We prefer to work with vector (outline) graphic files because they are resolution independent (we can scale up these images without loss of quality. This is the best format to send sign graphics to us, we generally don’t have to alter your artwork, although we will perform prepress work (trapping, color separation, etc.). It’s important to understand that most vector graphics programs can include bitmap graphics or effects, these are not vector graphics. A vector graphic only contains outlines. We will except files from the following vector graphics programs:

CorelDraw

.cdr

We support CorelDraw (*.cdr) versions 5 through 13 (or "X3"). If you are sending a Corel file, be sure to include font files or convert all text to curves (select text and press CTRL+Q) prior to saving.

Macromedia Freehand

.fh9 or .fh10

We accept Freehand files from version 5 through 10 (*fh5 - *.fh10). If you are sending a Freehand file, be sure to include font files or convert all text to paths (select text and press CTRL+SHIFT+P) prior to saving.

Adobe Illustrator

.ai

We accept Illustrator (*.ai) files version CS2 and lower. If you are sending an Illustrator file, be sure to include font files or create outlines from all text (select text and press CTRL+SHIFT+O) prior to saving.

EPS

.eps

Encapsulated PostScript Files (*.eps) are a great format that most vector based graphics programs will export. Remember to convert all text to paths, curves, outlines before exporting an .eps file. While we prefer to use the original native file format from the above programs, we will accept an EPS file, provided that there are no embedded bitmaps included.

Flash

.swf

Macromedia Flash MX is the industry standard for vector graphics for the web. While not intended for sign graphics, we can extract elements to aid in the creation of your sign design.

Raster Based Graphics Files:

Raster (or bitmap) graphic files are pixel-based formats. This is the best format to send photos to us. Keep in mind that your photo will be output at 300 dpi in the final size (photos on name riders are usually 3-1/2 x 5 inches). Generally, photo images that were saved for business cards and web sites are NOT high enough resolution.

While we prefer vector graphics for sign art, we will accept raster images, but we will have to re-create your design using your file as a guide. We will except files from the following raster graphics programs:

 

Corel PhotoPaint

.cpt

We accept PhotoPaint (*.cpt) files version 12 and lower. You can send us photos in this format, but be sure they are at least 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches. If you are sending a sign layout in PhotoPaint format, be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide for when we "re-create" your artwork.

Adobe Photoshop

.psd

We accept Photoshop (*.psd) files version CS and lower. You can send us photos in this format, be sure they are 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches. If you are sending a sign layout in Photoshop format, be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide for when we "re-create" your artwork.

TIFF

.tif

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) The standard "raw data" file in the graphics world. Produces high quality images due to the fact it does not use compression in it’s standard form. We highly recommend sending us all photos or pictures in this format, but please be sure they are at least 300 dpi at 3.5 x 5 inches.

JPEG or JPG

.jpg

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) Using sophisticated compression techniques, this format can be 1/10 the size of normal "raw data" files. Please do not compress your jpeg. Keep it at the "Highest Quality"
(Illustrator =10, Photoshop = 12)

GIF

.gif

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a very popular and well-used file format for line-art graphics on the Web. If you are sending a sign layout in this format be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide, we will have to re-create your artwork.

Windows Bitmap

.bmp

Bitmap (Windows Bitmap) files (*.bmp) are raw data files that are often used for background images within Window’s Desktops. If you are sending a sign layout in this format be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide, and we will have to re-create your artwork.

Vector:

A digital file format, where the image is made up of  true lines & curves to form a perfect image that can  be enlarged to any size and remain the same quality.

Bitmaps:

A digital file format, where the image is made up of  pixels.

Note:  

To quickly find out if your image is a bitmap, zoom in a few clicks. If the image loses quality and pixels begin to show up, it is a bitmap.