How to set up artwork
It is becoming common place for companies to have professionally designed corporate identities & logos. These can be sent directly to us so that we can produce signs without having to re-draw logos or re-create artwork.
Artwork or logos usually can be done in two ways :- 'Vector' based artwork or 'Raster' based artwork.
- Vector artwork will have been created in packages such as Illustrator, Freehand, Corel Draw, etc. It has smooth edges that do not become pixelated when viewed at high zoom levels. Vector artwork usually has file extensions such as .eps .ai .cdr.
- Raster artwork will have been created in Photoshop, Corel Paint, etc. It is created using 'Pixels', when viewed at high zoom levels the artwork will appear 'stepped'. Raster artwork usually has file extensions such as .jpg .tif .bmp .psd .gif
As a general rule when we are creating signs using Vector artwork, the signs can be created using vinyl cut graphics. When we are creating signs using Raster artwork the graphics are printed onto vinyl before laminating to the signs.
One other major difference with the two types of files is that most Vector based files can be enlarged in size without a loss in quality however Raster based files have an optimum size for the resolution they have been created at, enlarging the artwork above this will cause the artwork to look pixelated.
When sending artwork for direct output please supply colour print-outs so that we have a reference for what the final design should look like.