The ink systems used by ink jet printers along with the different substrates produce different results from the same design files. B3DigiGrafx prints individual color charts encoded with a reference number for each of its printer ink systems, on every material substrate offered. The color matching charts represent the result achieved for the full range of colors in the Pantone Color matching system.

Now take the case of Ralph Kramden. After sending his designer “Alice” to the moon (To the Moon Alice), Ralph was introduced to color printing. Fortunately Alice brought her Pantone CMYK color book with her to the moon.  Alice while there designed a new logo for Ralph’s lodge and wants the color she sees on her proof printer to be matched by B3DigiGrafx back on earth.  Alice takes the Pantone book and finds that the red 185 matches her example.

Ralph takes her design to the B3DigiGrafx for printing and specifies that the logo be PMS 185.  The B3 color chart for the material and print system to be used is compared to another identical Pantone reference book.  Our print operator selects the best match between the Pantone book and the printed sample on our color chart.  That code is used to produce as close a match to Alice’s 185 red as can be produced on the printer and material used.

The common reference Alice has on the moon, with B3Difgigrafx on earth enables them to communicate enough information to achieve the color desired.  Alice will never see the printed result but she can be confident that the result will closely match her intent whatever material or printer combination B3DigiGrafx has used.

For more in depth exploration follow this link to the Pantone Color Matching System (PMS).

If you’re designing banners, or more complex projects you can take advantage of this free software from Opensorce.org

B3 just added some new personal and needed to have access to design files.  There were also some simple design projects where we needed a vector graphics editor.  The standard graphics editor in our industry is Adobe Illustrator, a powerful full featured product.  The problem we encounter is many users need some of the basic features of AI but do not justify the expense of additional licenses.  The solution can be an Open Source program called InkScape .

InkScape is an Open Source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Xara X, using the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format.

Many will find the program familiar and easy to use.

There are extensive help and tutorial resources available, also free of charge.

Screencasters.Heathenx can get you started quickly with video tutorials along with links to other resources on the web.

Inkscape is not a complete substitute for having the latest applications in a prepress operation.  What it can do is save you a lot of money in tough times while extending capabilities to many more on your staff. The program works on Microsoft XP, Mac OS and Linux.  I have only used the program running on Win-XP where it works just fine.

The only problem I have encountered in viewing some EPS files, where the accompanying AI file worked just file. InkScape can import AI, SVG, and PDF files. There are extensions available for a number of other formats including EPS.

The principal advantages are two; first the files may be viewed by everyone using a freely distributed viewer, and the file is platform independent. Most graphic applications for Mac or Windows can readily output PDF files, and Large Format Print processors can directly accept the format.

The ability to view the files by all in the process loop is a great time saver, issues that may affect you project can be identified early in the process. By the time a busy pre-press operation gets to view the files many simple issues will have already been resolved.

In cases where you are expecting your printer’s pre-press department to make modifications to your files you may need additional source files for print. You are always better if you include the PDF format with your files.

The future of the EPS file format

EPS is rapidly becoming an outdated file format which is being replaced by PDF just like PostScript itself is also being phased out and replaced by PDF. Don’t just take my word on this. Here is what Dov Isaacs from Adobe said in a discussion on a PrintPlanet forum about the future of PostScript:  Adobe will continue to support EPS as a legacy graphics format for import of non-color managed, opaque graphical data into Adobe applications (such as InDesign and Illustrator). Although we certain do not recommend that new graphical content be stored in EPS format (except to satisfy the need to import data into page layout programs that aren’t quite PDF-centric  no need to mention names here!), our user base should feel comfortable that there is no need to worry about a need to convert their very sizable libraries of EPS-based graphic assets.

Read the whole story here

DIGITAL ART FILE PREPARATION GUIDELINES

DESIGN IT… ____________________________________

Color Mode: Submit your art in CMYK. Pantone Solid Coated specifications welcomed.

Bleed: Submit your art with 1/4 inch bleed all around if full bleed is required. (i.e. finish size is 24″x 24″ file should be 24.5″x 24.5″)

Routing & Contour Cut: If job requires contour cut or routing, file must be submitted with dieline (cutline). Cutline must be vector in separate layer.

If your Layout…

…has been completely drawn in a vector application:

(Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, Corel Draw etc.) and uses no bitmapped image(s).

Convert all text into outlines.

• Export or save your art as .ai or .eps.
• See Print Information below.

…is a Raster image:

(Adobe Photoshop, or any other application that creates an image composed of pixels.)

• Save and submit your images as a .tif or .psd.

30 ppi (large prints, viewed from far) to 150 ppi (POP signs, viewed up close).

Call us for recommended ppi for your job.

…uses both Vector and Raster images:

(Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, Corel Draw etc.) and uses bitmapped images.

Option A

• Convert all text into outlines.
• Place the raster image(s) into the vector application as a Linked file.
• Save art as an .ai file.
• Include the linked raster image(s) in separate folder then submit it with .ai file.

Option B

• Convert all text into outlines.
• Place and embed the raster image(s) into the vector application.
• Save and submit art as an .eps.

…is created using Quark Xpress or InDesign:

Quark Xpress

• Export as .eps or .pdf (pdf preferred)
• Include fonts that were used in separate folder then submit it with .eps or .pdf

InDesign

• Convert all text into outlines.
• Export and submit as .eps or .pdf (pdf preferred)

SUBMIT IT… ____________________________________________

Media

There are many ways to submit your artwork to B3DigiGrafx.

• Email No bigger then 1mb TOTAL
• FTP No bigger then 200mb TOTAL
• ZIP Disc Support up to 150mb
• Flash Drive No limit
• CD/DVD No limit

Print Information

If submitting multiple files, please include either email, spreadsheet, or text file with the detail information containing:

• Name of the files to be used.
• Final print dimensions and quantity per file.
• Any other information to necessary to ensure proper printing production.

Sending Proofs

Whenever possible please provide a proof that accurately represents the layout in .jpg or hard copy in color. Please note that colors in .jpg or hard copy that were printed with desktop printer or laser printer are for viewing purpose only. If color is critical and need to see output of your job please talk to your Account Executive to get proof printed and sent out.

IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER

We are unable to detect any/all corrupted or flawed files until the time of printing which can be the day before or the day of completion. Due to this fact, we ask that you prepare your files according to these specifications and examine files prior to submitting them to avoid any delays. If you feel you need additional information or want to verify proper setup, please call your Account Executive at (951) 351-0761. Please keep in mind that most jobs are done within 3 to 4 days (weekends not included). Some projects may require more time. When scheduling your jobs please allow enough time for production and unforeseen problems that may arise. Lead times do not begin until

B3DigiGrafx receives a signed invoice and an approved digital file(s).

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR Account Executive