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How to... Articles: |
How to Supply Images for PrintingCovered on this page:
Follow these guidelines and you'll obtain the best quality print job. This page will help you prepare the images you send us for printing. Printed images are referred to in dpi (dots per inch) and on-screen images in ppi (pixels per inch). Because the pixels per inch of an image transfers directly to dots per inch on a printer, the terms dpi and ppi are used interchangeably here. Monitor vs. Printer ResolutionOn a printer, the more dots per inch, the higher the resolution. And the higher the resolution, the better an image looks. A 300dpi image will look better than 72dpi image. (See the "Raster vs. Vector" section below for examples) But on a monitor, a 72ppi image looks the same as a 300ppi image (although the 300ppi image contains over 4 times as much information). This is because monitor resolution is usually 72 ppi (pixels per inch). Graphics created for the screen at 72dpi (e.g. for presentations or for web sites) look OK on a monitor, but are not of high enough resolution to print from at 100%. So... how can you make sure that the images you send us are at the correct resolution?The difference between Raster and Vector images and why it mattersResolution issues don't apply to vector images, as they are made up of lines and shapes which are described mathematically. So vector images can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Vector illustration software (such as Freehand, Illustrator, CorelDraw, etc) allow you to export an EPS file (File menu > Export or Save As). EPS (a file format for vector images) is the preferrred file format for logos. An EPS file is also the only way to accurately capture a Pantone colour.
Is there any text in your vector illustration?If so, you must EITHER supply the fonts used with the EPS file, OR convert the text to outlines in a COPY of your file before you export it. (The disadvantage in coverting text to outlines, is that we will be unable to make last minute changes to text in your file. You will have to make the changes yourself, then re-send the file.) How to change text to outlines in your vector file...Check your application's Help files for specific instructions. Usually, you would select all objects in your illustration (Edit> Select All), then look for a command under the Type or Text menu that says something like "Create Outlines" or "Convert to Curves". Raster images are made up of dots (on paper) or pixels (on the monitor). If they are enlarged above 100%, you see jagged edges on text, or the blocky edges of individual pixels, and details are blurred. This is avoidable if images are provided at the correct resolution (see below). The best format for a raster image is TIFF. Caution: EPS files can contain vector and raster information. So, if you have an EPS file, do not assume that it can be enlarged to any size unless you know its contents. Print Resolution...... for Black-and-White Images
These images can be printed in any (single) colour (just send black and white pictures). If your images (such as c and d, above) were created using vector drawing software, save as an EPS file. Remember to convert any text or send fonts with your files if necessary. If you are scanning black & white
images like those above, use these scanner settings: ... for Greyscale or Colour Images
If you are scanning colour or greyscale
(tonal) images, use these scanner settings:
Digital CamerasTake your pictures at the highest quality setting possible (the setting which allows you to store the fewest pictures on your camera's memory card.) Copyright IssuesYou must NOT scan from books, stamps, banknotes, maps or any other printed material unless:
Download the Admiral's Artwork Guide (pdf). |
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Remember
to allow for cropping!