Image Guidelines

1. What is dpi?
2. What is the minimum recomended dpi?
3. What is the maximum recomended dpi?
4. Should I convert my image to CMYK?
5. What is colour gamut?
6. How can I check if my RGB image is out of gamut?
7. What file formats do you accept?
8. What about Quark or Illustrator?

What is dpi?

Dots Per Inch (dpi) is a figure used to represent the resoloution of a file when printed at a certain size. Higher is better.

What is the minimum dpi I can get away with?

That really depends on your image, if you have a very soft fuzzy image (like a "romantic portrait") then you can get away with quite a low dpi. However if you have sharp lines or lettering you will need quite a high (200 - 300dpi) in order to prevent your image from comming out jaggy.

We require that you provide us with a file big enough for at least 100dpi at print size (See previous question).

What is the maximum recomended dpi?

Generally, as long as your image meets the minimum recomended dpi you don't have to worry. That last thing we want you to do is crank the dpi up in photoshop as the only difference tends to be a huge file.

In practice, 300dpi for canvas/textured media. 600dpi for photo papers.

Should I convert my image to CMYK?

Short answer - No. Long Answer - We use a six colour CMYKcm ink set so are able to print much closer to the RGB colours you see on screen than the standard CMYK. If you convert your image to CMYK you are in effect limiting the output of our equipment to CMYK (See next question).

What is colour gamut?

The term colour gamut refers to the range of colours that exist within a specified working space. For example RGB has its own working space and range of colours, CMYK has a different working space and range of colours. Not all the colours that exist in the RGB working space exist in CMYK. Neither of these colour ranges can reproduce all colours seen by the human eye. The RGB gamut of computer monitors varies. LCD screens have a much smaller gamut.

The term 'out of gamut' relates to a range of RGB colours that cannot be reproduced on a CMYK printer. Most packages deal by default with RGB which contains a different range of colours than CMYK. Therefore it is important that you have checked the the colour conversion to check it retains its original appearance (See next question).

How can I check if my RGB image is out of gamut?

The following relates specifically to Adobe Photoshop, all keyboard shortcuts mentioned are for the PC version.

To check the difference between the two colour spaces before submitting (in Photoshop) you have a couple of tools. From the top menu 'View>Gamut Warning' (Shift+Ctrl+Y) will apply a grey mask overlay indicating clearly what sections are out of gamut.

Alternatively you can switch between RGB and CMYK modes by pressing 'CTRL+Y', which will result in a colour shift where out of gamut colours are present

Simply put, this means that any colours shown to be out of gamut may not print as expected, because we use a 6 colour CMYKcm ink set your prints will come out somewhere between the RGB and photoshop CMYK modes. If you are in any doubt about the acceptability of the colour reproduction, please order a proof.

What file formats do you accept?

TIF (with LZW compression) is our prefered file format, JPEG's with minimal compression and flattened PSD's are fine.

Vector image formats such as PDF or EPS, have to be provided print ready. In other words the files have to be set to print at the correct final size and any borders (etc) must be included. We also request that you supply us with a small rasterised JPG version of the image so we can verify that what we see on screen is what we are supposed to see. If in doubt, order a proof first.

NOTE : Print ready PDF files must be version 1.4 or later, if in doubt open the file in Adobe PDF Viewer and check the document properties.

What about Quark or Illustrator?

We cannot accept Quark or Illustrator (.ai) files, please export your image as either a TIF at 200 - 300dpi, or as an EPS or PDF (See previous question).

FAQ

1. Can you print my image xxxxx size?
2. I have this image... how big can you print it?
3. My file is over 10MB, Can I email it?
4. What type of inks do you use?
5. What is the canvas lamination?
6. Do you offer a canvas framing service?
7. Can I have a proof?
8. What is your standard turnaround?
9. I need my prints urgently, can you help?
10. What do you charge for delivery?
11. How do I pay for my prints?
12. Do you use PC or Mac?
13. I other questions....

Can you print my image xxxxx size?

All our product pages contain 'A' sizes purely as a guide to the prices, you can literally have any image any size as long as it's within our manufacturing capabilities. Our price calculator has all our manufacturing restrictions built in and so on inputting your image requirements you will be informed of any problems.

I have this image... how big can you print it?

The largest we can print an image can be determined by a simple calculation.

Open your file in your paint application of choice and find the images pixel dimensions, divide the two lengths by 100, and you have the largest size we can print that file as supplied in inches.

For example, if you submit an image file that is 4100 pixels x 3500 pixels the maximum size we would print that file (at 100dpi) is 41" x 35".

My file is over 10MB, Can I email it?

We don't have a limit on the size of email we can receive, but you may have a limit on the maximum file size you can send, hence our recommendation of no more than 10MB by email.

If your image is more than 10MB will have to be provided on a CD or via our drop box.

What type of inks do you use?

We use a six-colour UV true pigment ink system to achieve sharp and vibrant prints. This provides long-lasting lightfast prints with an outdoor life expectancy of around a year depending on conditions. Indoor fade resistance of up to 200 years could be achieved under museum conditions (quoted from manufacturers guidelines).

What is the canvas lamination?

We heat bond a very thin layer of vinyl to the surface of the canvas. This provides a protective coating that is resistant to scratching and spillages. Its is very flexable allowing the canvas to be framed as normal. It does add a slight sheen to the surface of the print. It contains a UV filter for increased UV stability which will adjust the final colours slightly. If you are in any doubt about how good a laminated canvas print looks, please order a proof.

Please do not compress your file as a JPG in order to make it small enough to email.

For really large files we recommend you send them to us on a CD/DVD or via an online service such as yousendit.com (Free).

Can I have a proof?

A proof service is available on request to check colour balance, whereby we will produce an A4 sized print either of a section or full image. We charge a flat rate fee of £2.35 per proof which includes VAT and P&P.

Do you offer a canvas framing service?

Yes!

What is your standard turnaround?

Our quoted turn around for an order is 5 working days; however we do work efficiently and as a result can more than often get your prints out before the quoted turn around.

I need my prints urgently, can you help?

If you need your printing done faster than our usual 5 working day turnaround, please contact us.

What do you charge for delivery?

All deliveries within the UK are subject to a fixed £8.95 +VAT charge regardless of the medium or quantity of prints ordered. Customers outside the UK please contact us before ordering.

How do I pay for my prints?

Each order sent out will include an invoice asking for payment within 14 days by either cheque, bank transfer or credit/debit card.

Do you use PC or Mac?

No. We use Gentoo Linux. In other words, don't worry about it :)

I have other questions....

Please do not hesitate to contact us.