Artwork Format Glossary

Adobe Illustrator The native file format of Adobe Illustrator, which is the industry-leading software for creating vector graphics.
Bitmap Images, such as photographs, which comprise of a grid of small squares called pixels. Bitmap images are resolution-dependent; they can appear jagged (pixilated) and lose detail if they are created at a low resolution and then enlarged or printed at a higher resolution. Unlike vector graphics, each line or element cannot be edited with accuracy.
DPI – Dots Per Inch A measure of the resolution of a file. The higher the number, the sharper the type and images.
EPS – Encapsulated Post Script Encapsulated PostScript files can contain either vector graphics orbitmap images. Adobe Illustrator can save artwork in EPS format.
JPEG (.jpg) – Joint Photographic Experts Group Format used for resolution-dependent bitmap files. JPEG files use a compression system that reduces the file size by identifying and discarding non-essential data. Increasing the level of compression results in lowering the image quality, but in most cases compressing an image using the maximum quality option will produce a result identical to the original.
PDF – Portable Document Format Portable Document Format is a universal file format that can be viewed and printed consistently across any computer platform using Adobe’s free Acrobat Reader. PDF can contain both vector and bitmap graphics.
TIFF (.tif) – Tagged Image file A resolution-dependent bitmap file. This format supports LZW compression, a loss less technique that does not discard detail but will reduce the overall file size. TIFF files are larger in size that Jpeg’s as the files are not compressed.
CDR – Corel Draw Primary desk top design software package used here at ACE, we can accept your artwork in this format

Artwork Terms Explained

Vector Files Vector files are made up of mathematically defined curves and line segments called vectors. They are resolution-independent; using editing software they can be accurately edited and output at any resolution without any loss of quality.
Resolution The sharpness of text and graphics provided by a printer or output device, measured in dots per inch (DPI).
Pantone Spot Colours The Pantone Colour Matching System is largely a standardised colour reproduction system. By standardising the colours, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colours match without direct contact with one another.
Embedding Fonts and Converting to paths or curves If your logo has any fonts then these must be converted to paths or curves. This is essential when sending us your artwork as if it is not; when we open the file and don’t have the correct font on our system we won’t be able to match your artwork.
CMYK The CMYK process is a method of printing colour by using four inks—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

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