4-color Process Artwork

Guideline for Submitting 4-Color Process Art:

Artwork must be digitally submitted

• Include ALL supporting files and unembedded files from your artwork. Compress them in a single Stuffit™ file with you original.
• Converting fonts to paths or outline will decrease potential issues or errors. Text cannot be edited once rendered in Photoshop.
• DO NOT flatten or merge the layers of a Photoshop file!

CMYK File formatting:

Process images should be created or converted to CMYK

Most photo manipulation programs like Photoshop, or common scanners, default to RGB color when creating artwork or scanning. It is important that you work in CMYK when you create your artwork. Noticeable color changes occur when later changing from RGB to CMYK! Submitting a proof or previously printed sample can assist us in meeting your color expectations.

Resolution:

The file should be not lower than 300 dpi (dots per inch) at full size

• Simply raising the dpi of a lower resolution graphic will not improve the quality; it will make your work look grainy.
• Most internet graphics are not acceptable for process printing as they are natually at a low resolution.
• Text, borders, and graphics requiring trapping (see "General Artwork Info") should be created in a vector format. Illustrator, Freehand or InDesign are common software used to do this.

Spot color usage and four color process:

• Spot colors must be used when reversing white text less than 36 pt. in size out of a 4-color process.
• Large tonal areas such as backgrounds may need to be a spot color.
• Specific color matches must be identified and submitted as a spot color in vector art.
• Place text on a separate layer or in a vector format converted to paths or outlines. Do not knock out behind white or black text!
• Particular logos may not be compatible with 4-color process and screen printing due to transparencies or gradiation. If a specific logo or effect is desired, spot colors may best achieve the expected viewing.

Bleeds and Cutting Requirements:

A Bleed is when a photo or artwork comes in contact with the edge of your final printed product. In this case, your artwork requires at least a 1/8" (minimum) to 3/8" (preferred) bleed, or overhang, included beyond the preferred cropline. We cannot guarantee that your design will reach the edge of your printed product without a bleed. Resizing the image to create the bleed may not always be acceptable, therefore, crop your work to include the proper bleed.

Cutting requirements are that all critical elements that are not designed to bleed are a minimum of 3/16" from the intended cut line or edge of the finished decal. Larger products such as truck door magnets, posters, or signage should not be designed to bleed.

Screening the Four-Color Process Graphic:

The lpi (lines per inch) is based on variables such as size, material, and complexity of the printed piece. Below is a basic guideline for your art. The expected tonal range is 95 lpi to 5 sq. in. using 4-color process. Single tones will require 85 to 20.