We support all of the most recent version of all major graphics software packages for both Macintosh and Windows operating systems. However, not every application is suited for every type of output. If your needs exceed the capability of your program, you could incur additional charges to make your file print-ready. Please consult our list of supported applications and their recommended use.

Supported Software Applications

QuarkXPress - Recommended for most every type of output, including signs, banners, booklets, etc.

Adobe InDesign - Recommended for single and multi-page layouts. For large format posters or banners, you must export your InDesign file as an EPS.

Adobe Illustrator - Recommended for logos, illustration, and single page design and layout. Not recommended for multi-page layout.

Macromedia Freehand - Recommended for logos and illustration. Not recommended for page layouts that includes photographic images.

Adobe Photoshop - Recommended for all raster graphics (photographic images). Not recommended for most typesetting or page layout.

Adobe Acrobat - We accept PDFs from any application provided that you do not compress the images in your layout.

Adobe PageMaker - Recommended for multi-page newsletters, booklets or other documents. Not recommended for poster, banner or other large format design and layout.

Corel Draw - Recommended for simple one-page logo or type design. Not recommended for complex design or placement of photographic images.

Microsoft Excel - Recommended only for laser/copier output. If large format posters are needed, you must save as a PDF.

Microsoft Publisher - Recommended only for laser/copier output. Large format posters or banners will require additional charges.

Microsoft Word - Recommended only for laser/copier output. Large format posters or banners will require additional charges.

Microsoft PowerPoint - Recommended only for laser/copier output. Large format posters or banners will require additional charges.

Resolution Requirements

We require a minimum resolution for each of our services for quality output. The more we need to enlarge your image for final output, the more resolution is needed in your original file. These requirements apply to the ORIGINAL file only. You cannot add resolution to an existing image to improve quality because the software interpolation is not accurate, and the image will be blurry. For text and line art, vector art is always preferable. See our News and Information Section for an explanation of the difference between raster and vector graphics.

For raster graphics, please use the following resolution guidelines:

• 300 dpi color inkjet 100 ppi AT FINAL SIZE
• 600 dpi color inkjet 200 ppi AT FINAL SIZE
• Banners (viewed within 10') 100 ppi AT FINAL SIZE
• Stealth photographs prints 200 ppi AT FINAL SIZE
• Lenticular 3D images 200 ppi AT FINAL SIZE
• Xerox color prints 600 ppi AT FINAL SIZE

Example: If you set up a document at 12" x 18" and you want to print a 24" x 36" poster, you will be enlarging the file by 200%. If you have a tiff image placed in your original document at 125%, then that tiff must have enough resolution to withstand enlargement of 125% in the document, then another 200% when printed to achieve the FINAL SIZE. So how much resolution do you need in the original image for a 300 dpi color inkjet poster? The answer is 1.25 x 2.00 x 100 dpi = 250 ppi.

Color Matching

For precision color matching, please choose Pantone Matching System Colors (PMS) in files or provide a sample for us to match. All RGB colors will be changed to CMYK format (unless otherwise requested) and all CMYK colors will be printed as-is. All photographic projects must be RGB. See our News and Information Section for an explanation of viewing proofs.

Supported Media Storage

• 1.44 MB floppy disk
• CD
• DVD
• 100 MB zip disk
• 250 MB zip disk
• USB Micro Drive

Lenticular 3D Graphics

• Images must have the same dimensions and resolution.
• Resolution of images must be 220 ppi at final image size.
• Images must be saved in JPEG or TIFF format.
• Images must be CMYK.
• Small type does not work nearly as good as good as large type.
• Use graphics that are not in stark contrast to one another (ie.solid red to solid white lettering)
• Standard sheet sizes of lenticular lens material are 22" x 28", 36" x 48", and 48" x 96".
• Custom cut sizes may be done, but there is a minimum order requirement.
• Lenticular images are not recommended for outdoor use because the lens will yellow in UV light.