ELECTRONIC ARTWORK GUIDE

Why do we have such high standards? Quality, our main focus is quality. The better the art work, the better the product.

Comparing an image made from a vector file to an image made from a low quality .jpg, you can see the diffrenct. Both images came from the same design program, they where just saved in different formats.

Scanned and bitmapped images that have not been converted to lines, curves or paths may require more time at shop rate. Common types of these files are tiff, bmp, pict, gif, jpeg, eps, etc. Western Neon Sign Co. requires outline art for all files originally created by a scan or paint application. Programs such as Streamline can assist in the “outlining” of your scanned or painted files. Use caution when applying auto trace tools within any application, the result can create over simplified or rough elements that become more obvious when enlarged for production. Additional “clean-up” or perhaps complete redrawing may be required and would be done at shop rate.

Translation Media
The quickest method of transferring your files to Western Neon Sign Co. is via Email. You can do this by emailing us at design@western-neon.com. Only email files to this Email address, all other questions or topics should be directed to gjco@western-neon.com. Include your name, company, and phone numbers so your files can be promptly reviewed and translated into our system. You can also send a P.C. 3.5”(1.44MB) floppy, Zip 100 or 250 MB cartridge, a CD burned to ISO9660, Smart Media card, and Sony Memory Stick.

Checklist:
Although the software guidelines will help provide detailed information for each step, the following checklist provides the basic information needed for translation.
• Is all text converted to outlines, paths or curves?
• Are all graphics converted to lines with no fills, and are the lines clean?
• Have you saved or exported the files as the software guidelines require?

Convert all Text to Paths
Select the text block. From the menu choose Text and select Convert to paths.

Change to Line Form
Select the text or graphic. Go to the color list window, select the Fill box then choose None. Select the Line box then choose Black. Scanned images are not acceptable under this application program, and do not use the trace tool. In most cases the trace tool does not produce a clean outline and will require additional clean-up.

Export as EPS
From the menu bar choose File, then select Export. The export document window appears. Name the file making sure the format is EPS. Select a destination from the box just below the window title, and click Export.
Based on FreeHand version 7.
Normal text Outlined text.

Illustrator and Other Applications
Convert Text to Outlines In the artwork only mode select the text block. From the menu, choose Type and select Create outlines. Change to Artwork mode. The next step is to remove all fills in text and graphics. From the menu choose View then select Artwork.
Scanned images are incompatible in Adobe Illustrator.
Save as EPS,
From the menu bar choose File and select Save as. In the save as window, name the file making sure the format is EPS. Select a destination from the box at the top of the window and click Save. Based on Illustrator version 5.5.

We can accept files from many other applications provided:
• ALL text is converted to paths, outlines or curves.
• ALL graphics, logos and other layouts are in vector (line) form. Scanned/bitmapped images are
not accepted unless they are intended for digital print output.
• The file can be exported or saved as: .eps, .ai or .dxf. images for digital prints:
• Need to be at least 300 dpi at no less than 1/4 the finished size. Saved in raster (pixel) form as .tif, .psd, or .jpg. Normal text Outlined text

Have more questions on what we can work with? Please call use and we will be more then happy to help.