Artwork Information
For effective branding it is important to have a consistent, clear and concise logo that is replicated time and time again. In order to achieve this outcome, we recommend that the highest grade available artwork is supplied to JP’s.
Our Preferred File Formats
- Corel Draw v14 or lower (CDR files) or; EPS or PDF files
Suitable formats subject to resolution
- TIF, GIF, JPEG, BMP and PSD files
Resolution requirements
- BMP: 1200dpi (optimal)
- TIF, GIF, JPEG, PSD files: 300dpi
If a new logo, design, modification to the existing artwork, or a re-draw is required, our in-house graphic designers can accommodate your requests at a small surcharge.
Vector and Bitmap Graphics
Vector graphics – are made of individual objects with each object having its own unique properties ie. colour, fill, outline, shading etc. Vector graphics are resolution independent which allows the graphic artist to resize the image without the graphic getting pixilated edges as is the case with bitmap images. Therefore, the same design can be used in multiple applications where the design requires to be resized without the loss of resolution.
Common vector formats include
- AI – Adobe Illustrator
- CDR – CorelDRAW
- CGM – Computer Graphics Metafile
- SWF – Shockwave Flash and
- DXF – AutoCAD and other CAD software
Bitmap graphics – are literally maps of bits. They are commonly used as an on-screen display image with a pixel being the smallest possible size of the graphic. When a bitmap displays a coloured image, such as a rainbow in the sky, there are several shades of gradation in colour and lighting. In this case, each pixel may have 16, 24, or 48 bits of associated information with it. The greater the bit rate, the greater the resolution and the larger the file. Unfortunately, bitmaps don’t rescale well. So when used in a graphic design program and the artist tries to increase the image size, the bitmap becomes blocked and blurred and if reduced, it loses clarity.
Common bitmap formats include
- BMP
- GIF
- JPEG, JPG
- PNG
- PICT (Macintosh)
- PCX
- TIFF
- PSD (Adobe Photoshop)
Pantone Colours
Pantone Colours -The Pantone Colour System (PMS) is used Worldwide to effectively communicate colours between clients, retailers, designers and manufacturers. It is used to match thread colours for embroidery and inks for screen printing. If you know your logo’s PMS colours – Fantastic! If not, please refer to the colour chart link below.
Note: This chart is a reference guide only. Pantone colours on computer screens may vary based on the graphics card and monitor used in your system. For true accuracy use the Pantone Color Publication.
FAQs
What is CMYK?
CMYK is a print process that uses four colours - cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K) to produce all other colour ranges. It's used for most full-colour commercial printing.
What is RGB?
RGB is an additive colour model in which three primary colours of light (red, green and blue) are combined in varying intensities to produce all other colours. Monitors, scanners and the human eye use RGB to produce or detect colour.
What is Spot Colour?
This is a colour that is reproduced using a single ink. Spot colour swatch books and links are provided by companies such as Pantone.
What is DPI?
DPI stands for dots per inch and is a measure of the resolution of a display or output device.
What is Resolution?
Resolution is a measure of the size of pixels or dots that compose a bitmap.
What is LPI?
Lines per inch; a measure of the screen frequency of a halftone.
What is PostScript?
This is a programming language used to describe text, shapes and bitmaps of each page of a publication. Postscript can be used to transfer a print job from a desktop computer to a printing device such as an image setter.
What is PPI?
Pixels per inch; a measure of the scanning resolution and the resolution of a bitmap.
What is EPS?
Encapsulated Post Script. This is a file format that supports both PC and MAC images. EPS files are platform independent. EPS format is used to transfer Postscript language artwork between different programs.
Why do I have to supply PMS colours with my artwork?
PMS is a colour that is specified in the Pantone Matching System. This system provides a standard for describing printed colours using specific inks, and therefore results in the best colour replication for your artwork.
Is the process separation the same as colour separation?
Yes. This is a process of separating a colour image into primary colour components for printing - generally CMYK. The term is also used to refer to the four pieces of film that result from the process of separating a colour image.
Why can't I use you JPEG/GIF product images to print my catalogue?
The JPEG/GIF images available on our image CD are set at a resolution of 72dpi, ideal to view electronically. Hard-copy printing such as catalogues requires a minimum resolution of 300dpi to ensure quality is maintained through the print process.
What is a PDF document?
A PDF (Portable Document Format) is used by Adobe Acrobat. Adobe's electronic publishing software for Windows, Mac OS, UNIX and DOS. You can view and print PDF files using the Acrobat Reader software. PDF files can represent both vector and bitmap graphics.
What if I don't have an electric copy of my artwork?
The best way to get a hard copy of your artwork is to use a scanner - a device used to create a bitmapped image of art. Scanners are also good for art that cannot be created on the computer, such as photographic prints, transparencies or slides. When scanning, scan at a high resolution to achieve the highest grade, this allows quality reproduction of your artwork.
Indent Orders
Indent orders are orders that are created offshore (generally China for our industry) and are fantastic for clients that have longer lead times that wish to save money on production costs. Lead times vary from 6-8 weeks for goods delivered via Air freight and 10-12 weeks for goods delivered via sea freight.