» FILE TYPES: We accept the the following file formats: .TIF, .JPG, .PDF (Acrobat 4), .PS, .EPS, .PSD, .PNG, .DOC., and AI/CDR. The software we use is capable of opening native files from CorelDRAW, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. If you are using non-standard software, such as Microsoft Publisher, please see respective software help for preparing files for print/publish. If you can: Please use LZW/ZIP compression when saving TIFF's. Also, please compress large files using a ZIP or StuffIt format.

» DESIGN: A vector format is preferred when dealing with text and non-bitmap imagery. If we need to do any conversion to work with our printers, a design fee may be incurred. Also, modifying bitmap, raster images, especially when flattened, is very time consuming.

Please understand that output to a physical format is not as simple as pressing print on an inexpensive, ink-jet printer. While it takes time, we use our extensive knowledge to convert low quality art work to high quality output. Again, we may require compensation for additional design labor, aside from normal production.

» FONTS: While we have a vast collection of fonts, certain foundry collections have different font complies. This may cause slight variations from your intended look. You can supply and/or list all fonts used in your project. We recommenced that all fonts are outlined before sending in your files. This removes font issues.

» COLORS: The color mode of submitted files must be CMYK. If your files are submitted using any other color standard, such as RGB, we will do our best to convert your files to CMYK. Conversion from one color standard to another may cause colors to shift. PANTONE's may be used, but PANTONE matching can become rather expensive, and our printers are fairly good at finding a 4-Color alternative and have a much larger color spectrum than offset-printing. We can print specialty colors including silver, gold and fluorescents.

» RESOLUTION: For a bitmap, raster image to print properly, the image must be at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) at the final output size (under 11"x14") - DO NOT try to change from a low resolution to a higher one by increasing the DPI in your imaging program. The larger the sign, the lower the DPI, at output. If you have an image that needs to be over 11"x14", you can supply artwork at 150 DPI. 4'x8' at 75-100 DPI. A good rule of thumb is: a flattened image should be no larger than 75-150 MB, saved as a TIFF.

» RICH BLACK: When you want an area of solid black within a document, 100% black (K) will not result in a solid; saturated black. Instead, use Rich Black, as represented by C:40% / M:0% / Y:0% / K:100%.

» BLEEDS: If any time an image must be contour cut at edge, the image must extend at least .06" beyond the final dimensions of your job to allow for cutting variation.

» SAFETY ZONE: Text or artwork you wish to preserve must be at least .06" inside of the final dimension of your design.

» PRINTING WITH BORDERS: When using a border in your artwork, it is essential that your design use at least .125" of white space from your border to the cut line to maintain a symmetric appearance.

Not all formats are created equal. This is especially true when it comes to physical output of digital files. Below, we display the difference between RASTER and VECTOR graphics. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages. After reading about each, please see the images below demonstrating the difference between vector and raster formats.

VECTOR FORMAT: A vector format is ideal for text and non-complex shape graphics. A vector format allows for resolution-independat sizing. This means that you can resize a vector graphic 100's of times bigger or smaller than it was originally designed, and the look will remain virtually the same. This is done through mathematical computation and not per-pixel color tables. Of course, anomalies exist and resizing graphics with strokes will not size correctly. It is important that strokes are designed at output size or that strokes are converted to fills. This will allows perfect resizing.

Simple vector files allow for very small file sizes.

BITMAP, RASTER FORMAT: Unlike vector formats, bitmap images build a color table based on each pixel. This means that when you resize a bitmap image, you are changing the size of the pixels with color information, stored in the file. This is typically called pixelation. When this is done, our programs must approximate how this change in size affects the look of the image. Using fractals, we can resize to about 150-200% of original size without looking too awful. Unfortunately, anything higher will cause the image to become blurry. It's very important to create images at DPI and final output size. For example: Creating an image that will be 5'w x 10't should have a DPI of 100 and a final size of 60" x 120"

So, why not just use vector for everything? Bitmap, raster images are the ideal format to use when dealing with complex graphics. Think of a painting - It's much easier to describe a painting with a set color palate; the only colors that are in the painting. A vector format must describe, using math, how that painting comes together. With complex art work, bitmap images do a lot less describing and create a smaller file.

PPI and DPI: There is vast confusion between the use of PPI (Pixels Per Inch) and DPI (Dots Per Inch) - While incorrect, most designers and printers use DPI, exclusively, to describe both.

Uploading your files is very simple. Just click the browse button below to select the file you wish to upload. Additional upload fields will appear after selecting a file. This will allow you to upload multiple files.

When you are satisfied, click the "Upload Your Files" button to begin the upload process. You will then see the progress of the upload attempt. At any time, you may click cancel to stop the upload.

Please be aware that there is an upload limit of 100MB per file. The uploaders IP address is stored to investigate malicious activity. Also, we recommend that PC users use the latest versions of Internet Explorer 7+ or Firefox 1.5+. Mac users should use either Camino 1.0+ or Firefox 1.5+. These are great alternatives to Safari.

***IMPORTANT***
After you have completed the upload, you must call (325) 641-2424 to discuss your order. We only hold files for 48 hours and will not process orders without customer contact.