Send your files in their native format from any supported software. You should design at no less than 25% of the final image size, with 100-150 dpi of information at final print size for raster-based images. (View special software requirements at right)

For example: A 24x36 poster could either be designed on a page size of:
(a) 24x36 at 150 dpi,
(b) 12x18 at 300 dpi, or
(c)   8x12 at 450 dpi

A complete Poster Order Form is required with any order. A proof must be supplied as a "go by." (We cannot verify output without a laser proof.)

Color Guidelines
We can print from either CMYK or RGB image files. However, we recommend supplying CMYK files for optimal output.

NOTE: To avoid banding in filled areas of black, define black as follows:
C=10  M=10  Y=10  K=100  (never define text as 4-color black unless > 24 pt.)

Scanning Guidelines
Your scans should contain 100-150 dpi of information at final printed size. Save as .eps or .tif for placement into your software for the most dependable output. As long as your scans do not exceed 100-150 dpi at final size, no meg charges will apply.

Set color for any scanned files in the software they originate in, recoloring scans in your presentation software can cause unexpected results. Stretching/shrinking an image can cause pixel distortion and is not recommended.

Poster Test Strip
We highly recommend you plan the time to proof and approve a color sample before printing your poster. Design a file sized 8"x20" that is representative of your final poster. We will output this test strip at our $15 minimum billing rate. Allow 24-48 hours in-house to print your sample, and the additional time for shipping.

When placing your poster order, type "$15 poster test strip requested first" in the special instructions section of the order form. (Remember to factor the additional turn time to receive/approve the proof when choosing your order due dates. Your final poster will not be printed until you call us to approve your test strip.)

The table above lists suggestions for color mode, printable area, and ppi requirements for poster printing. Before you begin to size your scans, determine the acceptable scan resolution requirement for the device.

Exceeding the suggested PPI could result in a file too large to output or additional megabyte charges. Save time and expense by testing the procedures that you will follow from start to finish.

When preparing your scans, remember that a higher scan resolution does not always result in better print quality. Excessive scan sizes result in huge files that extend print times with little improvement in print quality. 

Vector-based graphics are suitable for type and logos, even when they are scaled to larger sizes. Raster images, however, must have the proper resolution for the final dimensional print size. Because the number of pixels in a raster image is fixed, increasing the size of the image decreases its resolution, and decreasing its size increases its resolution.