Printing
What type of file should I send?
We recommend 2 copies of the file: one copy in the native page layout program, and the eps, postscript or pdf. The native copy will allow a back up for any issues or concerns we may encounter in the printing process. Our RIP supports the following native file formats: tif, eps, postscript and pdf.
Can you print Pantone (PMS) colors?
Our digital printers print in process colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) to create all colors on the page. Some Pantone colors can convert to process and still look like PMS colors while others are not as close. Sometimes adjustments can be made to the image to better match the colors, but there will always be some that are out of range, such as fluorescent and metallic colors.
Should I convert spot colors to process in my document?
No. Please leave all Pantone colors as spot colors and with their original name (ie. Pantone 201 C). Our printers will automatically find the best ink combination to closely match each specified color for the paper. If the color name has been changed, it may not print as accurately as possible and we would not know which color you intended it to be.
Why doesn't the print look like what I see on my monitor?
Designers and printers work in color managed environments to achieve predictable color results. We calibrate our scanners, cameras, monitors and printers to better anticipate the changes in color from an additive color space such as monitors and televisions to a subtractive color space with printed inks on paper. We use profiles attached to each image file to translate the color information from one color space to another. Without a controlled environment and profiles the computers merely assigns the closest color value to your image which may not be what you anticipated. This is why we require you to view a printed proof.
Why didn’t NER’s print look like the one I printed on my printer?
If we receive a file without a color profile our RIP may not interpret the information as you anticipated because it does not have a reference on how to process the color data.
If you are not working within a color managed environment our output of your files may not be as you anticipated. This is why we require you to view a printed proof for all color prints. If the proof does not match your sample as desired NER can color adjust the file for an additional fee.
How can I obtain more predictable color when printing with NER?
To successfully print your job, our systems need to interpret your files, which includes the software, fonts, graphics, and color systems you are working in. Now more than ever, color is becoming a necessary component. For realistic expectations you will need to work with a calibrated monitor, printer and within a controlled light environment. All files should also have the color profile information embedded within the document. Some colors displayed on a computer screen are beyond the color gamut of printers and are unable to be recreated as seen on screen.
What color profiles should I use?
If you are not working with color-managed files please change your image color settings to:
• Adobe RGB (1998)
• U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2
• Grey Gamma 2.2
You can make this change in Photoshop under Edit > Color Settings
This will provide more realistic color expectation when printed. If you have an image without a color profile you can assign a profile in Photoshop. If you have another profile already attached, like one from a scanner or digital camera you should covert the profile to your working color space [Adobe RGB (1998)]
What type of bitmap image resolution is needed for printing graphics?
This is the most challenging question in digital printing. There are two types of resolution: image and file resolution. An image scanned at 72 PPI (”pixels per inch,“ which equals 72 pixels high then 72 pixels wide). PPI is used in scanning, cameras and images. The more pixels per inch the higher quality the image will be to print. More pixels equals more file size. We would like enough to produce a quality print, but not too much to slow the process down. Generally 150 ppi at the final intended size of the image will produce a quality image for our printers. If your image is 400 ppi at 10” x 8” and you want to enlarge it to 30”x24”; the image file size will be 133 ppi and not enough pixels to produce a quality print. How did we figure this? You are enlarging the image 3 times or 300%. Your initial digital image file is 1/3 the size of what you want to print at; we divided 400 ppi by 3 which equates to 133 pixels per inch and just under the guide.
I am providing a vector file. What type of resolution is needed?
Unlike bitmap information which is resolution-dependent, vector art is resolution-independent. This means you can enlarge or reduce the file without any loss of definition or detail.
My camera has 5 megapixels. Can I make it poster size and have it look good?
Maybe. Enlarging an image of that quality largely depends upon the distance you will be viewing it from. The further away you are, the better the image will look. Up close the image will appear jagged, blurry and may have blocks of color visible. The purpose of the print and your own expectations will determine your level of satisfaction. NER will advise you if your results will be less than ideal prior to printing.
How long will my fine art print last?
Several factors apply: media, exposure to light, glass protected framing, ink permanence, humidity and temperature. Just as in displaying original artwork, similar standards apply. NER uses UV pigmented inks which will be longer lasting than dye based inks; what is sacrificed in a smaller color gamut makes up in longevity. Store the prints in a dry, cool, moisture protected environment when not on display.
