File Submission Guidelines

SUPPORTED FILE FORMATS
The following is a list of common file formats we accept:

Raster: Photoshop (.psd), .jpg, .tif, .png & .pdf
Vector: Illustrator (.ai), InDesign (.indd, .idml), .eps & .pdf
The following is a list of file formats that we do not accept:
Publisher (.pub), Quark (.qrk), Corel (.crd), Any Microsoft Office created image.

VECTOR VS RASTER

There are two types of ways to create a file. Raster or Vector. The one you choose depends on what you are trying to accomplish. 

Vector is an image created from lines and shapes, such as a drawing or cartoon. 

Raster is an image created from many small dots to produce a larger image, such as a real life photo.

RESOLUTION OF RASTER FILES

The quality of raster images is determined by its resolution. The resolution is the PPI = pixels per inch - the number of pixels per inch in screen.

Files must be created in the 150-300 PPI range. 300 PPI is recommended for producing smaller finer details and small text. 200 PPI is average. 150 PPI is acceptable.

As a forewarning, you CAN NOT take a low resolution image and make it a better quality, high resolution image. Resaving in a different program or format will not resolve this.

PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM

If a Pantone Matching System (PMS) number is provided, most colors can be represented fairly close. However, some PMS colors are out of gamut for digital CMYK printing. Certain colors are impossible to represent exactly, however most colors can be represented to less than a 6.0 dE2000.

BLEED

In order to ensure ink coverage is edge to edge on your print, we ask that you send your files with bleed. Bleed is extra color that extends beyond the final size of your print. If your final size is 24" x 36", your submitted image should be 24.25" x 36.25".

OUTLINE FONTS

When you add text to your file it is important that you “Outline” the text before you send it to be printed. If the text isn’t outlined, font substitution may occur when we open the file. Sending fonts with your files is acceptable, but not ideal, there are many variations of a single font , and unless the font is exactly the same font in the document, we may not be able to apply the font correctly.

CUT PATHS

If your project is cut to shape, we ask that you supply us with a cut path. A cut path is a vector shape that allows our cutter to read and match up with registration marks. A simple one pixel stroke on the shape is needed, and preferably placed on a separate layer named “Cut Path”.

Sustainability

Bowman Displays recognizes that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods. This video shows some of what we're doing to help keep our Earth clean for generations to come.