DIGITAL FILE REQUIREMENTS

Programs:
We primarily work with three industry standard programs:
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
QuarkXPress
In addition to these primary applications, we can also accept files from:
Macromedia Freehand, Adobe InDesign, CorelDRAW

File Types:
Certain file types work best for computer cut graphics and large format printing.
When submitting files to BANNERS PLUS please save your files as the following file types:
Adobe Illustrator: EPS or AI files (fonts outlinned).
Adobe Photoshop TIF or PSD (for layers) .STN (Geniune Fractals) EPS files.
QuarkXPress: QXD and EPS file.
Freehand: EPS files.
CorelDRAW: CDR files
We can also print from JPG and BMP files, however these file types may not produce the best results.
We work on both Windows and Macintosh platforms.

Raster vs. Vector Files
Raster files are those files which are resolution dependent. As a raster image's dimensions are enlarged, its resolution and print quality decreases. The most common types of raster files are TIF, PSD, JPG, and BMP and are typically digital photos, scanned images, or files created entirely within raster based programs. If you enlarge these files beyond their original size, they will appear either out of focus, blocky, or "pixilated".
Vector files are resolution independent and are sometimes referred to as scaleable files. These are files created by design programs that rely entirely on mathematical formulas. No matter how large or small you print a vector file it will still maintain its quality. Typical vector file types are EPS, AI, and QXD. Adobe Illustrator and QuarkXPress are vector-based programs. In addition, vector based programs can incorporate raster-based files, which will not enlarge as well as the rest of the Vector file.

Fonts
Fonts are essential to the design of your work. When working in Illustrator, Freehand, or Corel you can convert your fonts to outlines. This is a best way to avoid having to send fonts with your image files but make sure you convert the fonts at the final size required. When using applications such as QuarkXpress or Adobe InDesign, send fonts along with your image files. Using Postscript fonts provides best compatibility with our printing systems. True type fonts are not guaranteed and we can only guarantee 100% compatibility with Macintosh fonts.
To send fonts via email you will need to 'zip' them through a file compression program.

Scanning & Resolution
If you are scanning your own images, please adhere to the following guidelines:
Indoor graphics 200-150 ppi at final desired print size.
Outdoor Graphics 150-100 ppi at final desired print size.
*Please keep in mind that these values represent final resolution at intended print size.
Resolution is relative to the size a file is being printed. Therefore, files should be scanned keeping in mind the final desired print size. For example, let's say you are scanning a 4x6 inch picture and want to print a 24x36 inch poster. From a dimension of 4x6 to a dimension of 24x36 represents an enlargement of 600%. If you want your image to print at 200 ppi you would need to scan in one of two ways depending upon the particular scanner you are using. All scanners will allow you to choose your resolution value, some will also allow you to choose an enlargement percentage as well.
For scanners that only allow you to choose a resolution value, you would need to scan the 4x6 at 1200 ppi. You can arrive at that value by multiplying your desired resolution (200 ppi) by the factor you are enlarging the image by (600% equals a factor of 6). 200 x 6= 1200, you scan at 1200 dpi.
For scanners that allow you to choose a resolution value as well as an enlargement percentage, your task is much easier. Choose the desired scan resolution of 200 dpi. Since you know that your image is going to be enlarged by 600%, this is the value you would enter in the percentage field. Either method your scanner software uses, your file will print at 200 ppi at 24x36 inches.
As a general rule of thumb, raster files should be between 10 and 16.5 megabytes per square foot for indoor graphics and between 4 and 10 megabytes for outdoor graphics.

Aspect Ratio
Files
Make sure that your file is setup in proportion to your final print size.
We prefer that your file be created at 100% of final print size if possible.
Scanned Images or Art
Make sure that your image or art is in proportion to your final print size.
If you choose a size not in proportion, your image or art will be cropped.
Digital Cameras
Typically, files from most point and shoot digital cameras are unsuitable for large format printing. These cameras are not capable of saving an image in a high enough resolution to print large format. Most high end or professional digital cameras will be capable of saving images in resolutions sufficient to print large format.

Clean Scans
Always remember to make sure that your scanner glass is clean and dust free. Clean your scanner glass as recommend by the manufacturer. You can remove dust with a bottle of compressed air. Be careful to handle your prints, negatives and slides with care and to avoid fingerprints. Proper care of your original image and scanner will result in higher quality prints.

Low Resolution Files
If you have a file that is saved in a resolution lower than we have recommended, all is not lost. Some files can be enhanced through one of our specialized software programs; however, this software does have its limitations. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your file with you.

Color Space
Our printers print in 4 color CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). If possible, files should be saved in CMYK format. However, we can work from RGB files as well. Black and White images should be saved in Grayscale.

Color Matching
Color matching is best-achieved using Pantone Coated and Pantone Process colors. No printer can match colors guaranteed to 100% accuracy. We will make our best effort to find the closest match to your particular color, but please remember some colors are impossible to achieve using a CMYK printer. If you have a particular pantone color in mind, please supply us with the pantone number.

File Compression
If you are uploading a large file, we support 3 types of file compression software. For Mac we are compatible with Stuff-It and for PC we are compatible with ZIP and RAR files.

Sending a file
If you would like, you can also send us your files via email: graphics@bannersplus.com or other courier . We can read files from 100MB ZIP (PC and Mac), CD-ROM (PC and Mac), JAZ (PC or Mac) disks