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Submitting Artwork to Metalcraft

All of your questions answered here

What types of files can you work with?

Preferred formats: .eps, .ai, .pdf, .tif  Other acceptable formats: .jpg, .bmp, .psd, .dwg,

Files with text should be converted to outlines. If the text is not converted, all fonts will need to be included. Also, please include copies of all placed/imported image files.

We cannot accept these file types: .doc, .cdr, .pcx

What programs can you work with?

Metalcraft prefers artwork to be created and saved in Adobe Illustrator. We also accept files created in Adobe Photoshop and Quark . Even though these are the main programs used here at Metalcraft, we can work with several types of files

What resolution should the artwork be?

Please keep in mind that images must be created at a certain dpi (dots per inch) to represent that dpi. For example, if an image has been created at 72 dpi, and you boost the resolution up to 600 dpi, this is an extremely jagged and blurry image. So instead of having one pixel at 72 dpi, you now have approximately 8 1/3 pixels where that one pixel was.

Photosensitive metal exposure: (Foil Bar Code, Teflon® Metal Nameplates, and Metal Bar Code Nameplates). Images created at 600-1200 dpi will work for these products. If artwork is sent in at lower resolutions we have to boost that resolution up to 1200 dpi and clean it up to meet our standards of quality (additional charge).

Screen exposure and etched products: (Foil Labels, Etched and filled Stainless Steel, and "AUTOGRAPHS") Images created at 600-1200 dpi will work for these products. If it's not really crisp, clean, and clear, we may have to spend extra time cleaning it up (additional charge).

Electronic press: ("STYLEMARK", "CRAFTMARK", Premium Polyester, "VALUMARK", Tamper-Evident and Destructible) Images created at 300-600 dpi or higher will work for these products.

How do you determine what colors to use?

Please assign Pantone or Process color(s) to your artwork when possible. This will ensure an accurate representation of your logo/art when matched at the press. Be sure to note color(s) if the program you are using doesn't have Pantone or Process capabilities. Also keep in mind that the color you see on your computer screen isn't necessarily what color will print because monitors can adjust the color contrasts. If you provide CMYK or hex color values we will do our best to match to the appropriate color for your project. If you have not chosen specific color(s), please call a customer service specialist, they can help you determine what color(s) are to be used on your label. 

Can I use shades of a color in my artwork?

When using shades of a color, please keep the following in mind:

Photosensitive and screen exposure products - shades should be around the 50% range. More or less either fills in or doesn't hold as well when exposed, especially at the extremes 10% and 90%.

Electronic press products - shades should be between 25% and 95%. Anything lower than 25% usually looks washed out. Another thing to remember about the electronic press is that there must be a high concentration (50-80%) of color in either of the C(cyan) M(magenta) Y(yellow) K(black) combinations, otherwise you will get a jagged image.

What size of text is acceptable?

The absolute smallest, clearly legible, plain type size is 4 pt. in a simple font. When using plain scripts, serifed, or thin unique fonts, please set text at 6 pt. bold or above. If using these fonts for a reversed label, be sure to set font at 7 pt. and bold it. For reverse simple text, minimum allowable size is 5 pt. bold.

Please set positive lines at a minimum of .25 pt and reversed lines at a minimum of .5 pt.

What are the guidelines for borders, bleeds and margins?

Full borders must maintain a minimum of 1/16" (.0625") around the entire plate. Bleeds must be a minimum of 1/16" (.0625") from edge of bleed to edge of plate/label. Margins must be 1/16" (.0625") from edge of plate to any and all graphics including text, inner borders, artwork, etc. Because of quality issues, any electronic press art is preferred to have a 3/32" margin.