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  Software: If software package is not listed, Please call before sending your file.
Adobe Illustrator - PREFERRED PROGRAM for flexo printing.  NO CONVERSION REQUIRED. Save as Illustrator file.  DO NOT use transparencies.  Do not embed placed images.

Quark Express - Conversion required at times to aid in flexo printing.

Aldus Freehand - Converts to Illustrator easily.  Save as freehand file or EPS.

CorelDraw - Save as Illustrator file.  Send original CorelDraw file and converted Illustrator file.

Adobe Photoshop - Do not typeset in Photoshop, Save as CMYK 300dpi. .eps or .tif.

NOTE: Supply all files needed (fonts, EPS's, TIFF's etc.)

eMail: artdept@americanlabelco.com

Media: Floppy disks, ZIP, CD

Compression: .sea - self Extracting Archive, .sit Stuffit, zip - PC

Fonts & Graphics Required:
Include all screen and printer fonts (Suitcase and Postscript fonts) or convert type to outlines, include all linked files, i.e. EPS files and their originals, TIFF's, PICT's and Photoshop documents.  canned images must be minimum of 300 dpi resolution.  Always save .eps using binary encoding, never use .jpg encoding.  Save your images as CMYK, DUOTONE or GRAYSCALE.  100% in size.

Camera ready Art:
Sent only when digital art is not available.  Mechanical with crop-to-size.

Process Printing and Color Match Issues:
We print many fine labels with four(4) process colors and/or spot colors.  On the electronic file jobs, we do our own separations and trapping in-house.  Note: variations in printing occur depending on the press and substrate.  In general, printing on gloss, transthermal or litho produces the best results.  If color match is a critical requirements, then these proofs are available:

1. Digital Match Print Proof.
2. Or we can supply a printed press proof.  Note: A nominal fee will be charged for artwork, plates and press time on all printed press proofs.


 		 Graphic Design Guidelines:
Minimum standards: for best results, do not go below these recommendations:  Rules: .5pt (.007 in.). Type: positive: 4 pt sans serif knocked-out, 5 pt. sans serif & 8 pt. serif.  Print to die position: .0625 away from the edge of die.  Color Trap: 5 pt (.007 in).  Scanned images must be at a resolutions of 300 dpi.  We can produce very fine dots down to 0.3% dot.  How fine dots actually print will vary, depending on the anilox rolls, doctor blades, ink systems and press conditions.  Anticipate visible highlight dot gain. drop Shadow without a keyline can cause registration problems.  Bleeds should be .125" off die line.
 

Colors:
-Properly define colors as process (CMYK) or spot (PMS).
-Pay attention on whether colors are set to knockout or overprint.
-Delete unused colors.
-Screens and solids do not always run together.  (when ran together, the solid color could be 2-3 shades lighter in order to keep the screens clean.) Example: 4/color process has a screen black and solid black type.
-Consider using single spot color when [possible and stay away from knock-outs in multiple colors (i.e. process).
-Allow the design to accept at least .5pt of trap.

Printer's Note:
Variations in printing occur depending on the press and the substrate.  In general, printing on gloss, transthermal or litho produces the best results.  therefore, please adhere to our graphic design guidelines.

Helpful reminders for art department on color separation issues.
1. Before sending us the file, if you know the job is going to be Pantone or spot colors make sure that you don't have any other colors than your Pantone that you are using.  We suggest laser printing your color separations to ensure that you don't have unexpected spot colors.  If we encounter an unusual situation, you will be charged extra for artwork, diagnosis and problem solving. 

2. Be sure to convert any scanned image to 300 dpi. CMYK 100% size before saving it.  Save them as .eps or .tif with binary encoding.

3. Always supply necessary fonts only, screen and printer fonts, in any case.

4. We are not responsible for damaged or lost media or files.  Send copies of files only.  DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL FILES.

5. Media will be returned only upon request.

If you have any concerns about the information contained here, please call us at (562) 921-9437.