FILE PREP
File Prep for Screen Printing
Formats We Accept
– Layered Illustrator
– Layered Photoshop ( 300dpi)
– Layered TIF (300dpi)
All ink colors should be saved to either their own layer or spot color channel within the document.
We can provide separation services needed to generate the color plates but additional charges may be incurred at $50/hour.
Vector Files
Each spot color should be on it’s own layer. Layers ordered from lightest (1st printed) to darkest (last printed).Please call about colors and opacity questions. Ideal rapping should be between 1/50″-1/75″ at final print size. Please be sure to convert all fonts to outlines or curves.
Raster Files
Each color needs to be on a separate layer. this means if you have 3 colors there will only be 3 layers. Each color on it’s own layer with normal opacity mode .You can also use the spot channel feature in photoshop. Please trap from light ink to dark inks 4-6 pixels. Please create your design at 300 dpi or higher, this is very important, anything lower than 300 dpi seriously compromises the resolution (crispness).
Submitting Your Art for Print-Ready Approval
When emailing us a file please be sure you include all of your contact information so we can get back to you quickly if there are any problems.
File Prep for Lenticular Prints
Digital File Preparation for Lenticular printing
Thanks for taking the time to read these guidelines. Our goal is to provide you with the best experience and product. Designing images for lenticular printing may vary from your typical process. Whether you are creating illustrations, animated sequences, or using photography, special preparation may need to be considered.
There are so many variables in art creation that these are only some guidelines for preparing your job for lenticular printing.
Please contact us so we can discuss with you the best ideas for your project.
3-D Depth
File type: Layered Photoshop or TIFF files (with alpha channels)
Resolution: 300 dpi @ actual size is best
Trim: 1/8″ bleed on top and bottom. At least 1/2″ left and right.
Please call for specs on large format infosides
Art Specifications:
Each layer (or TIFF file) should be named with intended depth position of layer (i.e.: Foreground, Mid, Background, etc, or background starting at 1 and moving sequentially higher)
Each layer should be provided, in its entirety, without “holes” left in areas obscured by foreground elements.
Each layer or file should be the exact same resolution, size, and color space.
If additional Photoshop work is needed to be done to create a missing bleed or missing information in the layers it may require billable time above and beyond the original effect preparation charges. Please upload actual art for estimate. Flat layer and Volumetric 3D Depth can also be achieved from single, flat images (hi-res scans, transparencies, etc.), at an additional expense.
Flip (2-3 Images)
File type: Should be set-up as Photoshop or TIFF files
Resolution: 300 dpi @ actual size
Trim: 1/8″ bleed on all 4 sides
Art Specifications:
Each flip image should be an individual file or discrete, opaque layer in a single multilayer Photoshop document. Each flip image file should be the exact same resolution, size, and color space. Try to avoid large area of flat or very light solid colors, as some “ghosting” can be more easily noticed in these areas . Photos and full color graphics work very nicely for this effect.
Additional Photoshop work needed to bring files within above specifications may be
billed above and beyond individual effect preparation charges.
Morph
File type: Should be set-up as Photoshop or TIFF files
Resolution: 300 dpi @ actual size
Trim: 1/8″ bleed on all 4 sides
Art Specifications:
Create two images—the beginning and ending frames of the morph. A clipping path will need to be created for each, outlining the intended “morphing” object in each image. Make sure each image is its own layer within a single, multi-layered Photoshop document. Each image layer, or file, should be the exact same resolution, size, and color space.
Keep in mind that any additional Photoshop work needed to bring files within above
specifications will be billed above and beyond individual effect preparation charges.
Zoom
File type: Should be set-up as Photoshop or TIFF files
Resolution: 300 dpi @ actual size
Trim: 1/8″ bleed on all 4 sides
Art Specifications:
Create two images—image # 1 is zooming away and image # 2 is zooming towards.
Each image layer, or file, should be the exact same resolution, size, and color space.
Animation (or Video Motion)
File type: While all master video formats can be used to create an “Animation” effect, “HD”digital betacam is the best source material to ensure high-quality motion. Due to the vast array of variables involved in preparing digital files for lenticular “video” motion, it is best for consult us to assure the best results. For animation effects a series of images (frames) is interlaced. This is similar to a Flip image but with more images used in the interlacing. A layered Photoshop document with the layers labeled as to order and grouping or layer set created is used.
Art Specifications:
Each flip image should be an individual file or discrete, opaque layer in a single multilayer Photoshop document. Each flip image file should be the exact same resolution, size, and color space.
Additional Photoshop work needed to bring files within above specifications may be billed above and beyond individual effect preparation charges
There are many variables in lenticular printing, so please do not hesitate to contact us. We have worked with all file types.
The above guidelines are ideal but we can workout the details if these formats are not available to you.