Precision Imprint Art Questions? Ask for Billie
Phone (740) 592-5916
Fax (740) 593-6043
e-mail us at Imprint@frognet.net

Most of the artwork files we receive require some adjustment before they can be used for screen print, many need to be recreated all-together.

The following is a basic list of suggestions and requirements for creating computer generated art files. If all you have on disk is one element of your final design then a finalized proof is not required.

We encourage you to call or e-mail us if you have any questions.

1. HARD COPY
Whenever possible include a printed proof of the assembled graphic as it is meant to look when printed. (i.e. inkjet, laser, or similar print out).

File elements, fonts, and colors can change during handling, saving and exporting. The best way to safeguard against mistakes, is a proof for comparison. Additional notes and changes can also be noted on this proof if the final printed art is to be different from that on disk.

Depending on the CD type and saving method we can open most.

2. We accept art on Zip Disks, 3 3/4” Floppy Disks and CDs

3. What to include on your disk.
Note on disk label
• Which platform was the file created on (Mac, PC, Unix)?
• What software and which versions of that software were used?
• The name and phone number of the person to contact for any issues with the art files.

Files to include
• A copy of any fonts used in file creation.
Please include screen and printer files where applicable. If all type/fonts have been converted to outline/paths this step is not necessary but still convenient.

• A copy of any image, tiff, bitmap or eps. files imported into, embedded or placed in your document.

• A copy of your original finished document before it was exported or converted, if space allows, labeled accordingly.

4. E-mail

Precision Imprint does accept electronic files via e-mail.
We prefer vecter based Adobe Illustrator, PDF, and eps files.
We also accept tiff, Photoshop, bmp, and J-peg files.
• When exporting to PDF please be sure to choose editable text format
in your PDF export menu and convert all text to outlines/paths.
• Large image files should be commpressed with Winzip, StuffIt, etc. whenever possible. (tiff, j-peg, eps etc.)

Please call or e-mail us if you are not sure what to send. You may also send Word files, but please read our notes on Word.

General Notes

• Images taken from the Internet have a tendency to be poor quality and low resolution. Make careful note of where you got the image. Depending on the image there could also be copyright concerns.

• Save image files as psd, tiff, gif, bitmap, quicktime or j-peg.

• Unless you intend to personally modify the image the file should be keep in its original downloaded format and size if possible.

• We do accept and work with jpeg files, however the poor file quality often requires us to retouch or recreate the artwork, so we encourage you not to convert to this format unless this is your files original state. (Digital camera captures, compressed internet images etc.)

Our in-house art team primary work in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Adobe Illustrator
• Use the create outline command in the type menu to convert all text to paths.
• It is always a good idea to include a copy of all fonts when possible.

Macromedia Freehand 10
• Convert all text to paths. (Under text menu)
• Include a copy of any tiff or eps files imported into your document, (even if you have imbed file turned on).
• Please include a printed proof.

Pagemaker
• Files must be exported to Illustrator EPS.
• Include a copy of all fonts.
• Include copies of all imported/placed images.
• Please include a printed proof.

Word
Graphics created in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Excel are low-resolution images; they look good on a computer screen, but they are not suitable for professional reproduction. While Word documents can be used as an example of what you want we must recreate the design in a more appropriate format for production.

Recreating clipart or retouching images taken from Word, etc. is time consuming and will lead to art charges.

Art in Adobe Photoshop

File Format
• Save files in native Photoshop, Tiff, or eps format.

• Please include a copy of all fonts used in file creation.

File Size
• Save files as close to your original work size as possible.
A 1Mb or 30Mb file is better than a 40K file and so on.
Bigger is better, when creating an image for use as a
screen print. Keep the final size of the print in mind.

If your print is going to be 3'' wide then a 2"-3"tall 100- 300 ppi
image might be okay, but if the final print will be a 12 “ wide full back
then your image and file will need to be larger.
We can always sample your image down, it's much harder to sample up.

For best results we prefer a Resolution of 200 ppi or higher on color
image files, and at least 400 ppi for greyscale.
Resolution for black & white line art (bitmap) should be at least 500ppi.

• If you are working in full color then RGB mode is good, but if your image
is black and white, try saveing in grey scale, your files will be much smaller.

• Black & White line art (no fills or gradients) should be saved as a
grey-scale, or a bitmap image
(under: image-mode).

Print Size
• Adult max print 14"x15" Average size 11"x11"
• Youth " " 10"x11" Average 8.5"x8.5"

• Left/Right Chest 4"x4" Average size 4” wide by?”
• Center Chest 7” wide Average Size
• Hat 2 3/4" tall x 4" wide (this varies depending on hat)