Preparing artwork

Resolution, file size and color model are key to submitting a digital file to Oak Creek Printworks. When scanning an image, specifying the image resolution in pixels per inch (ppi), also known sometimes as dots per inch (dpi), determines the amount of information to be captured and the quality of the resulting digital file. In digital and offset printing, the amount of resolution necessary is dependent on the size the image will be printed or displayed.

Resolution

Please send us your images in 300ppi resolution at the largest size you would like us to print. The Printworks currently runs images in four standard sizes:

1. Notecard (4.25 x 5.5 in.) - Approx. image size: 3.5 x 4.75 in.
2. Greeting Card (5 x 7 in.) - Approx. image size: 4.25 x 6.275 in.
3. Matted Print (11 x 14 in.) - Approx. image size: 6.25 x 8.25 in.
4. Matted Print (16 x 20 in.) - Approx. image size: 7.75 x 10.5 in.

If your image does not fit within these proportions, upon your direction, we will either crop or surround your image with a white frame.

Color Mode

We've noticed that most people leave their files in RGB mode, the color model used by digital cameras and scanners. While RGB serves well when printing from Photoshop, our page layout software does an awful job converting from RGB to CMYK. We suggest that you convert files to CMYK before you submit them to us. In Photoshop, you'll find it under the "Image>Mode" menu. Be sure to convert and send a copy of your image file along with a CMYK proof from your printer. Once a file is converted from RGB to CMYK, don't convert back, as this can really tweak the file's color info!

File Format - cursed jpegs!

When properly used, jpegs are just fine, but sadly, many people abuse the jpeg format. Once a jpeg file has been edited, it should not be saved as a jpeg again. This produces unwanted artifacts, typically visible as a kind of "checkerboard" pattern when you zoom in and look closely at the file. We prefer that you send us your files on a CD in uncompressed "TIFF" format. We generally do not return CDs. Please include a proof print if you want us to match your colors. If you do not have the means to digitize your images, talk to us...we can assist!

File Size

As a rule of thumb, an 8x10 CMYK image should be 27.5 megabytes...if your file is only 1 megabyte, the quality is severely compromised!

If you have any questions, please contact us.