How to supply us with your artwork

Our prices are based on you supplying us with print ready artwork and colour proofs where appropriate. The different formats we can accept artwork in are detailed below.

However, if you don't have the facility or time to create your artwork this isn't a problem and we are very happy to help.

In most cases you might be able to supply some logos, copy and images and providing these are of a printable quality this is often a relatively simple task of 'setting' artwork in a presentable way, perhaps on a display stand or roller banner for example.

This is called 'design with a small d' and for a basic artwork charge it's a great way to save time, get access to professional designers and we often find it speeds up the whole production process too. A typical charge for this service starts at just £35.

We also provide a free file checking service, just email your image(s) and we'll advise suitability for large format printing and the maximum size they can be printed at.

If you're starting with a basic idea and require a professional design service, then see how our design & creative services could be exactly what you're looking for.

If you've got artwork ready to go, here's how we prefer to work and remember if you need any help with any aspect of your order just call and we'll be happy to assist you.

Supplying Print Ready Artwork

We can print from most software packages including:

• Quark Xpres
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe In Design
• Adobe Pagemaker
• High Resolution Acrobat PDFs
  

Our system is Macintosh based, however under certain circumstances we can print from PC originated files, call us on 0800 389 9898 for advice.

File sizes can sometimes be confusing when printing images at larger than normal sizes.

Here's a quick guide

Quark document set up is constrained to 1219mm x 1219mm so you may need to set up your files at half, quarter or even ten percent of their intended final print size. This is not a problem - we can enlarge them before we print.

Photoshop and Illustrator links can sometimes become very large and difficult to handle if saved at full size. Once again if you need to supply them at a reduced percentage this is not a problem.

If you're unsure about your image or scan resolution, we believe the best method of checking is to view your scan on screen at the size you intend to print it at. You may see pixelation or a breaking down of the image quality and colours. This generally means your photo scan does not have enough original resolution to accommodate a big enlargement.

This may seem unsophisticated to some, however original scanning facilities differ from place to place so one person's 'dots per inch' is not always the same as another. Once again, if in any doubt call us for some friendly advice.

Scans should be converted to CMYK in Photoshop. This will give you a true reflection of what you can expect the final output to look like. Colour proofs should be supplied where possible, although we can provide proofs for a fee prior to final print if required.

We stock extensive font libraries, however, due to the diversity of type available support fonts should be supplied. (Printer & Screen or Truetype)

We also offer a full service for scanning of original photographs, transparencies and printed graphics for insertion into artwork. Please contact us on Freephone 0800 389 9898 for more information.

File transfer can be via email up to 15MB or by CD, DVD. Alternatively you can upload files direct to our server via our secure FTP site. Please call and we'll organise your username and password.

For some friendly technical advice call our freephone number 0800 389 9898 and ask for Dan, Natalie, Alan or Louise.