All American Specialty - Art Requirements

HOME

Art Requirements by Print Method

Screen Printed items:

All jobs require vector artwork.

Raster artwork is only acceptable for
photographs and similar style artwork.

If raster artwork is the only art available
contact your sales representative for details.

Digital (full color) items

All jobs require vector or raster artwork.

Vector artwork is preferred

If raster artwork is the only art available
600 dpi is required for best results.

File Formats should be saved for PC

ai (Saved for PC) with all fonts converted to curves / paths. ( Vector )
.eps (Saved for PC) with all fonts converted to curves / paths. ( Vector )
.jpg (Saved at 600dpi or Higher) ( Raster )
.bmp (Saved at 600dpi or Higher) ( Raster )
.tiff (Saved at 600dpi or Higher) ( Raster )
.pdf (Saved for PC) with all fonts converted to curves / paths. ( Vector )
.cdr (Saved for PC) with all fonts converted to curves / paths. ( Vector )
.psd (Saved at 600dpi or Higher) ( Raster )

Artwork must be submitted at actual size of finished product

Vector Artwork is required
To avoid additional charges and additional time...

Artwork must be submitted at actual size of finished product.
All fonts must be converted to outlines/paths.
All placed/linked images must be embedded or included separately.
All images must include the required bleed if necessary.
A color copy or jpg indicating cut should be submitted for reference.
All spot colors should be specifically identified. Include white if necessary.
Cut/Die line should always be clearly indicated with an unused spot color.

Raster Artwork
Raster artwork is an image created of many pixels. This results in artwork that is not editable, scalable, or able to be separated for spot color reproduction.
Common Raster file formats include:
.jpg .bmp .psd .tif .pcx

Vector Artwork
Vector artwork is an image created of points and paths. This results in artwork that is editable, scalable, and able to be separated for spot color reproduction.
Common Vector file formats include:
.ai .fh(x) .cdr .indd .qxd
(these formats may also contain raster artwork)

Methods for Submitting Artwork

Preferred: Email or CD-R/RW

Send Art Files to: AllAmericanArt@cxp.com
Large files can be sent via the internet @ http://www.YouSendIt.com

Tips:

1. Include a jpg or PDF for reference
2. Convert all fonts to paths/outlines
3. Include or embed all placed images
4. Submit artwork at actual size
5. Identify all spot colors

6. Allow for bleed if necessary
7. Submit the original file if possible
8. Never flatten/merge the layers of a .psd
9. Indicate the cut/die line clearly
10. Verify art meets all Artwork Guidelines

Cut Margins and Bleeds

Cut Margin: Cut margin is the minimum space required between elements of art and the
finished edge of the product. Size and product are the two main factors that determine cut margin.
Note that bleed borders must meet or exceed our minimum cut margin.

Bleed: Bleed is the distance the ink extends past the finished edge of the product before final cutting. Standard minimum bleed is 1/8" (.125"). Raster files must allow for the required bleed when submitted because they are not editable like vector files.

Alphanumeric Numbering, Variable Data, Barcodes
Available in Black only. May require an Excel Spreadsheet.

Alphanumeric Numbering: Black numbering is available with letters for use as prefixes and suffixes. Example: "A123", "123 RED LOT "

Variable Data: Variable data is available for things such as phone numbers and locations.
Submit an Excel spreadsheet containing the data.

Barcoding: Barcodes are available as constant, variable, or consecutive, in either
Code 128 or Code 39. Barcodes with variable numbers will require an Excel Spreadsheet.

Pro-Cut Guidelines

All Text must be at least .25 inches tall.
The space between characters and elements must be at least .045 inches.
Main strokes, line weights or art elements should be a minimum of .0625 inches.
Pro-cuts should be measured according to the active material area being used.
An additional carrier for the material will be applied automatically for the process.

Picks are the areas of the letters or graphics that must be pulled out after cutting. Additional costs are applied to orders over 14 picks per decal.

Proofs are frequently required for this product.

Contrasting Colors

When selecting colors for use in a layout remember that Visibility is key.
Often color combinations can hinder visibility due to a lack of contrast.
Below are some examples of low contrast color combinations and our
recommendations for better visibility.
Low contrast, low visibility, and decreased legibility...

Black and
22 Ultra Blue