File Specs

Our preference is to have bitmap images submitted in TIFF format, vector images as Illustrator or EPS files, and layouts in InDesign 2 or later, but we can accept documents created in almost any popular Mac graphics or layout program and most PC graphics programs as well. When sending CorelDraw files, be sure to convert all fonts to curves and send an eps version as well, if possible. In all cases, be sure to include any placed images that are part of your layout along with the main file to give us as much ability as possible to troubleshoot your files, if necessary. If saved properly, PDF files are also a great way to submit your layouts. We have a great deal of expertise in converting and trouble-shooting files, so there is little we can't handle. Files from office programs such as Word, Publisher and PowerPoint can be difficult to output properly, so we recommend against them. If you can, convert them to pdf files. If not, there is a $25 charge for us to work with these files.

We require that you include your document fonts, convert them to outlines, or embed them in your file, and we also recommend some kind of proof such as a pdf or jpg file, so that we can verify that no problems have occurred in transferring your file to our system. If you decide to send us a PDF file be sure you save the file properly because we will have limited ability to change what you give us. In general, you want to save a pdf file that contains all the resolution of your original and doesn't jpeg compress the images. Contact us for questions regarding how to properly create these types of files.

The description for each banner stand contains the dimensions of the banner for that particular model, and there are also templates available for each model in the Specifications tab. If you like, you can create your file scaled to 1/2 or 1/4 size, but be sure there is enough resolution in your images so that they will print well when enlarged to the full size. See Resolution and File Size below. For almost all banner stands, approximately 1/2" to 1" at the top of the banner can be obscured by the head rail, so keep any important info outside that area, which is a good idea from a design perspective as well. For retractable stands, we will add the necessary additional length to the banner for attaching to the roller mechanism.

Bleeds

For most banner stand graphics, bleed is not required, but if you do want to leave bleed in your file, 1/4" is the correct amount.

Resolution and File Size

For bitmap images, such as digital photos or scanned images, we recommend a resolution of 150 dpi at the actual print size, but it is really dependent on the viewing distance for the finished print, and the quality you would like. At 150 dpi or higher, images will look good from any distance. Some improvement in quality is noticeable at resolutions above 150 dpi up to 300 dpi, but unless your final print will be viewed from 2 feet or closer, the extra resolution will not be noticeable. For viewing distances of 3-5 feet, bitmap images should be at least 100 dpi at their actual final output size. At viewing distances of 10 feet or greater, lower resolutions are acceptable.

Files can be in either RGB or CMYK. We find that on glossy medias, the RGB color space provides the best color depth and contrast, but there is not a significant difference on more matte finished medias. Files tend to reproduce more accurately in CMYK, but our color profiling minimizes this difference.

We use the US Web Coated (SWOP) profile for CMYK images, and the Adobe RGB (1998) profile for RGB images. For the most accurate color, you can either use these profiles for your images as well, or embed your working profiles in your images and we'll convert them to our space for accurate color.

All files and layouts should be setup at actual size. For programs such as QuarkXPress that may not be capable of creating a file at the actual size of your project, you can create the file at 1/2 or 1/4 size, and we will enlarge it when we print it. Keep in mind that your images should fit the resolution guidelines above when enlarged to their final size. For example, a 300 dpi image at 1/4 scale will only be 75 dpi when printed at actual size.

We will provide a pdf proof on request at no charge. A pdf proof is very useful if you want to check and make sure that there are no missing elements or substituted fonts in your job, but they are not necessarily good as color proofs because they are still affected by the calibration of your monitor. For extremely color critical jobs, we recommend a physical printed proof on the actual material that your final prints will be done on. The cost for this is $30, but the extra cost could easily pay for itself if problems are found with the color. Contact us if you have questions about this process and we will help you determine the best approach for your job.