For digital printing - .pdf or .jpg; for die cutting - send .ai, or .eps.
For all printing purposes an Illustrator file is preferred and in most all cases a .pdf, .eps or .ai will be the best formats for us to use. These types of illustrator files are considered "vector" files which can typically be enlarged or reduced without any printing issues. Vector files are absolutely mandatory for all die cut printing (labels, decals, vinyl lettering, etc.) Any artwork that will need to be cut-to-shape (die cut) needs to be vector-based with the text outlined to avoid any font issues. If our art department has to generate or create a cut-line for die cut prints there could be fees involved. Other acceptable "vector" based files that can be submitted for any cut-to-shape die cut printing are .cdr (CorelDraw) or .indd (InDesign) files.
Please Note: If sending CorelDraw files please try and "Save As" a EPS or PDF before sending. For InDesign files, please make sure all text is converted to paths by choosing "create outlines" and then "save as" a PDF. This is not mandatory, but it can help reduce any file compatibility issues that may arise.)
For straight forward digital printing like printed banners, printed posters or printed decals (all of which don't require any special cut-lines for die cutting) you can submit high-resolution .tif or .jpg files. All digitally printed product art files submitted at "full-size" should have a proper resolution set at 100 - 150dpi. For all digitally printed products that are built to "half-size" please make sure your resolution is set to 300dpi (this helps ensure that we can enlarge the file to full print size without any pixelation or blurriness to the finished print.) Also, make sure that any layers are flattened to avoid any font issues.
If you don't have any of the above-mentioned type of files, or are unsure of the integrity of your artwork, you can upload your artwork for a free file review or request a quote and attach your art files. Our art department will review your artwork for print compatibility and then a sales representative will contact you shortly with pricing and any artwork issues or concerns if they arise.
