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This page contains a list of frequently asked questions relating
to our artwork services. If
you have a question
that is not answered on this page please use our enquiry
form.
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Templates
Artwork
Vector and Pixel/Raster artwork
Text
Artwork Proofs
Why should I use HDC templates?
Our templates have been designed to ensure your job will move quickly and smoothly through our production process. Each job is allocated a 30 minute print artwork preparation slot. If your artwork is set up incorrectly your job will go to the back of the artwork queue, incurring potential delays to your job.
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Which template(s) do I use?
All our common templates are on the web site, however if you are having difficulty in finding the correct template please contact our us on 01274 656565 where we will be more than happy to send you a template in the format you need.
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How do I supply my artwork files?
We can receive artwork on disc via post, email, or FTP. We have a 5mb email limit. If your artwork is larger than this it will need to be sent by disc or FTP. If supplying artwork on disc, please ensure you send it on its own disc labeled "artwork", separate to the master disc.
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What file formats do you prefer for artwork?
It depends if your artwork is set up as pixel artwork or vector artwork (see Vector and Pixel/Raster Artwork section). We usually recommend PDF's for both, as they allow your artwork to be checked quickly for print.
Pixel Artwork: PDF (or Jpeg/Tiff/EPS), hi-resolution (300ppi), in CMYK colours.
Vector Artwork: PDF (or EPS) with fonts converted to outlines, in CMYK colours (or Pantone's if we’re screen printing your disc).
You'll also need to supply us with a printed inkjet or laser proof, so we can check the layout is correct. At the quotation stage, we supply a template and artwork specification form which contains all the information you'll need. If followed correctly, it will avoid delays in your job.
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How do I check if my artwork is 300dpi or higher?
There are many programmes to check the quality of your artwork. We recommend using Adobe Acrobat Professional (full version) or Photoshop. We will also check the quality of your artwork when received; if there is a problem with your artwork we will let you know.
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What's the difference between CMYK and RGB?
CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) is the colour mode a designer will use when their artwork is printed. This is because most printers print using CMYK inks. RGB (red, green, blue) is the colour mode a designer will use when their artwork is for web or visual display units (VDU) - computer monitor/ TV etc. This is because VDU’s display using RGB. Your artwork should be supplied as CMYK.
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What's the difference between process and spot colours?
Process colour uses translucent CMYK inks laid on top of one another to create other colours. A spot colour ink is a specially-mixed hue that is not made by combining two or more inks, but rather is a single ink of a specific colour. Spot colours can be brighter or more saturated than process colours, or have special properties, such as metallic gold or fluorescent green.
HDC Media Group uses process colours in printing packaging and discs, and spot colours when screen printing on-discs and USB's. Spot colours are available in package printing for an additional fee. We print spot colours using the Pantone Matching System.
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What is a pantone reference?
Pantone is a colour match referencing system also referred to as PMS (Pantone Matching System). Pantone colours are universal and so when Pantone colours are used in artwork the designer knows exactly what print colour to expect on the final job. Pantone colours are most commonly used in screen printed discs and USB's using vector artwork.
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Will the printing on my CD/DVD match my booklet or digipack?
We will always choose the best method of printing to ensure a good match between discs and paper parts. There are many variables which may affect the printing of your artwork. Our graphics team will highlight any issues that arise.
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What are bleed, safety margin and tolerances?
Bleed (usually 3mm) is the area of print which goes beyond the crop line. This ensures the print goes right to the edge of your artwork. The safety margin is the area 3mm in from the crop line. No text or images should be in the safety margin. This ensures no images or text are cropped accidentally. (See image below). This ensures no images or text are cropped if the artwork moves due to to tolerances. Tolerances are the margins that the print may move on the cutting tool. The tolerances in artwork can be up to +/- 2mm.
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How should I supply a bar code?
You can either supply the bar code already placed on your artwork design, or give us your EAN-13 bar code reference number and we will generate the bar code and place this on your artwork design (subject to your artwork being editable). If you are supplying the bar code already placed on your design, please ensure it is coloured in black only. This ensures the bar code is read properly on a bar code scanner. To increase the readability of the bar code, please keep the artwork a vector wherever you can.
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How much space should I leave for a bar code?
Bar code readers are fairly flexible in how they scan bar codes. We recommend a size of 25mm x 18mm.
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Can you help me with my design?
Yes, we have an in-house graphic design studio with the latest design packages for Macs. Our design team are on hand to help with any general enquiries or can create whole artwork designs and master content from scratch. Graphics time is usually charged at £60 per hour. Call us for a quote.
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What is vector artwork?
Vector artwork is computer generated artwork made from points and lines. Vector artwork can be edited and scaled without losing any quality. Vector artwork tends to be solid block colours and shapes, such as cartoon artwork and text. (See example below). Screen printed discs and USB's require all artwork supplied as vector artwork.
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What is pixel/rasterized artwork?
Pixel or rasterized artwork is any artwork made out of individual pixels. This means the artwork has a limited quality. Quality is measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). We recommend a minimum print quality of 300dpi/300ppi. (See example below)
When the artwork is edited or scaled this effects the quality of the artwork. (See example below). Pixel artwork tends to be images and pictures with gradients.
Pixel artwork scaled 100%. Image becomes blurred, loses quality which creates jagged edges.
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How small can I make my type/font?
We usually recommend that type is no smaller than 6 points.
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Should I convert all my type/font to paths or curves?
Yes we usually recommend this as it ensures your type doesn’t corrupt when we place your artwork into our templates. This also protects the look you intended for your artwork.
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What artwork proofs are available?
Depending on how we’re producing your order you can have:
- Low-resolution PDF email– for layout only (as standard)
- Digital Printed Cromalin Colour Contract Proof – for colour, layout and quality (subject to extra charge)
- Physical Pre-Production Sample – for colour, layout and quality (subject to extra charge)
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What is a Cromalin Contract Proof?
Cromalin is the brand name of the
hi-end contract proofing machine that we use. The Dupont Cromalin
b2 uses the same euro standard profile as the printing presses on
which our products are printed enabling us to produce colour accurate
proofs that can be used as a contract between HDC Media Group and our clients.
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