Artwork can be supplied in a number of ways. Traditionally, artwork has been supplied as either a high quality PMT or, more commonly now, as a computer file. Either method is fine, depending on what the application is and what modifications need to be made. Ideally, computer files are best because they allow for the most control and flexibility. This is important because more often than not, product artwork needs to be adjusted in order to print properly on the large variety of products available. Scaling artwork and printing colour separations are just two tasks that are made infinitely easier by having the proper computer artwork file on hand.

Therefore, because artwork can be supplied in a variety of formats we have grouped our artwork recommendations under three categories: BEST, ACCEPTABLE and NOT ACCEPTABLE.


BEST

MAC / PC Applications:

• Freehand 10.0 or earlier with text converted to outlines (or fonts supplied for MAC/PC)
• Illustrator 10 or earlier with text converted to outlines (or fonts supplied for PC only)
• EPS files, created properly, are ideal. Please ensure that all fonts have been converted to outlines
• Adobe InDesign (MAC) with fonts supplied
• Photoshop 7 or earlier (for 4 colour process art only)
• CorelDRAW 11 or earlier with text converted to outlines (or fonts supplied for PC only)

ACCEPTABLE

MAC / PC Applications:

• QuarkXPress 6.0 (will be opened in InDesign)
  PDF files are acceptable but may not be editable
• PMT (or high resolution black & white laser output): If the logo contains strictly solid elements and no halftones (levels of grey) then supplying a PMT is fine. However, if halftones are present then supplying a PMT may necessitate the recreation of your logo (the reason: halftones do not scan well)
• TIFF, PICT, BMP and EPS bitmaps are acceptable only if the image is black and white (no halftones) and the resolution is ideal (actual imprint size x 600dpi)

NOT ACCEPTABLE

Non-graphic Applications:

• Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect and applications like Excel and Powerpoint are not graphic applications and cannot be used to generate artwork. Typically, a user will import a graphic into one of the above applications. It is the imported graphic file that is required and not the application file.

Web specific bitmaps:

• Web image formats like GIF, JPEG and PNG are designed for the computer screen and not for print and are generally too low in resolution to be usable.

Photocopies and Stationary:

• Generally speaking, providing a fax, photocopy, letterhead or business card will more than likely involve the recreation of your logo to meet industry, and more specifically, Swiss Magic graphic standards. Depending on the complexity of the logo, this may or may not require a substantial amount of work.