FAQ: Requirements for supplied artwork/font files
1. What file do you need for vinyl (Decal / Sticker) cutting?
File types: vector based file formats, such as: .pdf, .eps .ai, , .cdr, .dwg and .dxf * (provided the content of the file does not include placed raster objects)
{Due to the nature of the production equipment all artwork files must be able to be cut on CNC type equipment(Such as Vinyl Cutter / Plotter, CNC Router, Laser Cutter)that uses mathematical or “Vector” information to position and move the cutting device.}
2. What file do you need for 3d lettering ?
File types: vector based file formats, such as: .pdf, .eps .ai, , .cdr, .dwg and .dxf * (provided the content of the file does not include placed raster objects)
3. What file do you need for Banner Printing, Flag Printing?
File types: .psd, .tiff, .bmp, .jpg*, .gif, .png.
4. What is the difference between vector and raster file types?
Bitmap images
There are two major 2D graphic types: bitmap and vector images. Bitmap images (also known as raster images) are made up of pixels in a grid. Pixels are picture elements; tiny dots of individual color that make up what you see on your screen. All these tiny dots of color come together to form the images you see.
Bitmap images are resolution dependent. Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image and is usually stated as dpi (dots per inch) or ppi (pixels per inch). Bitmap images are displayed on your computer screen at screen resolution: approximately 100 ppi. However, when printing bitmaps, your printer needs much more image data than a monitor. In order to render a bitmap image accurately, the typical desktop printer needs 150-300 ppi.
- BMP
- GIF
- JPEG, JPG
- PNG
- PCX
- TIFF
- PSD (Adobe Photoshop)
Common bitmap formats include:
All scanned images are bitmaps, and all images from digital cameras are bitmaps.
- pixels in a grid
- resolution dependent
- resizing reduces quality
- easily converted
- restricted to rectangle
- minimal support for transparency
Key Points About Bitmap Images:
Vector images
Vector images are made up of many individual, scalable objects. These objects are defined by mathematical equations rather than pixels, so they always render at the highest quality. Objects may consist of lines, curves, and shapes with editable attributes such as color, fill, and outline. Changing the attributes of a vector object does not effect the object itself.
Because they're scalable, vector-based images are resolution independent. You can increase and decrease the size of vector images to any degree and your lines will remain crisp and sharp, both on screen and in print. Fonts are a type of vector object.
- AI (Adobe Illustrator)
- CDR (CorelDRAW)
- CMX (Corel Exchange)
- CGM Computer Graphics Metafile
- DXF AutoCAD
- WMF Windows Metafile
Common vector formats include:
- Adobe Illustrator
- CorelDRAW
Popular vector drawing programs are:
- scalable
- resolution independent
- no background
- cartoon-like
- inappropriate for photo-realistic images
- metafiles contain both raster and vector data
Key Points About Vector Images
What About Metafiles?
Metafiles are graphics that contain both raster and vector data. For example, a vector image that contains an object which has a bitmap pattern applied as a fill, would be a metafile. The object is still a vector, but the fill attribute consists of bitmap data.
- EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
- PDF (Portable Document Format)
- PICT (Macintosh)
Common metafile formats include:
