 The use of Digital Graphics
Files can help reduce the degradation in print quality that is normally
experienced when trying to reproduce artwork. Therefore, we are pleased
to offer our Authorized Dealers the opportunity to provide specific
types of digital graphics files to produce Business Card orders.
The most effective method of providing us with your digital graphics
files is to download our BCE-PDF print driver. The use of this print
driver will automate the process of creating and sending us Acrobat® PDF
files. Please go to:
BCE Charlotte OrderDesk and follow the instructions
provided.
The
BCE Charlotte OrderDesk, and all of the other approaches we use to
create digital graphics files, completely avoids the need to "share"
type font files - a practice that is in clear violation of software
license agreements and copyright laws. If you are using Adobe
Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Macromedia Freehand; or, if you are using
Adobe PageMaker or QuarkXpress, and Adobe Acrobat Distiller, then you
have the facilities needed to produce artwork files that are compatible
with our PC based computerized graphics system.
Download templates for various applications here.
Standard Production Methods
Business card graphics should be developed as outlined in the
specifications for the Standard Business Card Layout Template; and, in
the instructions for Producing Business Card Orders. There are also
Additional Specifications shown below.
If you choose not to use the BCE-PDF print driver - You may still use
the
BCE Charlotte OrderDesk
by simply filling out the order form and attaching your file.
The digital files we receive are processed and then placed into a
standard page layout facility. They are grouped with other orders
calling for the same card stock and ink colors. Then, final artwork is
produced and printing plates are generated.
Standard 2-color offset printing presses are used to print business card
orders. Therefore, compatible digital graphics files use only 2 (C M Y
K) process colors (Magenta and Black) to represent the actual ink colors
to be printed.
Additional Specifications
Color Assignments - Be certain to use the CMYK color palette when
assigning (C M Y K) process colors to business card graphics.
For 1-Color Orders:
Black is used to represent Black Ink Color, and
Magenta is used to represent Any Other Ink Color.
For 2-Color Orders:
Black is used to represent The Darkest Ink Color, and
Magenta is used to represent The Lightest Ink Color.
Digital File Compatibility - Business Card Express of Charlotte
is making every reasonable effort to stay current with the ever changing
graphics arts computer technology. Nonetheless, there are limitations as
to the types of files that we are currently able to use. Further, the
file conversion process does not always yield an exact replica of the
original artwork. Therefore, it is best to avoid complex production
techniques and to always re-open, examine, and print a copy of your
final output file(s).
Type Fonts - Please do not attempt to send type font files. Doing
so may be in violation of license agreements and copyright laws.
Instead, generate an Acrobat PDF file; or, create outlines (curves or
paths) to convert all text to graphics.
Graphics - Illustrations "placed" (imported / embedded) into a
document may not be properly incorporated into the final output file.
Therefore, it is important to provide a copy of all "placed" artwork
files as well as the final digital graphics file. Three types of
"placed" illustration files are supported: 1) Adobe Illustrator files
(vector outline forms capable of being edited); 2) Tiff Bitmap files (in
1-bit, black and white form) which allow a single color to be assigned
in our page layout facility; and, 3) Tiff Grayscale files (in 8-bit,
black and white form) which also allow a single color to be assigned in
our page layout facility. Bitmap and Grayscale graphics should be scaled
to the correct size, imaged at 600 dpi, and closely cropped.
Download templates for various applications
here.
Screens and Half Tones - Screens and half tones are printed at 85
lpi. For best screen results, specify tint values between 20 and 40
percent. For best half tone results, provide a Tiff Grayscale files in
8-bit, black and white form.
Trap and Hairline Registration - Apply and overprint a .5 pt.
stroke to graphic elements where two colors touch. For best results
"choke" or "spread" the lighter color element into the darker color
element.
Additional Charges - Additional charges will be applied to
digital file orders that do not follow these design specifications
and/or require additional work to make them ready for production.
Please call (800) 282-5777, or E-mail us at
bcehelp@bce-charlotte.com, if you
wish to learn more about how to provide business card graphics in
digital computer files.
|
