Art Specifications

Guidelines When Submitting Graphics Files:

Production Ready Setup Files should be sent production ready, at 100% scale and all elements placed. File editing services are available for a fee of $75.00 hour.

Please convert fonts to outline or be sure to include the screen fonts and the printer fonts with your graphic files.
PMS or custom colors must be specified in the file.
All art on disk should include a hard copy layout.
If your design includes a die pattern, please include a printout of the design with the die pattern clearly noted.
Please include a hard copy list or directory structure of the files being submitted.
If your files are not actual size, please indicate the scale in which they were produced or the finished size.

Setup Guidelines:

Bleed: Include at least 2 inch bleed past the finished size.

Links: Include all placed or linked files, even if the files are embedded.

Fonts: Include all fonts used on the graphic even if all the type has been converted to outlines.

Color Format: Convert all RGB files to CMYK and if possible, submit a layered version of your file to assist in color correction.

Inks: Rich Black (Lowen TradeSource Standard) - C-30/M-30/Y-20/K-100

Applications and Formats: Design & Compression Software - All software versions are current and Mac or PC compatible.

Preferred Applications:

Adobe Illustrator: .ai, .pdf or .eps, layered, CMYK, Include ALL FONTS and linked images used in a separate folder.

Adobe Acrobat: pdf

Adobe InDesign: .indd, CMYK, Include ALL FONTS and linked images used in a separate folder.

Adobe Photoshop: Layered: .psd, .tiff, CMYK, Include ALL FONTS and linked images used in a separate folder. Unlayered: .tiff, .jpg or .eps, CMYK can only be sent at finish size @ 50-75 ppi. (These formats are acceptable ONLY if they are PRESS READY and not to be altered in any way).

Acceptable Applications:

CorelDraw
Quark Xpress

It is recommended that you compress your files before transmitting them to us using Stuffit, WinZip or other application to create a .zip, .hqx or .bin file.

Acceptable Types of Storage Media For File Submission

CD-ROM, CDRW & DVD
Memory Sticks
Portable Hard Drives
Flash Drives

Document Set-Up (Vector Files)

When using vector-based programs such as Illustrator, CorelDraw, files should be built as close to a 1:1 ratio as possible, not going under 1/8 scale. This reduces the amount of magnification to your file in the RIP stage.
Gradients tend to band when created in a vector based program, so if possible create any gradients in a raster based program such as PhotoShop and place them into your document.
If your files include placed images, the image files must accompany the parent file on your disk.

Document Set-Up (Raster-Files)

Being a raster-based program, text lacks clarity and sharpness, so we recommend building a composite file by placing your raster images in a vector program containing your type and graphics.

When using raster-based programs such as PhotoShop, ppi is the most common problem.
These are some suggested recommendations for file set-up:
- 1:1 Scale @ 50-75 ppi
- 1/2 Scale @ 100 -150 ppi
- 1/4 Scale @ 200-300 ppi

Preferred Method of Sending Files

When sending job files to Lowen TradeSource (by US MAIL, FED-X, UPS, DHL, etc.), include a full color printout (hard copy) along with your storage media.

Enclose a separate document with the following information. Send only the files necessary to produce your job.

Your company name, address and phone number Lowen TradeSource sales representative/contact person Your name or your company's contact person	Lowen TradeSource quote number if applicable File name and size of file.

Address Attention to: Lowen TradeSource (Customer Service Representative's Name) P.O. Box 1528 Hutchinson, KS 67504-1528	Contact Lowen TradeSource: If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact us Phone: 866.477.7829 Fax: 888.765.6936 Web: www.lowentradesource.com

Acceptable Method Of Sending Files

Upload: www.lowentradesource.com - Click on "Art File Upload"

E-Mail: Files may be e-mailed only if the file size is 5MB or less.

FTP: Please e-mail us at mis@lowen.com or call 866.477.7829 for instructions.

For Fast Turn Around, Please Use The Upload Process.

For FTP Support, please e-mail us at mis@lowen.com or call 866.477.7829