Express Decals | Guidelines for Supplying Digital Art files

Graphics File Preparation Guidelines

Four-Color Process - Additional Guidelines

We are PC based. Please save all files so that they can be opened in a MS Windows environment.

Adobe Illustrator (CS v.11.0 or earlier)

Create at 100% final print size
Save as .EPS or .AI
Be sure to convert all fonts to paths / outlines.
Do not link (or place) files Submit one ready to print file (per print)
Bitmap images should be at 300dpi at finished size. (applies to 4 color process printing only)

Corel Draw (v.12 or earlier)

Create at 100% final print size
Export file as .AI
Keep colors as spot
Be sure to convert all fonts to paths.
Do not link (or place) files
Submit one ready to print file (per print)
Bitmap images should be at 300dpi at finished size. (applies to 4 color process printing only)

Adobe Acrobat PDF*

Save as PDF PRINT OPTIMIZED with all fonts converted
Be sure to convert all fonts to paths.
CMYK color
Be sure file is at final print size or at correct proportions to be scaled up to final print size before saving.

* PDF files:
We obtain excellent results when printing PDF files saved for Print Optimized* (not for web use). Please open the file on another computer (i.e. Acrobat) to verify the file will print properly, is sized at 100% actual size of sign or graphic to be printed , all images in the file are at least 300dpi at full print size and fonts are correct. We cannot easily manipulate PDF files.
* The Print Optimized job options are for PDF files that will be printed as high-quality final output. For a PDF file to be portable at a minimum, you should embed all fonts.

Quark Express
Do Not Submit a Quark File

Export file as EPS
All images must be 300dpi at final print size (applies to 4 color process printing only)
Create at full size if possible - be sure proportion is correct for resizing
Send All Fonts

Adobe Photoshop (CS2 v.9.0 or earlier)

Create at 100% final print size
Save as .PSD
Bitmap images should be at 300dpi at finished size.
Include all fonts
Make sure all images are embedded
Do not link (or place) files
Flatten before saving

Note: Go to menu / view / print size to see artwork at actual print size and to check for jagged edges from low resolution image files.

Important: we can not use files generated by desktop publishing, presentation or word processing or spreadsheet software i.e. MS Publisher, MS Powerpoint, MS Word, MS Excel...etc.

Resolution Requirement:
All Bitmap Raster Images must be supplied at a minimum resolution of 300dpi (dots per inch) at the finish size of the graphic being produced.

Hard Copy Proofs:
Available by request and sent by FedEx overnight at an additional charge of $35.00. Although we use high quality equipment, we cannot guarantee perfect color matches. Colors will be matched as close as possible to a PMS or printout. Otherwise we will print the file as sent with no guarantees, returns, or refunds.

Art Charge:
If your files are not ready for print, in some cases we may be able to fix them at the rate of $75.00 per hour with a minimum charge of $45.00.

You can upload your files directly to our server using the form below. Please contact us with your order reference # to obtain a password for your upload:

In addition, we can receive your file using the following:

PC Formatted Storage Media: CD-ROM, DVD, Memory Stick
E-mail: files smaller than 20mb


Questions, Comments? email: customerservice@expressdecals.com

Prices subject to change without prior notice. Not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Prices subject to confirmation at time of order processing.


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A Division of Advanced Advertising Graphics, Inc. - San Antonio, TX 78238 USA