Artwork Guidelines

Vector:

A vector graphic is made up of lines, shapes and curves. Each individual part of a vector is editable and it can be taken apart, recoloured, re shaped and re sized. The editing capabilities are endless with a vector graphic and it will never become distorted or lose definition as the clarity of the resolution will remain the same throughout scaling/re sizing. This file type is essential for good quality reproduction.

Bitmap:

A bitmap graphic is made up of tiny coloured squares which are known as pixels. The resolution of an image is determined by the dpi/ppi (dots per inch or pixels per inch) - the higher the dpi, the clearer the image will appear although the resolution will deteriorate the larger the image is scaled. Bitmaps are not a recommended file format and can only be used for print (mainly digital) if the image is of a very high resolution and does not require colour separation.

CAD:

Common CAD (Computer Aided Design) file formats include .dxf and .dwg which are primarily used within the product, architectural and engineering design fields. These types of files are created using software such as AutoCAD and are made up of 2D or 3D lines to illustrate something of a technical nature. These files can not be used for any print process and are only suitable for some machining and engraving processes.

Vector vs Bitmap:

The enlarged section of each image shows significant magnification of both vector (top) and bitmap (bottom) graphics. As you can see, the vector image at the top has no loss in detail and remains crisp with sharp clean edges, but the bitmap deteriorates considerably in quality and does not retain the detail of the image.

Printing and cutting production processes almost always require the artwork to be manipulable and have clear defined edges (e.g. for screen print colour separation and cutter software) - which is ONLY apparent in vector graphics. A bitmap image can not be edited easily and accurately as the image is flat (made up of only one layer) whereas a vector image is made up of different layers/sections which can be pulled apart and manipulated for the intended purpose.

Adobe Illustrator (.ai or .eps)

These file formats generally contain vector artwork and are our preferred file format. Provided the file has been saved correctly and the artwork is a vector, we can open and edit the file for efficient artworking/manufacture purposes. These file formats are compatible with the programs used in our studio, however please ensure that any graphics or logos are created in vectors and that all text is converted to outlines/curves (unless you are also supplying the font file).

Adobe PDF (.pdf)

Corel Draw (.eps)

Adobe Indesign (.id)

These file formats often have similar properties to vector files but are used primarily for layout design (brochures etc). We can usually open and edit these files within our studio, however please only send this format if you are unable to supply any of our preferred file formats. Please also ensure all graphics and logos are created in vectors and text is converted to outlines/curves (unless you are also supplying the font file).

Quark Express (V6.5 or earlier)

Adobe Photoshop (.psd)

These file formats are not recommended for artwork production and are only suitable for some digital printing. The quality of a bitmap is far less than a vector, as the image is flattened and not easily editable for quality results. A bitmap is also not compatible with most print processes, including screen print, due to colour separation. A high resolution .jpeg image can sometimes be used for digital printing and for laser engraving but better quality results will be achievable using a vector file.

Bitmap (.jpeg, .bmp, .png, .tiff, .giff )

Autocad (.dxf, .dwg)

Autocad files are primarily used for technical drawings. We only accept these files for engineering and some engraving processes, as they are not suitable for print purposes. You may supply CAD files to illustrate a label/product specification but please note that these files will have to be redrawn for print purposes.

A Microsoft office document (Microsoft Word, Excell etc) is an UNACCEPTABLE file for any of our manufacturing purposes, including print, engraving and engineering. A Microsoft office document should only be sent in conjunction with an useable artwork file when the production requires information such as serialisation and will be used as a reference document only.