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Large
Format Printing Guidelines
- Creating
Your Digital Files
- Working with Color
- Choosing
the Right Media
Creating Your Digital
Files
Which
platform and program should I create my layout in?
Not
all applications can be used to create your poster or image in the
size that you want. Each has its limitations. The applications that
we currently support, and their page size limits are as follows:
 PC
Platform |
| Application |
Max
Document Size |
Max
Print Size |
|
Adobe Illustrator CS |
227"
x 227" | 40"
x 118" |
|
Adobe PhotoShop CS |
41"
x ? till memory runs out. |
40" x 118" |
|
Adobe Indesign CS |
216 " x 216 "
|
40" x 42"
|
|
Microsoft PowerPoint |
56"
x 56" |
40"
x 50" |
|
Microsoft Word |
56"
x 56" |
40" x 50" |
 Macintosh
Platform |
| Application |
Max
Document Size |
Max
Print Size |
| Adobe
Illustrator CS2 |
227"
x 227" |
40"
x 118" |
| Adobe
PhotoShop CS2 |
41" x utill memory runs out |
40"
x 118" |
|
Adobe Indesign CS2 |
216" x 216" |
40" x 42" |
|
Microsoft PowerPoint |
56"
x 56" |
40"
x 50" |
|
Microsoft Word |
56"
x 56" |
40" x 50" |
*
Note: Power Point is primarily intended for data projection and
presentaion on monitors. Because of this, it accepts many file mormats
in the RGB color space. If your file contains
RGB images the colors may shift slightly when converted to CMYK
for printing.
Can
I print bleeds?
Please
note that even though we have a 42" wide printer, we cannot
do a 42" bleed. That is, we cannot output an image where the
color will go all the way to the edge of the 42" paper. For
bleeds the maximum length of the shortest edge of your document
should not be larger than 40". This will allow for trimming
of the paper to achieve the desired bleed.
What
resolution should my files be?
Your
images and any raster objects, or objects made of pixels, included
with your files should be no less than 200 ppi and no more than
250 ppi at the size you intend them to be printed. If you have images
that have been downloaded from the web they are likely to be at
72 ppi and will require scaling or modification to their resolution.
Please be aware that scaling up of a low resolution image will decrease
the image quality. You should always try to have a high resolution
version of your images available for output.
Working with Color
What
color space should I use?
You
should create your files in the RGB (Red Blue Green) color space. You can include CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow Black) files in your projects but their colors may shift
slightly when output to our printer. Our printer makes the conversion from RGB to CMYK. We have found this to be the most accurate method where color correctness is concerned.
The
RGB
Color Space
The
RGB color space is for color that is produced by the transmission
of light or subtractive means such as monitors and data projection.
For this reason images that are downloaded from the web are usually
in RGB as they were ultimately intended to be viewed on a monitor.
The
CMYK
Color Space
The
CMYK color space is used wherever colors are to be created by
additive means, i.e. Printing. Images and documents produced in
this color space are intended for viewing on paper or other solid,
hard copy media.
What
are the preferred file formats?
PDF
is the most preferred file format for output to our Large Format
inkjet printer. This is so because all fonts and images can be included
within the file in a compressed format. There are no font substitutions
and because the file size is smaller it is easier to send over the
network or save to a disk.
Applications
that can output to the PDF file format are: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and
PageMaker.
You
can also create a PDF by having your application print and save
to a PostScript file instead of to a printer. The PostScript file
can then be converted to a PDF file using Adobe Distiller on the
PC or Macintosh platforms.
Microsoft Powerpoint is used quite often to create posters. It is not a reccomended application for design and layout. If you must use it, however, please provide us with the final Powerpoint file instead of a PDF file. Most often the conversion to PDF creates errors in the file that do not alow it to be printed properly.
Other
file formats that are acceptable are:
- Illustrator
files (with all images embedded and fonts converted to outlines)
- Quark
Express files (including all images and fonts used)
- PhotoShop
(with all fonts used if text is present)
- InDesign
files (with all fonts and images used, "Packaged")
- PageMaker
files (with all fonts and images used)
- Other
image file formats include: TIF, TIFF (uncompressed), JPG, JPEG,
GIF, BMP and TGA
Choosing
the Right Media
What
kinds of media can I print on?
We
currently stock 4 types of media.
- 26#
Coated Paper
available in 42". A bright white, economical paper for
low-cost, indoor, signs and banners that will be replaced frequently
or disposed of after an event.
- 7
mil Glossy Photo Paper
with a glossy finish for bold, rich colors and exceptional photographic
image quality. Available in 42".
- 7
mil Satin Photo Paper
with a satin finish very similar to the glossy photo paper but
with a low glare, warm, rich look and feel. Available in 42". This is our most popular media option.
- 10
mil Polyethylene Banner Media
This is ideal for short term banners with good drape characteristics
and light blocking opacity. It is available in 36".
Other
media types that are available on a special order basis include:
- Heavyweight
Studio Canvas
ideal for imaging the finest quality photo reproductions, fine
art, maps and heavy-duty indoor sinage.
- Adhesive
Vinyl
with pressure sensitive adhesive that sticks where you want it.
- Various
kinds of tear resistant banner media
- Clear,
matte and translucent display films
- Textiles
and fabrics
- Watercolor
paper and metalized silver paper
How
long will my prints last?
We
use dye based inks for maximum image quality. They are not, however,
fade resistant. The amount of fading is a function of environmental
conditions such as amount and length of UV light exposure, humidity,
temperature and air pollutants. The manufacturer tells us that,
generally, if the UV exposure is low and the prints are kept in
a cool, dry place they should last a few years without a lot of
fading. We recomend a UV laminate to reduce the amount of fading
over time. We also recomend lamination or mounting for prints that
may be handled a fair amount to increase their durability. Tell
us how your prints will be used and we can make recomendations based
on that use.
How
much do large format prints cost?
The cost ranges from $1 to $8 per sqare foot depending on the media type you select, the total number of square feet of your output and the percentage of ink coverage if the total square footage is over 25. Please call or email us with your requirements and we will give you an estimate. Our prices are, in almost all cases, lower than those found outside the university.
Do
I have to come to Mellon Institute to drop off my files or pick up my
prints?
No.
Your files can be sent thru the network and your prints can be delivered
to your office or department.
How
can I send my files thru the network?
All users may send their digital files to us by e-mail. If your file is too large, contact us and we will help you find the easiest transfer method.
Is
it ready for printing?
Please
be sure to thoroughly proof your work before sending it to us to
be output to the printer. Use the info on this page as your pre-flight
checklist.
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