Artwork Specifications for Exhibition and Display Graphics
DTP Applications
Supported DTP applications include InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and of course Adobe PDF documents.
Images - Image files should be a minimum of 100 dpi @ 100% of the final output size or 300 dpi @ 50% of the final output size. Do not use images taken from web pages, Powerpoint, Excel, Word or Clipart as resolution is likely to be low.
Output Size - For large graphics used in Pop-Up and Banner stands, create a single page at 25% of the full output size, we will set the points for splitting panels on Pop-Ups. Make sure "Facing Pages" is turned off.
Crops & Bleed - Please do NOT add any crops or bleed to your artwork.
Black - Anywhere you use black, define it as cyan=20%, magenta=20%, yellow=20%, black=100%
Pantones - Use Pantone "solid to process" guide for PMS references supplied for colour matching.
Photoshop - In Photoshop please flatten all images and don't use extra channels. Convert all duotone and RGB images to CMYK. Save all images as EPS (encoding JPEG Maximum quality).
Fonts - Any language fonts other than English should be converted to outlines. "Select all" in Illustrator & Freehand and set attributes to 9600 dpi. Please be sure to include both screen and printer (PostScript) versions of the fonts used in both the document and in any EPS files supplied in case changes are necessary. These are found in the system/fonts folder on your Mac or in the Windows/system folder on your PC.
Collect for Output - Be sure to include all source files, graphics and fonts with your job. Use prepress packaging commands such as "Collect for Output", this collects all linked images, logos and fonts into one folder.
Important - For best results, please provide a PDF or printed colour proof with your files as various colour output devices interpret colour differently.
Zip Files - If using a compression program, take your file(s) and compress them into one .zip, .sit or .sea file. If you don't have a compression program or need instructions to compress your file(s), you may download a free version from: Stuffit or WinZip.
PDF Files - PDF is a universal file format that preserves all of the fonts, formatting, colours and graphics of any source document, regardless of the application and platform used to create it. You can create a high quality, compact PDF file for high resolution output using Adobe Acrobat. PDF files should be distilled at the highest setting (press) and include all fonts used.
Artwork Charges - Any artwork time required to bring files up to a usable standard will be charged at £60.00 per hour.
Upload your files direct to Redcliffe here:
Design Briefs for Dummies
You've been asked to organise production of a display stand for a pending event that's been overlooked for a few months, then someone panicked because the show date is looming and parked it on your desk. If you have no artwork ready to send and you're not a designer, then read our helpful guide on the step by step process to ensure you produce a good design brief.
Sourcing Images or Illustrations
The following image libraries are recommended as they provide quality imagery, often with high resolution for display graphics. Images can be purchased direct from these libraries and it is advisable to obtain the highest possible quality image to ensure the best possible print quality.
Shutterstock are our preferred image library suppliers. By clicking here you will be able to browse Shutterstock's site and choose from over 11 million images. But before you buy tell us which image you like and we can make the purchase for you.