Artwork Information
Artwork FAQ
Artwork Information:
Mechanical Artwork
The traditional standard for acceptable mechanical artwork that is "camera-ready black and white" material.
Vector-based Files
Sometimes called a geometric file, most images created with tools such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw are in the form of vector image files. Vector image files are easier to modify than raster image files. (which can, however, sometimes be reconverted to vector files for further refinement) Another way to look at it is that every pixel in the image has an X and a Y axis, this allows easy resizing without loss of quality.
Bitmap Files
Images are exactly what their name says they are: a collection of bits that form an image. The image consists of a matrix of individual dots (or pixels) that all have their own color (described using bits, the smallest possible units of information for a computer). Unless these are in very large sized resolution (600 DPI or better), they are unusable in the printing process.
Page Layout Documents
The font files and document preferences that need to be supplied for use on the supplier's end in case they do not have a rare or special font that you would like to use.
Metafile
A collection of structures that store a picture in a device-independent format. Device independence is the one feature that sets metafiles apart from bitmaps. Unlike a bitmap, a metafile guarantees device independence. There is a drawback to metafiles, because they are generally drawn more slowly than bitmaps. Therefore, if an application requires fast drawing and device independence is not an issue, it should use bitmaps instead of metafiles.
.PDF Files
Adobe® Portable Document Format preserve the visually rich content of original files, and are easier to read than HTML content that appears in a Web browser. Adobe PDF files print cleanly and quickly, and anyone can share Adobe PDF files, regardless of their platform or software application. This is good to show the end result you would like, but usually not good for sending artwork that needs to be printed.
.EPS Files (Accepted Format)
Encapsulated Postscript file: An alternative picture file format that allows PostScript data to be stored and edited and is easy to transfer between Macintosh, Windows machines, and other systems.
.AI Files (Accepted Format)
Adobe Illustrator File, the very best in quality to recreate your artwork in the printing process.
.TIFF Files (Accepted Format)
Tagged Image File Format file: A file format for exchanging bitmapped images between different applications. This format will not work to use in the printing process.
.JPG Files (Accepted Format)
Commonly used on the web due to it's excellent ability to compress the graphic to save webpage load time. This format will not work to use in the printing process.
.GIF Files (Accepted Format)
Commonly used on the web due to it's ability to reduce the number of colors an image uses to be viewed to save webpage load time. This format will not work to use in the printing process.
.BMP Files (Accepted Format)
A low resolution Image format. This format will not work to use in the printing process.
Web Pages (Accepted Format)
As a general rule, if it can be viewed on the web it will most likely be too low of quality for printing. Web graphics are made to load quickly, thereby cutting the quality of the image. The eye may not notice on the web, but it will show up in printing.
.DOC Files (Accepted Format)
This format will not work to use in the printing process.
Artwork FAQ:
What if I don't have artwork?
Our art team can help you design a logo to best suit your needs. Please contact us for more details. Blank merchandise is also available.
What if I want a specific color match imprinted?
Many of our items allow us to closely match PMS colors. There is typically a charge to do this. On some items, PMS matching is not available. Please contact us for more detail.
What graphic file type should I send you?
We require Camera Ready Art to print on items. We need Vector-based .EPS files created in Adobe Illustrator. If you do not have this file format, we can re-create it for you for $30.00.
Where do I send my art?
During the order process, you have an option to upload your art. If you prefer, you can email your art to art@gottapemeasures.com. Please include your company name in the subject line.
Will I see my art before my product is imprinted?
Yes! We want your logo to look exactly as you want it to on each product. Therefore, a proof will be sent, via email, for each product ordered. This proof, and any revision, is free of charge.
Why does my artwork have to be in a Vector-based .EPS format?
This is the only file type that our factories can work with. JPG and similar file types look good to the naked eye. Upon closer inspection, however, the images in these file types are not clean.
