ILLUSTRATOR GUIDELINES

The Graphics Department uses Adobe Illustrator version CS, CS2, and CS3. The following guidelines are designed to help you set up your file so that there will be as few delays and problems as possible in the production of your Lenticular project.

At What Size Should My Image Be Set Up?

Your file may be set up at any size as long as it is to scale 1:1 with the final image size. Please indicate crop marks. To eliminate jagged edges on vector art, the Graphics Department suggests you design your Illustrator files at 300 dpi/ 300 in attributes for full size. Please don't forget 1/8"of bleed on all four sides ( See Design Template).

What Colors Can I Use In My Layout?

Indicate color matches by specifying a PMS color that you would like to have matched.

What Do I Do About Fonts?

To avoid any problems with fonts, include all fonts all the time. PC and MAC fonts are not compatible! Therefore when working in a MAC format, the Graphics Department requests that you convert all fonts into outlines. The Graphics Department may end up having to substitute fonts if the font is not supplied. Supplying PC fonts is strongly recommended. Due to slight variations in fonts (kerning, baseline, etc) substituting fonts may slightly change the layout.

Can I Use Transparencies And Shadow Features In Illustrator?

Illustrator has some features that work unpredictably with the Graphics Department’s large format rip systems. Although some of these features are great for web design, they increase the probability that what is produced is not what the designer intended. Shadows are a problem and the Graphics Department recommends these be achieved through PhotoShop. PhotoShop has some great new features which work wonderfully. Not only do some of these features in Illustrator increase turnaround time, but images are produced with unexpected results. Illustrator also includes new color management features that do not work. Adobe is aware of all the frustrations that are being experienced. The Graphics Department recommends you do not use these features in Illustrator. Sending files created in Illustrator that do not contain either mentioned feature, is acceptable.

What Do I Need To Send If I Have A Placed Image In My Document?

If your Illustrator document has placed images (logos and/or photos) in it, make sure that the original logo file or photo file is included on the disk. The Graphics Department does not recommend using embedded images (an image that has been placed into Illustrator but is not linked to the original file), as we have no way of knowing whether or not the original image is of high enough quality. Please provide a low resolution .pdf for placement.

How Should I Save My File?

Save your document as a regular Illustrator file. There is no need to save it as an EPS. Although saving an Illustrator file as an EPS does not affect the Graphic Department’s ability to use it, it does make the file larger than is needed.

What Else Do I Need To Send?

Please make sure your files contain both the screen and the printer fonts. Along with your artwork files, also send a copy of all files that the Graphics Department will be producing, a printout of the contents of the artwork files, marking the files that will be used, and high resolution photos, if using a low resolution photo that is placed for position only.

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PHOTOSHOP GUIDELINES

The Graphics Department uses PhotoShop CS, CS2, and CS3. The following guidelines are designed to help you set up your file so that there will be as few delays and problems as possible in the production of your Lenticular project.

At What Size Should My Image Be Set Up?

Your file may be set up at any size as long as it is to scale. The Graphics Department recommends that the INPUT resolution of your file is a minimum of 300 ppi (at final size) for Commercial press Lenticular printing.

What Colors Can I Use In My Layout? 

If you are requesting a specific element to be color matched in a bitmap file, please send the layered PhotoShop file along with that element on a separate layer, along with you PMS color code. Additional color matching charges will add to your invoice.

What Do I Do About Fonts?

To avoid any problems with fonts, include all fonts all the time (make sure the screen fonts and the printer fonts are included). If you do not rasterizing your type, please include all fonts used in the case that the text must be matched for color or changed in any way.

What Resolution Should My Images Be Scanned At?

To achieve the best quality for your prints, scanned images should NOT be used.

Should I Send My Files Layered or Flattened?

No flattened file will be used in lenticular printing. Always send layered files for last minute changes and/or corrections. Even minor corrections to a flattened file may incur major composition time charges. Remember, Lenticular printing required you providing layered files

How Should I Save My Files?

PhotoShop files should be saved in PhotoShop, TIFF or EPS file formats. Remember layer your files!!!!

What Else Do I Need To Send?

Along with your artwork file, please send copy of all files that the Graphics Department will be producing. Also include a printout of the contents of the artwork, marking the files that will be used.