I Have Artwork, What Do I Do?

1. Digital Artwork & Compatible Formats

Acceptable program files:
CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Streamline, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Pagemaker, Quark Xpress, Sign Lab, Inspire or FlexiSign.

Acceptable file extensions:
.art, .ai, .bmp, .cdl, .cdr, .eps, .fs, .gif, .jpg, .pcx, .pdf, .pict, .qxd, .sci, .tif, or .wmf

This is why:

While programs like Microsoft Publisher, Powerpoint or Word are widely used programs for general business use, they are virtually unusable in creating custom signs. Therefore, art files submitted in these programs will be used as references only. It is still necessary for our art production team to re-create your files. Acceptance of any of these files on our part usually means added artwork charges.

2. Converting Your Fonts To Curves or Outlines

ALWAYS convert all fonts to curves or outlines. Please send us your fonts on diskette with your graphic files. This quick step on your side prevents setup charges and ensures you get what you expect. If you have any questions regarding font conversion please contact our art production team.

3. Preparing Bitmaps

While we always prefer vector art over bimaps, we are skilled at taking a poor quality bitmap and creating a high quality sign. If possible, please send your bitmap in .tif format in as high a resolution as possible. Generally speaking 300 dpi resolution works well.

Bitmap images (.bmp, .gif, .jpg, .pcx, .pict, .tif, etc…) are created from a series of squares called pixels. Each pixel has a defined size, shape, and color within the image. When you zoom in on a bitmap you see the individual pixels. This is very important to consider when creating a sign. While your image may look good on the computer screen, when printed full size on a sign or banner image quality may be greatly reduced. Common software packages that create or edit bitmaps include Adobe Photoshop, Micrographx Picture Publisher, and Corel Photopaint.

Vector images (also known as object-oriented images) consist of a series of mathematically generated lines, curves, and shapes. While in a bitmap image the colors and shapes flow continuously from one to the next, vector images contain sharp transitions between elements and colors. Pixels cannot be seen because the software creates each line or shape as a mathematical object. Each object within a vector image is fully editable, independent of its other elements. Common software packages that create or edit vectors include Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Flexisign Pro.

4. Compatible Media

3.5" diskette (PC or Mac), 100/250 MB Zip disc (PC or Mac), 1GB Jaz disk (PC or MAC) or CD Rom (PC or MAC). Artwork may also be submitted via e-mail (customerservice@accuform.com). If possible please limit e-mail attachments to 1MG or less. PC is the preferred platform of Accuform Signs.

5. Camera Ready Artwork

Camera-ready artwork should be as large as possible on an 8 ½" x 11" sheet. Please avoid sending photocopies or laser prints. Business cards and letterhead are not considered camera-ready.

6. Other Tips

If you are supplying electronic files please print the disk directory.

If your logo requires a specific color please include the PMS Color Number. If you do not have this number please include a color sample.

7. Where to UPS or Mail your Art

UPS, FEDEX, Airborne, EMORY, USMAIL, ETC.

Accuform Signs
Attention: (YOUR ACCUFORM ACCOUNT MANAGER)
16228 Flight Path Drive
Brooksville, FL 34604

Include P.O. number if applicable.