Acceptable Graphics Formats

Overview

The following information is crucial for the production of your large-format digital graphics:

Always include a color proof of the artwork along with the digital file. This may be a low-resolution JPEG or PDF for e-mailed graphics, PROOF ONLY. Enclosed contact info with your media.

Keep in mind that our graphics department is Mac-based . We can accept PC-generated files, but special preparation may be required, so Mac is preferred.

All bitmap graphics files (i.e. TIF, EPS, JPG, BMP, etc.) must be 200 dpi at full size or scaled as needed to make the final image meet the 200 dpi criteria.

For questions, contact your account representative at (866)730-3746 or email sales@capitalexhibits.com.
ftp softwares PC and MAC: http://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type=client

Color Matching

The graphics department strives to achieve accurate and pleasing colors. However, due to the type of equipment we use (large format inkjet printers), we cannot guarantee perfect matches even with Pantone (PMS) colors. We request graphics in RGB mode because the file size is smaller and we are able to achieve greater color predictability upon output.

We will be happy to provide a "strike-off" (sample print) at the customer's request, but there will be a charge for this service. If we are matching graphics from a past show, we will need a sample of the original graphics for color matching purposes.

FTP.

• FTP - Host: ftp.capitalexhibits.com
  User: tradeshow1
  Password: Exhibits3
• Email to . sales@capitalexhibits.com Emailed compressed files can be no more than 5MB . Please call Fred at 866.730.3746 with questions about emailing artwork.

Acceptable File Formats (listed in order of preference) :

Adobe Illustrator 10 or higher (Mac/PC). Illustrator (and FreeHand) are ideal for creating vector files - requested for all vinyl, CNC and fabrid jobs. All fonts must be converted to outlines . Document Color Mode should be set to RGB . Any placed bitmap files (i.e. photos) should be included and should follow the Photoshop guidelines below. Mac fonts should also be included with the file. Checklist: RGB Mode/ Fonts converted to outline/ Placed images are linked, not embedded/ Send linked image files (200dpi files please)

Adobe Photoshop 7 or higher (Mac/PC). Saved as TIFF formats in RGB mode. We can also accept high resolution JPEGs, making sure that image quality is set to high/maximum. Resolution should be equal or greater than 200 dpi at the final output size for best results (higher resolutions do not result in significantly better output quality). Checklist: RGB Mode/ flattened/ 200 dpi at full size/ compressed TIFF or Hi-Res JPG

Macromedia FreeHand 10.0 or earlier (Mac Only). Follow the guidelines for Adobe Illustrator above.

Corel Draw (PC Only). Convert all type to curves (outlines) and export in the highest version of Adobe Illustrator available (.ai up to v.10). Be sure to include any placed bitmap files, following the guidelines for Photoshop above.

Quark XPress 5 or earlier (Mac Only). Quark files are acceptable for small Velcro graphics but are not recommended for photo panels or bannerstands because the software was not designed to handle large layouts. Layouts designed in Quark require exporting as an EPS file, then opening and saving in Illustrator. Include all fonts (Mac Postscript preffered) and placed TIFF/ EPS/ JPG/ BMP image files. Follow Photoshop guidelines above for placed bitmap images.

Adobe PageMaker 7.0 or higher (Mac/PC). Follow guidelines for Quark XPress above.

Unacceptable File Formats:

Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.). These programs do not readily support large- format output and do not offer compatible export fomats. Please clal us for advice with Microsoft formatted artwork.

Low-resolution JPEG, GIF, PICT, or BMP images (typical email/website images ). These images are usually of such low resolution and small size that they are unable to be output cleanly at larger sizes. Most corporate logos, etc, found on websites must be recreated for use in large-format artwork. Call for logo recreation charges.

DXF files. While we use CAD-based program for our exhibit design, it is very difficult to get AutoCAD type files to convert over cleanly to our preferred graphics programs.

Any other software not listed above. If your graphic was created in a software program not listed above, please call to discuss with our graphics departments.

Updated 01/19/08