Creative

Programs Supported

• Adobe Illustrator CS6, or Creative Cloud
• Adobe Photoshop CS6, or Creative Cloud
• Adobe InDesign CS6 , or Creative Cloud
• Quark Express 9.5

Transfer Media Supported

DVD (Single Layer)
CD ROM

Fonts

Provide both screen and printer fonts for the entire document, alternatively convert all type to paths. It is preferable to leave files editable, unflattened and provide fonts in case errors are discovered so that they can then be easily corrected. Do not use True-Type Fonts, unless converted to paths! True-Type Fonts display different kerning tables when opened on Macs than they do when opened on Windows computers. Since most RIPS are PC based your files may change if you choose a TT font.

Layout

In certain circumstances stitching, hems, grommets, welds, frames or other fabrication considerations may dictate a live area smaller than designers expect. Please consult with your Ink Link Print Specialist to determine if your job may have unusual art requirements. All files need to be proportional to their final size. All Bitmap files imported into layout programs (i.e. Quark, etc.) must be CMYK in either .EPS, or .TIFF formats (un-separated and uncompressed). If Ink Link is to modify any imports (i.e. changing PMS® colors), please supply the original editable document (there will be an added charge for this procedure). Large format graphics should be composed in a page layout or vector based program rather than in Photoshop. Files should be layered, not flattened, and all linked elements included.

 

Bleeds

Small to medium format please provide 1/4" bleed on all 4 sides. Large format 1" bleed. Grand Format such as Building wraps , Billboards Super-wide banners. 4" of bleed is required. Please consult with our art department if you have any questions.

General Information

When setting up files for traditional (CMYK) printing processes, such as screen printing, offset lithography or digital inkjet, please set default working color space to "U.S. Web Coated SWOP" not RGB. The additional available color gamut in RGB won't help you since it can't be printed in CMYK. For projects where Pantone® color matches are needed, please do not build spot colors with CMYK equivalents, use the Pantone® Swatches instead. LPI specifications for screen print should be determined by end use viewing distance and substrate surface. Please ask your Ink Link Print Specialist for recommendations.

• PANTONE® spot colors may not reproduce accurately in CMYK or RGB
• Do not compress .TIFF files using LZW compression!
• Do not save .EPS files as 4 color separations (DCS)!
• Files are printed at 100% scale unless otherwise specified.
• Any variation from the above may cause production delays and/or additional charges.

Questions or for FTP upload access, call 714-256-9700.

Download a PDF Version of our File-Prep Guidelines Here.