Use this handy guide as a cheat sheet for your next graphics project. We print with state of the art large and grand format digital printers. We regularly maintain, test the output, and calibrate our printers to achieve consistent quality output. To ensure printability and color reproduction accuracy, it is important this information be followed as each print file is being produced.
QuickPrint FastLane
Cut to Shape / Contour Cut
Prepress Technicians
Other Terms & Information
Errors in Files
Artwork Proofing
Turnaround Time
File Types & Specifications
Material Guidelines
Color Matching
Cutting Tolerances
Oversize / Large Format Graphics
Get your file through production faster!
If you are creating a 3’ x 8’ vinyl banner set your art board size to 3ft x 8ft. No bleed is required, we can still print all the way to the edge
What kind of file formats do you prefer?
PDF! Our Prepress Team loves when they receive a PDF file.
However, AI or EPS files are also acceptable. We encourage you to send a PDF for viewing as well as final art if you are sending AI or EPS for production.
Depending on the software, some helpful settings for saving to PDF include:
We prefer a minimum print file resolution of 100 dpi and recommend a maximum resolution of 300 dpi. A printed resolution of 72 dpi can be visually acceptable if the viewing distance of the printed graphic is more than 20 feet.
Average Resolution and Viewing Distance:
(DPI) Raster Images: Minimum recommended resolution of Raster images is 72 dpi at final output size.
File Scaling Files should be set up at actual size and all text in files must be "converted to outlines" or converted to curves (paths) and all linked images should be embedded.
For extremely large files, scale the file to 75%, 50%, 25%, or 10% reduction while maintaining the correct proportions.
If a specific color must be reproduced, a PMS spot color or color swatch* should be provided. Digital printing has a larger color gamut than analog printing, but not all colors can be perfectly reproduced. *matching to a color swatch will incur a $75.00 color matching fee
For Pantone colors, they must be named exactly (e.g., "PANTONE 202 C"). If the file uses CMYK values instead of spot colors, the colors may shift. Slight color variations (±3-5 delta E) are acceptable. Reprints may not match exactly due to printer changes or fading. A printed sample can be ordered at the standard square foot price.
A Delta E of 1 may be perceptible by some with close inspection. A Delta E of 5 may be noticeable at a glance
Input Profiles Files may be supplied in either RGB or CMYK and should have an input ICC profile embedded to ensure accurate color management.
If you submit a file in RGB using Profile sRGB IEC61966-2.1 it will be converted to CMYK, and the colors tend to be brighter and more vibrant. If you submit in CMYK and an ICC input profile is not assigned, Coated GRACol 2006 will be assigned by Gregory, Inc.
Computer monitors are based on the RGB color system and print colors are based on the CMYK color system. Most computer monitors are designed to display highly saturated and contrasted images, making colors appear more vivid than they can be reproduced on most printers
* Custom paneling can be done upon customer request for a specific panel width
There is always a slight variation in print projects when cut to size, with a recommended tolerance of 1/8" per foot. For exact print size, computer cutting is used, and the supplied file should be full size and in proportion. If extra material is needed beyond the graphic, it must be included in the file. Gregory, Inc. is not liable for missing margin material if not included. The square foot cost is based on the total graphic area, including non-printed sections.
If you order a flex face with a visual opening of 10 feet by 10 feet, you want an additional 2 inches of the graphic to bleed all around past the visual opening, AND you want an additional 6 inches all around for attachment to a frame, your file should be set up at 11 feet 4 inches square.
CutContour lines should be set up as a stroke with no fill and be a spot color. A contour cut file must be created in vector based software.
When we receive your file, we will review it and inform you if there are any problems that need to be fixed. You may choose to make the changes and resubmit a new file or you can have our expert Prepress Technicians make the adjustments for a charge based upon the time required to perform the repairs.
Prepress rate: $90.00/hour (15 minute increments)
Transparencies, Gaussian Blurs, and Overprints can cause adverse color effects and may not produce correctly. These should be avoided.
A raster image will not allow our software to match specified PMS spot colors.
*Complexity of contour cuts and finishing requests, may add an extra day.
We send a low-resolution PDF proof via email for design approval, not for color accuracy. You may decline to receive a proof when ordering. Production starts only after proof approval or if proofing is declined. For color accuracy, a 24"x 24" printed sample is available for a fee - contact customer service to arrange.
Printed Sample / Press proof costs:
Gregory, Inc. is not responsible for typos, incorrect information, or colors in a supplied file. In the event there are errors, a new file may be submitted or when possible, adjustments may be made by our expert Prepress Technicians for an additional charge.
For proofing purposes, you must doublecheck graphic details, however, if we have a problem opening or seeing your file we will contact you.
Depending on the issue found, you may choose to correct the problem and resubmit your file or we can correct the file for a fee.
Outlining fonts in your files will ensure that the font’s appearance is preserved when your files are sent to print. The font is converted to an object so that, if corrections are needed for print production purposes, our preflight team will not need to own the font in order to make the needed adjustment.
Here's a hint; after you outline your fonts, they can no longer be edited. It is a good idea to save the print file as a copy with the outlined fonts, and keep your working file with editable text.
Take it from our customers. We offer excellent quality, superior service, and next day shipping... at competitive prices.
Because we’ve been Doing Graphics Graphics Stuff Right Since 1956.
GOT IT Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. By using our website, you agree to the use of cookies. Find out how we use cookies.
