Acceptable Software:
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, QuarkXPress 6.5. We cannot accept native files from the following
programs: CorelDraw, PageMaker, Microsoft Publisher, PowerPoint or Word. If you have artwork in these unsupported
programs, save or export an EPS, PS or PDF file and submit. Include a low res screenshot of the artwork to compare
against once we open the file in Adobe Illustrator.
File Setup Size:
Setup all files at full print size. Use half or quarter size if necessary. Do not add bleed or crop marks. Keep crucial
elements, such as text, logos and important photographic areas at least 2” away from every edge of the panel, due
to necessary production over-sizing for XY cutting. Some Skyline products, especially fabric graphics, require a much
larger safe area than just 2". Please ask your sales rep to give you the safe area measurements for each of your
graphics.
Image Resolution:
We recommend 100 dpi at full size, with an acceptable range of 75 - 100 dpi. “Rezzing up” an image to a higher dpi,
will only soften the image, not add detail. Always preview raster artwork at actual print size to check for any hidden
flaws. 50 dpi and lower can still look good from a distance, but will look pixelated upon closer inspection. If your
images require scanning, we recommend the superior image detail attained by professional grade drum and flat bed
scanners. Even high end retail scanners with high optic resolutions may not provide adequate detail.
RGB Color Mode:
We prefer files in RGB color mode. If given the option of "embedding a profile" when saving any art file, you should
choose to embed it. In our testing, the best results have been from images created using the RGB format and have
not been moved to and from the smaller CMYK color space.
Pantone PMS Colors:
You should spec all crucial color matches from the PMS Pantone fanbook. We will try to reproduce the true Pantone
“Solid Color” color, however the printed color may be closer to the CMYK “4/C Process” color. There are some colors
we cannot reproduce perfectly, but we will get as close as each process allows. If choosing Pantone colors in Adobe
Photoshop, you should select your colors from the "PANTONE solid coated" library, to get the most accurate results.
Do not specify metallic or fluorescent colors, as it is impossible for us to reproduce those colors on photographic
paper or with CMYK inks. Critical color issues should be coordinated with your sales representative.
Black Specifications:
For the darkest black output possible, set solid black objects in your file, including vector and raster art, to these specs:
RGB Color Mode -- R=0, G=0, B=0 | CMYK Color Mode (when apllicable) -- C: 100 M: 100 Y: 100 K: 100
Placing Raster Images:
For placement into Illustrator, InDesign, Freehand and Quark, save images as Photoshop EPS’s. Set Preview setting
to JPEG and Encoding to JPEG (Maximum Quality) or Binary. Make sure to not check any of the check boxes in the
Photoshop EPS save dialog window, as these options can cause problems with the RIP software. Do not embed or
parse the files. Always link the files, which allows for color correction, proofing and editing. Make sure to include all
linked image files separately. Embedded images can not be guaranteed. Both reflective and backlit materials are
available. Inks are water-soluble and must be laminated for use.
Raster Only Art:
If no vector art is used, raster only artwork can be sent in as a JPEG with the quality slider maxed out at 12, or a TIF
file with LZW compression.
Fonts:
Outline ALL fonts before submission. (Not possible to outline fonts in QuarkXPress, so send all fonts.)
Acceptable Storage Media:
CD's & 4.7 GB DVD's. Include project name, Skyline sales rep's name, your address and your phone with all media.
Included only files pertaining to your project. Do not included unnecessary or unrelated files on the disk.
