Format

We can use these files in Mac format:

Illustrator 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 & 10

Freehand 5.0, 5.5 & 7.0, 9.0 & 10.0

Tips:

We prefer eps or straight file. Please include fonts or convert to paths/outlines. Please select your pantone colors for spot printing in your file. Include all placed images. Be sure to have your art at exact size or indicate the size you need to have it. We can output a spot color or 4 color process from these formats.

Photoshop 6.0 & 7.0

Tips: Save as TIFF or as Photoshop Document (PSD in general, preserves layers). Please have art at exact size with a minimum resolution of 120. The recommended resolution is around 300 dpi for color, the best is 600 dpi. For all black and white images or gray scale, the minimum would be 300 dpi, and the best is 600 dpi. We have used Photoshop in spot color prints, but Photoshop is mainly used in 4 color process, duotones, or tritones. * Best on white t-shirts.

We have also recently been able to print 4 simulated process color on darks. This technique uses 4 spot colors substituting for cyan, yellow, magenta, white, and black ink. The results are amazing! If you wish to try this printing process, please give us a call, and we would be happy to go over the specs with you.

PC FILES

In vector applications, such as Illustrator, Freehand, and Corel Draw. Convert to EPS for smooth post script imaging. If you can, please preselect Pantone colors in your file. Include all fonts, we can convert PC fonts. Please send all placed images. Be sure to have your art at exact size or indicate the size you need to have it. We can output a spot color or 4 color process from these formats.

Photo-type images, send in TIFF or PSD formats. Please see the information detailed under
the heading Photoshop 6.0 & 7.0 above.

Tips: Go to FILE and under that Menu Heading try Export, or Save As. You should be able to get the appropriate options for getting the right format.

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Important! We do not support these programs:

Quark Corel Draw * export these files as EPS, and give us all placed images and fonts. We do have a service bureau that supports these applications. Just keep in mind we will have to add film charges.

Not Recommended: but viewable and a good way to get your idea across.

Word, or any text based application.

Of course the exception would be in text you wish us to print, or a list of names. If you have any questions on this, please call.

PowerPoint. This handy program for the office does not translate well for graphics based output to a press. But we can use it to view your idea, and then build the graphics from there.

JPEG, GIF Try to avoid sending us this common Internet format for printing. These files are compressed and lack a high volume of important data for reproducing images in the printing process. OK for small images on a monitor - Terrible for t-shirt printing.

The good news, is that over the years, we have found a middle ground somewhere with using JPG, GIF files, so if in doubt, just go ahead and send it. These formats are very useful for giving us a us a quick idea of what you are planning to do, so as a communication tool, please send your jpeg, and or gif images for a consultation.

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CAMERA READY

Please provide as a sharp black image on clean white paper. Indicate size of final. No pencil shading please!

good copier copy (OK)

300 dpi laser jet printer (OK)

600 dpi laser jet printer (better)

pen and ink (OK)

photo stat (always OK)

*target, register and label separations.

Camera Ready Art with Gradients will need to be shot to film @ $35.00 a piece.

Gradients must be 45 line screen.

PROVIDED FILMS:

Film positive, emulsion side up, 45 line screen. Exact size of final printed image. *target, register and label separations.

TIPS: Important detail shows best in the 15 - 40 percent tint range. The short range is due to the thickness of the ink and the absorbent nature of fabric.