file formats
All major design packages are accepted, including
Illustrator CS3, Photoshop CS3, InDesign CS3,
QuarkXPress 6 and Freehand 10. Previous versions of
each program are accepted, too. If your software version
is more recent than ours, please back-save your file(s) to
the version(s) above.
We cannot accept Corel Draw or Publisher files. We can
open Word or Powerpoint files, but there will be a
charge for us to convert the artwork to a printable
format.
The preferred format for print files is EPS or TIFF format.
We can open PDF files, but it can present issues if we
need to edit the file at all before print. Source files are
therefore preferable and may be requested if required.
fonts
Please ensure that all fonts on your file have either been
outlined, or have been included with your artwork.
scale & resolution
Our general rule of thumb is that artwork containing
bitmap images should be supplied at a minimum of
300dpi at quarter scale.
For really large artwork, where files are getting too large
to work with, you may get away with a smaller scale or
resolution.
Remember that large format print is generally viewed at a
distance, so it doesn’t need to be as high quality as a
printed brochure, for example. However, please avoid
sending us artwork used on web-sites, as they are
generally far too small for large format print.
Vector artwork is ideal where possible, as it can be scaled
to any size and retain its sharpness.
When scaling artwork, please keep it to a round scale (eg
25% or 50%). Let us know the ratio and output size, too,
so that we can scale it back up correctly when printing.
Also, be sure that your dimensions are in proportion. For
example, A4 artwork can’t be scaled up to a 3 metre by 1
metre banner without us having to alter the layout of
your artwork.
bleed
Whether or not bleed is required can depend on the job.
It’s easier for us to remove bleed from artwork than it is
for us to add it, so if in doubt add at least 10mm bleed on
all sides, or phone to check.
artwork for cut vinyl
When supplying artwork for cut vinyl graphics, it must be
provided in vector format, so that our machine can read
it. A Freehand or Illustrator file is suitable for this,
Photoshop or Quark files are not.
Please ensure that any fonts or strokes used have been
outlined.
visual proofs
It is advisable to include either a printed visual, or a low
resolution JPEG or PDF with your artwork, so that we can
check that what we are printing matches what you
expected it to look like. If you would like us to e-mail a
proof back to you before printing, please let us know.
colour matching
Our digital printing system cannot provide a 100%
accurate Pantone colour match. When critical colour
matching is required, we can run test swatches for you to
choose the closest match from, though this is chargeable. You must request this before we print, otherwise we can’t
accept responsibility for inaccuracy of colours.
how to send your artwork
Once you’ve set up your files correctly, you need to send
them to us.
- Files under 10MB can be e-mailed. Please send to
artwork@big-digital.co.uk.
- Individual files from 10MB to 100MB can be sent via
www.mailbigfile.com, using the email address above.
- Multiple files, or files larger than 100MB need to be
sent on a CD or DVD to the address below.
Please make sure you have already placed your order
separately with details of your requirements, so that our
artwork department are expecting your artwork and will
know what to do with it when it arrives.
no artwork?
If you do not have artwork we can design it for you, based
on your brief. Note that design/artworking is charged at
an hourly rate.
Please phone us on 0141 229 4240 or e-mail info@big-digital.co.uk for a quote and to arrange an
appointment. |
Please click here to view & download our
Artwork Guidelines Guide PDF Brochure
