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Art Check List
A Quick Test to Ensure Success — Please review this check list before submitting your mouse pad art. Art and digital files that pass this pre-flight "test" usually flow through our system with ease. Download this Art Check List in printable-emailable PDF format.
1. LAYOUT
» 1/8" (.125 inch) Bleed when art extends off of the pad
» Critical elements at least 1/4" (.25 inch) inside pad edge
2. DIGITAL IMAGES
Image resolution MUST be 300ppi or higher. EVERY file used to create the final piece MUST be included and editable. This includes linked or placed files.
» Save images at 300ppi/dpi, sized to 100%
» Save images as .psd, .tif, .eps or .ai files
» Include editable versions of all files
3. FONTS
» Reverse Type min 18pt serif, 12pt sans-serif
» Convert all fonts to outlines/curves
» Include all Screen & Printer fonts
4. SOFTWARE – MAC OR PC
» InDesign
» Hi-Res PDF
» Photoshop
» Illustrator
Note: Word(.doc), Publisher(.pub), PowerPoint(.ppt), and Excel(.xls) are not acceptable file formats.
5. ART FILE SUBMISSION
» FTP: File Upload Utility (3MB-80MB)
» EMAIL: Your Sales Counselor (< 3MB size)
» CD
» DVD
6. COLOR TARGET / OUTPUT SAMPLE
Include a complete, full sized hard copy of the composite art when possible. Print 4-Color Process targets using calibrated output devices. Submit items for color matching when your order is submitted. We can't match your color target if we can't see it!
» Calibrated Color Output
» Coated PMS Color Callout
» Black & White Laser Print
7. COLORS – PROCESS & PMS
Colors should be defined as either 'spot' or 'CMYK'. All spot colors will be matched to the Pantone® COATED colors.
Converting spot or RGB colors to CMYK will change the appearance of the color, sometimes dramatically.
» CMYK 4-Color Process
» Coated Pantone® PMS
8. DESIGN TIPS
» Avoid small type and other thin elements for fabric pads
» Avoid borders, text, and art elements that run close to and parallel to the pad's edge
» Include image, font, and layout files
» Convert fonts to curves/outlines
» Choose from our standard fonts for typesetting
» Supply a printed copy of the final layout and color samples or color targets
9. CORNER RADIUS
Standard corner radius is 3/8" (.375 inch). Any other corner radius requires a custom die. Square corners are NOT recommended.
10. TYPICAL PAD LAYOUT
» 1/8" (.125 inch) of bleed added to all sides of the finished size of mouse pad
» Non-bleeding elements should be 1/4" (.25 inch) from finished edge
