to picture area than larger prints.
| Desired Print Size | Target File Size |
|---|---|
| 8 × 12 | 20 - 25 MB |
| 12 × 18 | 24 - 40 MB |
| 16 × 24 | 45 - 70 MB |
| 20 × 24 | 50 - 90 MB |
| 20 × 30 | 60 - 100 MB |
| 30 × 40 | 62 - 140 MB |
| 40 × 50 | 62 - 170 MB |
| 40 × 60 | 62 - 200 MB |
Note regarding commercial projects using page layout programs like Quark or Freehand, Illustrator, or PDF files. Remember to make sure that all imported or linked files have sufficient resolution. Often we do not notice, or can not see, that imports do not have adequate resolution until the piece is printed. We will not redo work at no charge due to low resolution imported files in page layout or Illustrator documents. Check your files.
Q: Are there any other things to know about Imports and Links
A: Be sure to include all imported or linked elements. Remember to include all fonts and elements that may be embedded within imported or linked elements.
Example: you have an imported picture in your QuarkXpress document that is an EPS file and that file has text in it that is a different font than what you are using for the rest of the document and you do not give us that font, you will get a font substitution that we will not catch until the piece is printed. We will not redo work at no charge if you have failed to include all screen and printer fonts for imported or linked elements. Likewise you must make sure all imported and linked files include all their parts. Substitutions can cost you money and time. Remember: just because you can see it on your screen doesn’t mean it will print.
Q: Can I include a reference print for matching.
A: It’s always a good idea to send a print-out of your document. What we see on our screen is not always what you saw on yours. Color Management has brought us much closer but, your software/hardware configuration may not produce exactly the same look as ours. Colors may not look the same on your monitor as on ours. Colors you see on your monitor may not match exactly the colors in the final piece. Colors on your supplied printout may not be matched exactly. Different printer devices use different technology. Even similar devices use different inks, toners, dyes, etc. Properly profiled monitors and printers can improve the chances that you will receive what you expect. Proofs should be ordered and can be made on the material we are printing your work.
If text is the only consideration we can make a small proof that can be faxed or emailed. Check your proof carefully. It is easy to miss spelling mistakes, especially on small scale proofs. Most mistakes are the result of people not checking their proofs carefully. Mistakes cost you money. We charge for proofs but the cost is insignificant to the cost of redoing a major project or missing a deadline.
Reminder on proofs: Changes can cost you money. We can make revisions at this point but not for free. We recommend a revised proof whenever changes are made.
Q: Can you fix my file if it doesn’t look right.
A: Yes, this is called file intervention. When your file won’t work we either have to go in and fix it or give it back to you to fix. We have been doing this for quite a while and are familiar with the correct ways to set up files and many of the ways that are not so correct. Often it is faster and cheaper to let us fix your file than to take it back and fix it yourself. We charge $120 an hour plus the cost of another proof to fix files. This is billed in 7½ minute increments with a minimum of 15 minutes ($30) A point to remember is that service times start when we have a printable file.
