DIGITAL FILE CHECKLIST
Prior to designing your documents, please review this electronic file preparation tips and help page. Be sure to include all fonts and placed images with your job. These guidelines aid in the efficiency of the production process and help to avoid possible quality concerns, delays, additional file prep charges or rush fees.
Dodge Color is a service provider for these applications
and others:
| Adobe InDesign™ | Cumulus™ | Microsoft Excel™ |
| Adobe PhotoShop™ | Freehand™ | Microsoft Word™ |
| Adobe Illustrator™ | QuarkXpress™ | Microsoft PowerPoint™ |
Dodge Color is an Adobe Authorized Service Provider
All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Please use the following checklist when preparing your digital files
We request that any submitted "image-ready" file(s) include a black & white or color laser proof for comparison with our output media. If a current proof isn't provided, we will produce one when we preflight your file(s). We charge $20 for this service.
- Preferred file formats: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe In-Design, QuarkXPress, Macromedia Freehand and PDF.
- A "final version" laser must accompany all jobs that include type elements.
- Proportions of the documents MUST match the desired final size and cropping must be clearly marked.
- Bleed (1/8") should be included.
- Artwork MUST allow for finishing (pole pockets, grommets, frames, edge wraps, etc.).
- Any image/text that should not be stitched through must be far enough away from edges to accommodate stitching of sleeves and hems.
- When panel matching will be required, consider how this will affect the art. Type characters or critical image elements should not cross over panel breaks.
- To avoid confusion send ONLY files needed to produce the job.
- Gradients reproduce best when submitted as a Raster image. Vector gradients may print with apparent banding.
- To ensure accurate color matching, specify Pantone (PMS) colors. When Pantone equivalent colors are not available, proofs are strongly recommended to review color. Do not create blends using Pantone colors.
- Submit files in appropriate file formats.
- Vector Art: Native file format or as an EPS (DO NOT submit Quark EPS files).
- Raster Art: Native file format or as an EPS or Tiff (DO NOT submit JPEGs, GIFs, PICTs, etc.). Include layered PSD or TIFF file(s) if additional editing is needed.
- Supply all support files. Include both printer and screen fonts for all files or convert all text to outlines.
TrueType and MultipleMaster fonts are not recommended and may cause delays.
- PC Users - convert fonts to outline if no additional editing is needed.
- Support files MUST NOT be embedded. All files must be saved in an editable format and linked.
- Raster images must be Photoshop compatible.
- Vector images must be Illustrator or Freehand compatible.
- Illustrator, In-Design or Freehand files using transparencies will be problematic; production delays should be expected. Call for recommendations on how to submit these files.
- All images should be saved at the appropriate resolution. DO NOT resize lower resolution files to a
higher resolution.
- Lightjet photo: 150 dpi at final print size.
- Noritsu photo: 400 dpi at final print size.
- Encad inkjet: no less than 100 – 150 dpi at final print size.
- Zund UVjet: 75 – 150 dpi at final print size.
- Create and view Photoshop files in the appropriate color mode.
- CMYK for 4/c process printing
- RGB for all other output
- Embed ICC color profiles
Please contact your salesperson or CSR with additional questions or concerns.
