1. Accepted Graphic File Formats
To speed up the production process, please send your graphic file in one of the following formats:
.cdr (CorelDraw, version 18)
.pdf (Adobe Reader)
We also accept the following formats:
.ai (Adobe Illustrator – up to CS5 version)
.eps (Encapsulated PostScript)
.psd
.bmp
.tif
.jpg
.png
If you’re sending files in .ai, .eps, or .cdr formats, please also provide a preview file (bitmap).
If you’d like to have a photo or bitmap on the product, please send it with a resolution of at least 300 DPI.
2. Vector vs. Bitmap (Raster Graphics)
A bitmap (raster graphics) is an image made up of a grid of colored pixels. The more pixels per inch (PPI), the higher the image quality.
In vector graphics, the image is mathematically defined (created with geometric objects like curves and polygons) instead of being described pixel by pixel.
Scaling a bitmap results in a decrease in image quality (e.g., reduced sharpness). Vector graphics, on the other hand, can be freely scaled up or down without losing quality.
3. Visual Effects
Special effects applied to graphics (such as transparency, shadows, or lens effects) may change when printed. In such cases, the printed result may slightly differ from the design (e.g., shadow color may change or transparency may be lost). To avoid this issue, we recommend converting objects with effects into a 300 DPI CMYK bitmap in PNG format, which preserves transparency correctly.
4. Fonts
Before submitting your graphic file, convert all fonts used in the design to curves (vectors). Also, avoid using text in too small sizes. The recommended minimum font height is 2 mm. If the font is smaller, some printed characters may be illegible (this depends on factors such as the color used, font thickness, and other variables).
To make sure the text on your product will be readable, we recommend ordering a sample print.
Examples of printed letters in different sizes (from 0.5 mm to 3 mm):
5. Colors
Colors on a computer screen and printed colors may appear slightly different. Also, colors may look different across various screens. If precise color matching is important to you, please use the PANTONE Plus Solid Coated color guide and provide the corresponding number.
If the colors in your design are not defined using the PANTONE color guide and the file contains bitmaps, we cannot accept color-related complaints. If you send a graphic file in bitmap format, we won’t be able to use the PANTONE palette for color matching.
6. Color Systems
CMYK is a set of four basic printing colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). RGB is another color model consisting of three components: R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue). However, there are colors that cannot be accurately defined using either the CMYK or RGB systems. These are special colors created using the PANTONE system.