The following are the types of file that we prefer to work with.  If you have something else, please call first to see if we can accept it.

• AI           
  Adobe Illustrator files (versions 10 and under, PC or Mac)
• BMP      
  Bitmap format - Compress using RLE when possible.
• CDR
  CorelDraw files (versions 11 and under, PC)
• DST       
  Tajima Stitch File for embroidery
• EPS, PS Adobe Illustrator files, Encapsulated Postscript or Generic Postscript files
• FS           
  Flexi-sign files (versions 7 and under)
• JPG, JP2 Jpeg image files - Please make sure the quality and resolution are the best you can provide.
• PDF       
  Portable Document Format
• PSD       
  Photoshop documents (versions 6 and under) - Make sure that any fonts are rasterized.
• SCV       
  Scanvec vector files
• TIF         
  Tagged Image Format - Please compress if possible to keep file size down.
• TGA       
  Targa format - Please compress if possible to keep file size down.

We can work from almost anything, but using these file types will make the process easier, quicker, and cheaper for you. Remember to always include fonts or convert them to vectors, and that we can't improve the resolution of a low-res file without blurring the image.

Listed below are the best file types for your job, listed in descending order of preference.

Screen-printing:

• CDR, EPS, PS, AI, PDF, TIF, TGA, BMP, PSD, JPG
• For best results, images used for screen-printing should be 300 dpi, with spot colors clearly assigned. Please supply a color reference for four-color process imprints.

Embroidery:

• DST, CDR, TIF, JPG, TGA, BMP, PSD, EPS, PS, AI, PDF,
• Images for embroidery should be above 150 dpi or as close as possible.

Vinyl Signs and Cad-cut Vinyl:

• FS, SCV, EPS, PS, AI, CDR, PDF, TIF, TGA, BMP, PSD, JPG
• Any art used that isn't vectorized will need to be recreated. Some vector artwork still may require clean-up so that it is interpreted correctly by our cutter. Sending us the clean, welded or flattened artwork saves time and money.

Large-format Printing:

• PDF, EPS, PS, CDR, AI, TIF, TGA, BMP, PSD, JPG
• Images should be at least 150 dpi at final size.  Between 200 and 300 dpi will print nicely.  300 is perfect, but can make the file size huge.  Anything higher than 300 is not going to make a big difference. Please supply a hardcopy whenever possible so that we have a color reference when printing.

Ad Specialties:

• EPS, PS, AI, CDR, PDF, TIF, TGA, BMP, PSD, JPG
• Almost all ad specialty items need to be saved as vectors before production, so send vector art whenever you are able. Multicolor artwork may need to be altered or recreated.

If you would like to bring or mail artwork to us, we are at 484 Fort Collier Road, Winchester VA 22603. Our art department has both Macs and PC's that can read 3.5" disks, CD's, and 750 Mb Zip disks.

If you are emailing art, please send it to art@signetscreen.com. Zipping or Stuffing the file is usually not necessary, but it's a good idea to do so, since it keeps file size down and reduces the odds of a file being corrupted during transit. Both WinZip and StuffIt are available for free on the internet.

Feel free to give the art department a call if you have any other questions. Our number is 540-665-9651.

What is camera-ready art?
Camera ready art is any artwork or printed material with very high black and white contrast which needs no further touch-up, design, or re-arranging before using as copy. All elements must be set in the correct size.

Unacceptable artwork (if submitted, requires an additional artwork charge)

• Photo copies (Office machine copies require touch-up.)
• Business cards with raised letters (Raised letters have a tendancy to appear ragged when photographically reproduced.)
• Newspaper clippings (When the newspaper is placed on the camera to have the proper film made, the image on the reverse side of the clipping will appear on the film.)
• Shiny surfaces (Imprinted items, Process blue, and metallics will not
  reproduce.)

Helpful hints...

• Do not use paper clips, tape, or staples on any artwork!
• Place the artwork in an envelope and attach the envelope to the order. If the factory has to patch holes, tears, or indentations, an additional artwork charge would apply.
• Color separated artwork (see illustration at left). For any multiple color imprint, black & white, color separated with register marks, camera-ready artwork must be submitted. If the factory has to color separate, an additional artwork charge would apply.