Art Specs

DEFINITIONS

  • PDF (Portable Document Format) – a file format that provides an electronic image of text or text and graphics that looks like a printed document and can be viewed, printed, and electronically transmitted.
  • EPS (Encapsulated Post Script) - a PostScript image file format that is compatible with PostScript printers
  • AI (Adobe Illustrator) - a proprietary file format developed by Adobe Systems for representing single-page vector-based drawings in either the EPS or PDF formats.
  • Embed - to store a file within another file
  • Link - a direct connection from one file to another, activated by left clicking
  • CMYK - a subtractive color model, used in color printing, and is also used to describe the printing process itself. CMYK refers to the four inks used in some color printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key.
  • PMS (Pantone Matching System) - Trademarked-name for a standard system of specifying over a thousand printing ink colors by number.
  • Raster artwork - resolution dependent images
  • DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixel per inch) - This point number means that a printer can print so many points per inch (=2.54cm). Higher the value, the finer the print.

ARTWORK GUIDELINES

Here are some guidelines for artwork that will help us ensure that your job is produced accurately.

FILE TYPES

  • Provide print-ready vector files (PDF, EPS, and AI files) or high-resolution JPG files (300 dpi). Providing artwork that does not meet print-ready guidelines may incur additional artwork preflighting fees.

IMAGES & FONTS

  • For all AI files, please embed or link all images. Include all fonts or convert to outlines prior to sending print-ready artwork.

COLORS

  • CMYK. PMS colors should be specifi­ed in-fi­le as CMYK swatches. No spot colors, please. Specify PMS numbers for color matching purposes only; Color matching cannot be provided on raster artwork.

MIN. RESOLUTION

  • Artwork must be at least 300 dpi when viewing at actual work size. For high-quality prints, we recommend providing artwork with 600 dpi.
Download and Print these Art Specs!
Pittsburgh Signs - Mr. Sign

If you are looking for more information on one of these topics or something we haven’t covered, please contact us today.


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