Clear Creek Image, Inc.

File Specs

If we're Designing the final product for you:

We require a Vector file.
Otherwise we will need to digitize your logo or artwork so we can either:
      • Separate the colors in your artwork for the printing process.
      • Enlarge your artwork and still keep a crystal clear quality.
      • Enhance the quality of the final product.

If we are just printing your "Ready" file:

We usually prefer JPEG files because they are the smallest type of file and (if not compressed) they produce a flawless print eliminating common problems like missing fonts, layers shifting and outlines from adjusting.

Banners & Large Format Printing:		We would prefer a JPEG file: CMYK, NO Compression. Option A: 120dpi at Actual Size Option B: 480dpi at 25% of Actual Size Option C: 1400dpi Scaled to 1 inch equal to 1 foot
Business Cards:		We would prefer a JPEG file: CMYK, NO Compression. 300dpi at Actual Size *If your design has a bleed, please allow 1/8'' Additional Space
Brochures and Flyers:		We would prefer a JPEG file: CMYK, NO Compression. 300dpi at Actual Size *If your design has a bleed, please allow 1/8'' Additional Space
Die-cut Decals or Signs:		We Require a Vector file: Corel Draw, Illustrator, Freehand, EPS(vector) or PDF(vector) To verify it is a vector, zoom in and see if it maintains it's quality. *Make sure you convert the text to paths/curves/outlines.
Full Color Bumper Stickers:		We would prefer a JPEG file: CMYK, NO Compression. 300dpi at Actual Size *If your design has a bleed, please allow 1/8'' Additional Space
Screen Printing:		We Require a Vector file: Corel Draw, Illustrator, Freehand, EPS(vector) or PDF(vector) To verify it is a vector, zoom in and see if it maintains it's quality. *Make sure you convert the text to paths/curves/outlines.
Digital Photographs:		We would prefer a JPEG file: RGB or CMYK will be fine.

Any additional Prep Work or adjustments may incur additional charges.

We will print the file you send in the quality you send,
so please take a look at your file one last time before you upload it.
We can accept your Word Documents, Publisher, Quirk and many other
file formats but you will need to talk to our Graphics Department about the details and options.
info@clearcreekimage.com or call: (888) 883-7771

Vector Based Graphics Files:

	We prefer to work with vector (outline) graphic files because they are resolution independent (we can scale up these images without loss of quality. This is the best format to send sign graphics to us, we generally don’t have to alter your artwork, although we will perform prepress work (trapping, color separation, etc.). It’s important to understand that most vector graphics programs can include bitmap graphics or effects, these are not vector graphics. A vector graphic only contains outlines. We will except files from the following vector graphics programs:
CorelDraw .cdr	We support CorelDraw (.cdr) versions 5 through 12. If you are sending a Corel file, be sure to include font files or convert all text to curves (select text and press CTRL+Q) prior to saving. Your file will be rejected if the fonts are not converted to curves!*
Macromedia Freehand .fh9 or .fh10	We accept Freehand files from version 5 through 10 (fh5 - .fh10). If you are sending a Freehand file, be sure to include font files or convert all text to paths (select text and press CTRL+SHIFT+P) prior to saving. Your file will be rejected if the fonts are not converted to paths!
Adobe Illustrator .ai	We accept Illustrator (.ai) files version CS and lower. If you are sending a Illustrator file, be sure to include font files or create outlines from all text (select text and press CTRL+SHIFT+O) prior to saving. Your file will be rejected if the fonts are not converted to outlines!*
EPS .eps	Encapsulated PostScript Files (.eps) are a great format that most vector based graphics programs will export. Remember to convert all text to paths, curves, outlines before exporting an .eps file. While we prefer to use the original native file format from the above programs, we will accept an EPS file, provided that there are no embedded bitmaps included. Your file will be rejected if the fonts are not converted to paths, curves, outlines!*
Flash .swf	Macromedia Flash MX is the industry standard for vector graphics for the web. While not intended for sign graphics, we can extract elements to aid in the creation of your sign design. This may incur additional charges.
Raster Based Graphics Files:
	Raster (or bitmap) graphic files are pixel-based formats. This is the best format to send photos to us. Keep in mind that your photo will be output at 300 dpi in the final size (photos on name riders are usually 3-1/2 x 5 inches). Generally, photo images that were saved for business cards and web sites are NOT high enough resolution. While we prefer vector graphics for sign art, we will accept raster images, but we will have to re-create your design using your file as a guide. We will except files from the following raster graphics programs:
Corel PhotoPaint .cpt	We accept PhotoPaint (*.cpt) files version 12 and lower. You can send us photos in this format if they are in high resolution. If you are sending a sign layout in PhotoPaint format, be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide for when we "re-create" your artwork.
Adobe Photoshop .psd	We accept Photoshop (.psd) files version CS and lower. You can send us photos in this format if they are in high resolution. If you are sending a sign layout in Photoshop format, be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide for when we "re-create" your artwork. Make sure you FLATTEN* your file before sending it over!**
TIFF .tif	TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) The standard "raw data" file in the graphics world. Produces high quality images due to the fact it does not use compression in it’s standard form. We highly recommend sending us all photos or pictures in this format if they are in high resolution.
JPEG or JPG .jpg	JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) Using sophisticated compression techniques, this format can be 1/10 the size of normal "raw data" files. Please do not compress your jpeg. We will print the file you send in the quality you send, so please take a look at your file one last time before you upload it.
GIF .gif	GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a very popular and well-used file format for line-art graphics on the Web. If you are sending a sign layout in this format be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide, we will have to re-create your artwork.
Windows Bitmap .bmp	Bitmap (Windows Bitmap) files (*.bmp) are raw data files that are often used for background images within Window’s Desktops. If you are sending a sign layout in this format be aware that we will only be able to use your file as a guide, and we will have to re-create your artwork.
Click to enlarge	Colors may vary slightly from, Monitors to Desktop Printers, Laser Printers, Presses, Plotters, etc. Always provide a color print with your disk so we can see preferred colors of final product. If you have any questions regarding your files, feel free to give us a call. Just ask for the Graphics Department.