Step 1

Prepare a rough sketch or printout of your layout.

The sketch should indicate position and relative size of letters and logo.  Make margin notes regarding colors or special instructions.  Please do this even if you are supplying a digital layout.

Step 2

Always prepare a digital file of your layout.

Today, many people submit digital files to us containing their computer generated layouts for processing in their job.  Please refer to the table below to review the specific file requirements for each method or type of job.  Send us your file in the prepared appropriate format as noted.  If you have any questions regarding the program you are using, the format, or file extensions, call us for clarification.

If you submit a finished layout on paper, and do not send a digital file that can be converted by our programs, we will either scan your layout as is and convert it for use with our signage programs, or use it as a guide for producing our own matching layout.

Vector outline files are better suited to our methods of production. They result in better edge resolution and color control. They are easily scaled and transmitted through the internet.

Think about hemming allowance:
Remember to think in terms of active print area (or sew area if sewn and appliquéd)  and the bounding area which would be the hemming allowance. In general terms think of 1" as a standard hem allowance for  1/4" double-needle hem and 3" for pole hems.  Call us for specific clarifications. In most instances we can control the necessary adjustments when processing or converting the files to use with specific printing systems.

Step 3

Send the best quality you can.

Whether you send a digital file of your computer generated layout,
a final paper print of your layout,
or components such as a logo or type for scanning,
please remember that quality is critical.

• If you are sending a digital file, please be sure that the size of the file is adequate.  Call us for clarification. 100 -200 dpi at full size for large size output.

• For laser prints, a 600 or 1200 DPI paper print is best.  Send black on white, no grayscale, no color.

• For color inkjet prints to be used for digital printing, a 600 or 1200 DPI (or higher) print is best.  We will scan your color inkjet print at the appropriate resolution for sized output.

• You can submit photographs for scanning in regular 4" x 6" but we recommend 8" x 10".

• Please note that our bed scanners support sizes up to 8.5" x 14".

Step 4

Submit your layout art & digital files for review.

We Accept the Following Media & File Formats

• IBM and MAC 3.5" Floppy

• IBM and MAC Zip Disk

• Files on CD

• Gerber Advantage: plt, cmx

• Amiable Flexisign: fs, cdr, ps, eps, dxf, pcd

• Onyx Postershop: onx, tiff, jpg, bmp, ps, eps

• CorelDraw: cdr, cmx

• Adobe Illustrator: ai, eps

• Adobe Photoshop: psd

Note:  Please include all files that are needed. Save each job as a separate file.

When necessary, in the appropriate program, convert all text and objects to outlines.
This is important because by converting to outlines you do not have to send the fonts embedded in the art file.
When it is necessary to send fonts, in addition to the art file, you may conveniently send True Fonts to us via email. 
We can use True Fonts for type setting if required.

CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator are vector-based illustration programs that can create files that are compatible with our special signage programs. To avoid problems in conversion, remember to first select all objects and text, then convert to outlines or curves.  If you are unsure about how to do this, please follow the instructions below.

When using CorelDraw, please use the Select All command under the Edit menu to select all objects and text, then click on the Convert To Curves command under the Arrange menu (or press CTRL + Q).  In Adobe Illustrator, use the Select All command under the Edit menu to select all objects and text, then select the Create Outlines command under the Type menu.

After converting, please save the file in CorelDraw as either a .cmx or .cdr file. In Adobe Illustrator, save the file as either an .eps or an .ai file. 
If you have any questions in this regard, call us for clarification. The resulting saved files can be conveniently emailed to us.