File Transfer Options

Email = Easiest – We have some really large limits set up for our email so if your outbound settings can handle it just email us the file and we will reply to confirm it made it through. This has the added benefit of being able to document the typical needed info right there in the same email:

• Size
• Quantity
• Material (Feel free to reference a prior order)
• Timeline

We Transfer = 2GB file limit – Click the following link to easily send us your large files:

We Transfer

File Prep Guidelines

It is as simple as providing a file in a useable format that is full size (100%) at 150DPI (Dots Per Inch) and we can go from there. As simple as it is, there are still a few things that are hard for us to work around:

Aspect Ratio – The height and width have to grow in proportion. Creating a 24×36 poster from a 12×12 image will require cropping on the sides. We can help, but we don’t know what part of the image you are willing to lose, so it is best if you do your own cropping.

Resolution – This is probably the most common file issue we encounter that delays projects. View at 100% and pan around on the monitor, it is better to find something unacceptable before it is printed.

Brightness – When your project is printed it will not be as bright as it is on your monitor with light projecting through it.

Linked Files & Fonts – It is common with applications like Adobe Illustrator for files and fonts to be externally linked, but those links are lost when the file is transferred. Please create outlines and place images into the file.

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HERE ARE MORE IN-DEPTH FILE PREPARATION TIPS: 

• “GOLDEN RULE ON OUTPUT SIZE: “SAVE YOUR POSTER FILES AT 100% OF FINAL OUTPUT SIZE AT 150DPI”
• If you are only able to save it at 50% of the final size you want, save it at 300 Dots per inch.
• If you are only able to save it at 25% of the final size you want, save it at 600 Dots per inch.

RASTER vs VECTOR:

The above rule will help with “commonly used” software using Raster or “Dots per inch”  data.  And, generally works well with professional products as well. If you are using specialized professional software to create Vector Art, some of these rules can change.  Contact us if you have questions.

PROPORTIONALITY OR ASPECT RATIOS:

A square is a square and a rectangle is a rectangle.  We can’t turn one into the other without cropping out a portion. And, we can’t change the proportionality of a rectangle without cropping out a portion. For example, these common rectangular sizes follow the same Proportionality: (We can do uncommon sizes too)

12”x18” – 18”x24”-  24”x36” – 36”x48” – 48”X72”

11”x17” – 17”x22” – 22”x34” – 34”x44” – 44”x68”

10”x14” – 14”x20” – 20”x28” – 28”x40” – 40”x56”

Squares are easy.  However, with Triangles, Pentagons and Octagons; contact us, or your High School Geometry Teacher.

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PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE USERS:

The following file types provide the best quality output:

• Photoshop Flattened TIFFs or JPEGs
• Illustrator EPS or AI Files with text converted to outlines
• Adobe PDFs

Vector art is always better when increasing sizes. If you are working from another software, please save, convert or export to any of the above files types. Contact us if you have any questions.

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COMMONLY USED SOFTWARE TIPS FOR THE NON-PROFESSIONAL TO CREATE A POSTER:

POWERPOINT (Our Preference):

• Before creating your poster, go to “DESIGN” and then “PAGE SETUP.”
• Select the final size and orientation you wish the poster to be.  For Ex: 24”x36”, Landscape.
• Max size is 56”x56”.  For larger posters, pick a proportional size at least 75% of what you want.
• Create your files as you normally would.

When you are done:

• SAVE AS:  Your file name
• SAVE AS TYPE:  Select PPT, PDF, JPEG or TIFF file type.
• Send us your files and we will work our magic.

WORD:

• Before Creating your poster, go to PAGE LAYOUT.
• Select ORIENTATION and choose Portrait or Landscape.
• Select Size.  Select “More paper sizes”
• Pick “Custom size”.
• Then you can select anything up to 22”x22”.  For Ex: 17”x22”
• You are limited to a size of 22”x22” in Word.
• For larger posters, pick a proportional size at least 75% of what you want.
• We MAY be able to increase the size proportionately if you want a larger size than Word allows.
• However, depending on the fonts and other factors, we may not.

When you are done:

• SAVE AS:  Your file name.
• SAVE AS TYPE:  Select PDF
• Send us your files and we will work our magic.

PUBLISHER:

• Before creating your poster, go to Publication Type.
• Pick Signs, then Blank Sizes.
• Pick the proper size and orientation of your Poster.
• Create your poster.

When you are done:

• SAVE AS:  Your file name
• SAVE AS TYPE: Select PDF
• Select Change
• Select Commercial Press and click OK.
• Send us your files and we will work our magic.

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FILE PREP EVEN MORE IN-DEPTH VERY LONG-WINDED BORING DOCUMENT:

If you would like read even more about file prep, CLICK HERE.