Sheer Wave
Trade Show Displays
  

Maker of Trade Show Displays


U.S.: +1 952 942-1000
sales@sheerwave.com

  

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  Graphic Printing Guidelines
Popup Displays
  10' Curved Popup
  8' Curved Popup
  6' Tabletop Popup
  8' Tabletop Popup
  Popup Towers
  Serpentine / Gullwing
Banner Stand
  Economy Retractable
  Premium Retractable
  Scrolling Banner Stands
  Double Sided Retractable
  Adjustable Banner Stands
  X/L Banner Stands
Tabletop Panel Displays
Literature Rack
Accessory
Graphics
Artwork Guidelines

1. Graphic Printing Order Process
2. Submit Graphic Files
3. Upload Files via the FTP Site
4. Acceptable Graphic File Format
5. Resolution Requirements
6. Font Match
7. Color Match
8. CMYK vs. RGB

The following are some commonly asked questions regarding graphic file preparation. Please read all of the guidelines and requirements on this page, and make sure that your files meet these requirements. Failure to do so will result in delays and/or extra graphic service charges. Complaints resulting from failure to follow the guidelines outlined below will not be accepted.

1. Graphic Printing Order Process

  1. To avoid delays, submit your graphic artwork the same day when you place your order. Only send the files relevant for the printing.
  2. The submitted graphic file will be reviewed for printability, and you will be contacted if it does not meet all requirements.
  3. If corrections are required, you may make these changes and resubmit the file or request us make the corrections, if we are able to do so. If we make the corrections for you, there will be extra graphic service charges. We will send the revised file to you for approval.
  4. We will schedule production once the graphic file is approved
  5. Our regular lead time is 7-10 business days, depending on the printing project and our workload. We will be happy to provide an estimated completion time.

2. Submitting Graphic Files
 
You may send us files using one of the following methods:

  1. CD, DVD, floppy disks. To avoid delays, please make sure to write your company’s name, your name and phone number on the removable media and mail them in a properly protected case to:

Trade Show Displays, Inc.
2401 Highway 13, W.
Burnsville, MN 55337.

  1. For files under 10MB, email at: sales@sheerwave.com
  2. Upload at the FTP site: graphics.sheerwave.com. Please see below for instructions on how to transfer your files via FTP.

3. Upload Files via the FTP Site
 
You can transfer your files via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) through Internet Explorer using the following steps:

  1. Access the FTP site: ftp.sheerwave.com
  2. Once you are on the page, click “Page” on your browser, then “Open FTP Site in Windows Explorer” to view the FTP site in Windows Explorer.
  3. Drag or send files to this folder.

You will need login/password to access the FTP site. Please contact us so we can supply you with that information.

You will not be able to see your file in the directory shortly after you have sent it; this is a normal security measure to help protect your data.

Please notify us when you have finished uploading your files to our FTP server, so we can process your files in a timely manner.

4. Acceptable Graphic File Format
 
The most preferred format is .tif. If file needs to be edited, please send it in a layered format editable using Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Acceptable files include:

  1. Adobe Photoshop CS3, or earlier (.tif or .psd)
  2. Adobe Illustrator CS3, or earlier (.eps or .ai)
  3. Adobe InDesign CS3, or earlier
  4. Adobe PDF files that are editable in Illustrator

Prepare your files at actual size or proportioned to the actual size. All graphic should include a minimum of 5 mm bleed on each side unless specified otherwise.

5. Resolution Requirements
 
File must be at least 100dpi at final full printout size. Do Not use web site images (jpg, jpeg, gif), as they are generally of low resolution (72dpi) and are unsatisfactory when enlarged.

If your image includes photographic or raster images, it is critical that any raster images used in your file be properly enlarged, before they are placed into or linked to a file. All raster images should be saved as CMYK TIF, CMYK PSD, or CMYK EPS file formats. Please include on your disc or with your electronically sent files all individual raster images that may be linked to your final file. These files are critical to fixing any problems that may occur while outputting your images. You should send these photo images separately, edited as you need, cropped to the proportional dimensions that are used in your master file, but NOT ALTERED in terms of its original physical dimensions and ppi resolution.

Do Not size or scale raster images in Illustrator or InDesign. All raster images used in your file must be a minimum of 100 ppi at the final print size. If your file is prepared at 50% of final size, then the raster images must be at a resolution of 200 ppi. If your file is prepared at 25% of final size, then the raster images must be at a resolution of 400 ppi, etc.

Any raster images (photos, photo-illustrations, scanned images, etc...) must be of high quality when printing at large sizes. The rule is that a given image can only be increased in size to a maximum of 600% - 800% from its originally acquired digital size.

6. Font Match?
If exact font is to be matched, you must include all fonts used in your file. All type in your files must also be outlined if possible. Files in which the type is not outlined, or is not included may incur graphic services charges to correct the problem, or will hold up production of the job while you edit and re-send the file.

If you create your text in Adobe Photoshop you need to work at actual print size, and at a minimum resolution of 300 ppi (pixels per inch). Whenever possible do not flatten the Photoshop file. If a Photoshop file is flattened, the type does not retain its vector characteristics.

7. Color Match?

Generally, we will be very close to a match without any special adjustments. If you need an exact color match, you must Indicate in writing the Pantone values for all critical colors. Designation in the graphic file is not sufficient notice. A layered version of the graphic file must be included. There will be additional graphic service charges due to the significant adjustment and test printing required for such color match.

Because we use CMYK printers to create your graphics, 100% reproduction of defined colors is not possible.

8. CMYK vs. RGB

We print using CMYK ink sets, Your files should be created in CMYK color mode. Converting from other modes may distort colors, shapes or images. You will notice that the extended color gamut that RGB uses is not printable. The printed version of your file will not match with what you see in RGB on your screen. If you prepare and view your file in CMYK, you will be able to see a much closer representation of how the file will print. 

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