Artwork Submission Guidelines
CorelDRAW
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop

Acceptable File Formats
VECTOR - Vector files are scalable and resolution independent. That means they can be re-sized up or down without losing any image quality. The same art will look the same whether it is used on a postage stamp or a billboard. When using a vector program it is also advisable to convert all fonts to outlines to eliminate any missing font problems.
RASTER - Raster or bitmapped files are pixel based formats that are resolution dependent. They are made up of tiny squares of color. A raster image is made up of a finite number of pixels. When you re-size a raster image, pixel size is not changed; pixels are either added or taken away depending whether the image is being reduced or enlarged. So a low-res image can become either jagged or fuzzy. Images "borrowed" from the web are usually lo-res (72 dpi) and unusable.

bullet EPS - Encapsulated Postscript - Saved from a vector-based program such as Adobe Illustrator
bullet PDF - Adobe Acrobat - This works well for both high res and vector files
bullet AI - Adobe Illustrator
bullet CDR - CorelDRAW

bullet PSD - Adobe PhotoShop files with at least 150 dpi (full size) work fine. It is also advisable to leave any layers, channels or paths and not flatten in the event that our designers need to make color corrections or other adjustments.
bullet EPS - Encapsulated Postscript format saved from a raster program such as PhotoShop.
bullet TIF - Tagged Image File - High Resolution
bullet JPEG - High resolution jpegs may be used for smaller signs. The larger they get the worse they will look if the image is smaller in the first place.

Image Resolution:
bullet 600 to 1200 dpi provides the best clarity in finished graphics
bullet We DO NOT recommend using low-res files (logos or graphics) downloaded from the Internet. These files do not reproduce well and will need to be re-drawn unless original files are available.

Unacceptable forms of artwork include:
bullet Raster Files: .gif; .wmf; .bmp; low resolution .jpg, .eps (any of the above saved as an .eps); Any art being used on internet.
bullet Programs: AutoCAD, Quark; Paint; Word, Publisher, and greeting card software.

Color Requirements:
bullet Color graphics must be CMYK (not RGB)
bullet Grayscale or Black & White color modes may be acceptable if the printed product will use black ink only.

Graphic Applications
bullet PREFERED applications that support these requirements are Illustrator and Photoshop.
bullet ACCEPTABLE applications include CorelDRAW, PageMaker, QuarkXPress, and FreeHand.
bullet UNACCEPTABLE applications include Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and any faxed file or film document.
bullet We can re-create your art into a format acceptable for our suppliers at a nominal charge.

Please contact our art department or your customer service representative for further details: art@bcsignage.com