a helping hand...

Fraser & Heron digital file preparation
Digital Files:
Generally Digital files need to be prepared in different ways depending on which of our output services they are intended for. The procedures are simple if followed from the start. However, once completed, a file that has been prepared incorrectly for a particular output service may take some time to convert.
If files are not correctly supplied we will give you the choice of either sending us new files or for ourselves to amend your existing files at a charge. To ensure you receive back what you have ordered, all jobs must be accompanied by an official order detailing sizes, file names, fonts used, mounting instructions, etc. A laser proof of large format jobs is vital to ensure we open files as you created them.
To help you save time and cost we've prepared the following technical information on each of our services. If you have any queries about any aspect of our services, please feel free to contact us.

Software accepted
We can accept files created in QuarkXpress, Freehand, Illustrator and Photoshop. Our print platform is Macintosh.

Disk / Media accepted
We can accept files provided on: CD-ROM or DVD. We can also receive files electronically via ISDN.

Fonts
All fonts used must accompany each job.

Scans
It is important that any scans supplied to us are appropriately sized. If they are too small, the image will be crudely pixilated.

File sizes / Resolution
In order to simplify the question of what resolution is required we have produced a table for plotting required output size to file size. For our requirements, dpi and line rulings are totally irrelevant - it's the amount of information contained within the scan file which counts.

THESE FILE SIZES ARE FINAL FLATTENED IMAGE SIZES,
A4 = 10mb minimum
A3 = 15mb minimum
A2 = 30mb minimum
A1 = 60mb minimum
Banners 2100 x 600, 800 or 1000 = 70mb
Full pop up 3x3 should be 120mb minimum
Full pop up 3x4 should be 140mb minimum

TIFF or EPS, RGB or CMYK?
Please send all images in CMYK format. Our preferred scan type is EPS or TIFF. Never supply EPS files as DCS (desktop separations) none of our processes utilise DCS files. Always convert duotones, tritones etc to CMYK. Always delete redundant Alpha channels or layers. Always flatten layers. As a general rule avoid using image compression (LZW or JPEG).

Inkjet Posters
Inkjet is a CMYK process up to 60" wide at variable length. We can offer a multitude of substrates and finishes but the file preparation is essentially the same for either process.

Set up for Inkjet printing
Create your document, wherever possible, at final required size. Failing that, try to work at either 50% or 25%. For 'Pop up' display panels we strongly recommend that you use Quark due to the ease of setting up adjacent pages (A Quark template can be supplied to you directly by e-mail). Always use the full page size in Quark, DO NOT ADD CROPS.
Always supply a laser proof of your job so we can check that it corresponds to the file supplied. When specifying colours remember that Pantone colours on a PMS swatch are not CMYK process colours. If you wish to match a colour you should refer to a CMYK swatch. We cannot guarantee matching Pantone colours since the gamut of these colours is different to most CMYK processes. However if you specify a Pantone  we will endeavour to match to it as closely as possible.
PLEASE NOTE: Word, Excel, Powerpoint (and other similar packages) are not suitable for Inkjet outputs.

Measurements for straight or Tower Pop Up stand panels available on request.

(For replacement graphics on existing displays it may not be possible to match colour perfectly, this should be considered when ordering the original display).

Banner Stand
Size - 2100mm high x 600, 800, 1000mm wide
A full image size of 70mb or more is needed if possible.
Roll Up Banner Size of visible area - 2100mm high x 800mm wide.

Please add 50mm bleed to bottom of graphic so the height is then 2150mm this is to allow us to attach the graphics to the system correctly. A Quark template can be supplied via email for all pop-ups and stands.