How to Send Us Artwork

You can send digital (computer-generated) or non-digital (hard copy) artwork. Digital artwork can be either vector or raster (bitmap) imaged.

Digital (Computer-Generated) artwork

Both MAC and PC artwork are acceptable.

Acceptable file media:

  • CD-ROM
  • 3-1/2” Floppy disc
  • Zip disc - 100 MB or 250 MB
  • E-mail Attachment (sales@signtext.com)

Sign/Text
23684 Research Dr.
Farmington Hills, MI 48335

Vector vs. Raster

In the computer world there are basically two types of images, vector and raster (also known as bitmap).

Vector images are made up of geometric shapes (lines, ellipses, etc.) encoded as mathematical formulas. This helps keep the file sizes small and allows them to be resized without loss of quality. Vector images are the preferred format for all art files, especially for larger formats. Artwork that is to be converted to cut vinyl, dimensional letters and logos, or ADA-compliant signs must be vector imaged.

Raster images consist of grids of colored pixels (picture elements). The color characteristics of raster images make them prone to extremely large file sizes. Their construction also makes them very sensitive to enlargement. Just like a photograph, a raster image will become grainy if enlarged too many times. Raster images which are being enlarged and printed should have the highest possible resolution. Since raster images have no distinct lines they cannot be converted to cutting tasks such as cut vinyl or routed or engraved letters and logos. Also they cannot be converted to raised letters for ADA signs.

Distinguishing Vector Images from Raster Images

  • Adobe Illustrator. When using Preview under the View menu, the artwork will appear filled (figure 1). When you switch to Artwork under the View menu, one of two things happen. If you get lines (figure 2), the artwork is vector. If you get an empty box (figure 3), the artwork is raster. Remember to convert any text to outlines before saving.
  • Adobe Photoshop. All artwork is automatically converted to raster image, even if it has started as vector image. Do not use Adobe Photoshop unless you intend to make your artwork raster image.
  • Corel Draw. When using Normal View under the View menu, the artwork will appear filled (figure 1). When you switch to Wireframe under the View menu, one of two things happen. If you get lines (figure 2), the artwork is vector. If you get a grayed-out version of the image (figure 4), the artwork is raster. Remember to convert any text to curves before saving.
figure 1 figure 2 (vector)
   
figure 3 (Illustrator raster) figure 4 (Corel Draw raster)

Vector Format

All artwork intended for router and/or plotter applications such as cut vinyl, ADA signs or dimensional letters must be vector imaged. It cannot be raster (bitmap) imaged.

Acceptable vector file formats, in order of preference:

  • EPS (Encapsulated Postscript)
  • AI (Adobe Illustrator)
  • CDR (Corel Draw 10 or lower)
  • PLT (Gerber Advantage only)
  • CMX (Corel Draw 10 or lower)
  • IDD (Adobe InDesign)
  • DXF (Auto Cad) not recommended

For vector artwork:

  1. Unlock all layers.
  2. Text should not be left as fonts. All text must be converted. In Adobe Illustrator text should be converted to outlines. In Corel Draw text should be converted to curves. Other programs have similar functions, though with different names. Convert all text.

Raster (Bitmap) Format

Raster (bitmap) files are acceptable for digital print applications only.

Acceptable raster file formats, in order of preference:

  • EPS (Encapsulated Postscript)
  • TIF (TIFF bitmap) recommended
  • PCD (Kodak Photo-CD Image)
  • PSD (Adobe Photo Shop)
  • BMP (Windows bitmap) not recommended for larger graphics
  • JPG (or JPEG) low quality, not recommended

Note: Do not send us vector and bitmap artwork in the same file. Separate the two and put boxes in the vector file showing where the bitmap artwork is to be placed. Include a hard copy showing what the combined artwork should look like.

Non-Digital or Hard Copy Artwork

If your artwork is hard copy (non-digital) that needs to be scanned, here is what to do:

  1. Send artwork as large as possible up to 8” x 14”
  2. For multicolor artwork send color separations with alignments.

Artwork Modification Rate

Artwork modifications and corrections are made at a rate of $65 per hour.

We cannot read Quark Xpress format created on the Macintosh platform. For PC platforms, Adobe InDesign may convert QXD files. Due to the inconsistent success of file conversion, we recommend they be saved as noted above.

Revised 20 November 2000.