ARTWORK GUIDELINES

JPG images are not considered proper art files. These type of images are called RASTER files that are defined by a grid pattern of pixels or dots, similar to if you were to view a newspaper photograph under magnification. Raster images are dependent on the number of original pixels and cannot be enlarged without producing noticeably jagged, stair-stepped edges. They are produced by digital cameras, scanners, and can also be created by programs like Adobe Photoshop and CorelPHOTO-PAINT (among others).

VECTOR files are considered good artwork. Artwork that stores geometric information about shapes and lines is called vector. They can be scaled easily without producing the stair-steip edges you will see on pixel based (raster) images. Vector files adapt to the resolution of any output device and are considered to be resolution independent. They are generally produced by programs like Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia, Freehand and CorelDraw. Postscript format with the .eps extension are preferred. 

Only professional software packages may by used to produce artwork. Although programs like Microsoft Word and Publisher are useful tools, they are not capable of producing art files of a quality necessary for imprinting purposes.

sm@rt Codes

FILE GUIDELINES

• Must be saved in the PostscriptTM Format and contain no Postcript errors, stray points or colors assigned inconsistently to the supplier’s published requirements. Note: Due to the wide range of native software packages, please check with your supplier to determine the best format for delivery of your vector files. 
  
• All type that has been set must be converted to outlines (curves). If future changes to the text will be necessary, the original font file must be supplied with the art file. 
  
• All design elements in the file must meet the minimums for line thickness. Failure to do so may compromise the final imprint quality. 
  
• If the vector file contains any linked (placed) raster images, these images must meet minimum requirements for resolution when rendered at 100% actual imprint size and must be submitted with the original vector file.

• All raster elements and art files must be sized to 100% or larger than the actual imprint size.

• All raster images must meet or exceed the published minimum resolution (pixels-per inch) when rendered at the actual imprint size.

• All raster elements must be submitted in the proper color space (RGB or CMYK) as published.

• Page layout documents must be prepared to render the artwork and all of its elements at 100% of the actual imprint size.

• In addition to submitting the page layout documents, all vector and/or raster files that are referenced by the page layout document must also be included.

• Include any fonts that were used in the production of the page layout document.
  

• PDF files created from vector files must retain the editing capabilities of the program that was used to create them (e.g. Illustrator® or Freehand®)

• PDF files that contain raster elements must meet the minimum requirements for raster art files.

• PDF files containing vector elements must meet the minimum requirements for vector art.

• PDF files created from page layout documents should be submitted together with the source documents, fonts and all supporting files.

• Any fonts used in the production of art files should be converted to curves (outlines) prior to submission. If future typesetting will be required, the original font files must be included with the artwork file
  
  

sm@rt  CODES

sm@rt Codes are located on a supplier’s catalog—right next to an item’s price, photo and features—and immediately convey the supplier’s artwork requirement for that particular product and imprint process. Visit the PPAI Smart Codes website for a detailed explanation of sm@rt Codes. www.smart-artwork.org