FAQs on DESIGN, PRINTING and OUTPUT

What is the difference between Vector and Raster-based artwork?
VECTOR BASED ARTWORK

Art created in illustration programs such as: Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, Corel Draw are vector based.
These programs are designed for creating artwork, logo design, drawings, and illustrations for multiple graphic design uses. Artwork created in these programs can be scaled to any size without loss in quality. However, these programs are not meant for page layout. Using these programs for page layout creates extremely large, complex files.
We prefer that when submitting these file types the fonts be created into outlines. This eliminates any font problems.
NOTE: The text cannot be edited once converted into paths or outlines after being saved. So "Save As" and create a different file to send to us.

RASTER BASED ARTWORK

Art created in programs such as: Adobe PhotoShop, Corel Photo Paint, Microsoft Paint, (different names for raster files are: TIFF EPS, PSD, and JPEG) all create raster based files.
These file types should never be used for setting type, or as page layout as everything in the file will have soft, fuzzy edges when printed.
Scanned art or art created in these programs MUST have a minimum of 300 pixels per inch resolution at the size it is to be printed. These files cannot be enlarged from the size that they are scanned (or created) without a loss in quality.

How should I scan pictures I want to use in my layout?

The quality of the scanned or supplied images and artwork will have a tremendous impact on the appearance of the final project. The better the images, the better the document’s appearance once printed.
Photos or raster images, both color and grayscale, should be scanned or produced at 300 dots per inch (dpi). Black and white line art, such as logos, etc., should be scanned at 1200 dpi.
NOTE: Simply increasing the dpi of a low resolution image will not improve its print quality.

Can I use images off the web in my designs?

YES, AS LONG AS…

You get your images from a stock photo website that offers high-resolution images for print.
These usually still come in RGB color format and need to be converted into CMYK with a photo editing program. Also make sure the image is 300 dpi. (See "Using photos from a digital camera" below for further explanation on how to adjust the file size and color.)

NO, IF YOU…

Simply copy files from doing an image search from a search engine.
Most of the time the images are not acceptable for printing purposes because they are a compressed file format that support only 256 colors or less, and they are generally low resolution (72 pixels per inch).
Gif files are not supported by page layout programs and cannot be separated into 4-color process for printing. The web and the printing process are very different technically and what looks good on the web will NOT when reproduced in the printing process.

What are other unacceptable file formats for printing?

BMP (Windows Bitmap), WMF (Windows Metafile) are not acceptable because they are not supported by page layout programs, and they are compressed files with limited color palettes.
JPEG files that are RGB color, and they are generally low resolution (72 pixels per inch which results in a lack of sharpness and detail in the image). RGB color separations do not represent the full color spectrum that is reproducible with 4-color process, so changes in color will occur.

Can I use photos taken from my digital camera in my design?

Yes, as long as the following steps are taken.

When using a digital camera it is imperative that the pictures be taken at the HIGHEST resolution setting.
This setting will limit the amount of photos taken but will yield the highest quality.
However, some cameras even on the highest resolution setting still save at 72 dpi - they just create huge images sizes.
To correct this, you must adjust the file size to 300 dpi by constraining the proportions under “Image Size” in an image editing program. This will reduce the file size approximately 25%. (i.e. – a 40” picture at 72 dpi, when adjusted, will become 10” at 300 dpi.)
Also, the image from digital cameras will be saved in RGB color. In the same photo editing software the color needs to be converted to CMYK.

Once I am finished with my design, how do I submit my file?

Please see our FILEPREP page for a checklist to insure your files are in proper order before exporting and submitting.

Why should I submit my file in Portable Document Format (PDF)?

This file will come to us as you designed it with all the support and fonts in one single file and will be ready for printing. The file will also be compressed for internet delivery, but will keep the high quality that is needed for the press.
NOTE: We will not be able to make any changes to your file once submitted as a PDF.

You will need the Adobe Acrobat program to generate a PDF or you can learn about online generation here:

What is the difference in “Gang-Run” and “Exclusive” Printing?

A design printed on a gang-run sheet is placed on a large sheet with many other standard-sized jobs. This allows for efficient printing at lower costs and other special features are usually included like UV (high gloss) coating, matte finish, aqueous coating, etc. But your design may slightly vary in color from what you designed because of the variation in ink coverage caused by running many designs on one sheet. There also is a possibility of your job being trimmed just slightly smaller (1/16" or less).
But for churches that want to make maximum impact with full color designs at a reasonable cost, this is the best option.

Exclusive printing means your design is the only one on the press. This is more expensive and you pay extra for features such as UV (high gloss) coating, matte finish, aqueous coating, etc. This is the choice for jobs that need the color to be printed exactly as it was designed or for jobs that have a unique size.

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