FILE FORMATS

(AND WHAT CAUSES DELAYS)

The biggest delays we encounter in producing our clients magnets are:

1. The format the art is received in.

Our service includes professionally setting up your imprint. We can really make your advertisement jump out. If you want to use your art please look over the file types that work and use our templates.
We use CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator which are two professional design programs that accept virtually all usable formats.

These formats are listed below. In Doubt about your imprint? Don't worry. Before we even start your order we look over what you send us to make sure it will work (NO CHARGE FOR THIS). If we have any concerns we will get back to you.
If you want to use our free clip art or photo and add text just send us the text (instructions on using our free art and photos is sent to you right after your order is placed). We also have hundreds of Company logos on file that we can also use at no charge.

2. The quality of the imprint.

There are many "graphic design" programs available. Many of them use low resolution graphics to print. Some times these graphics are good for printing from your home computer but when you use professional printing, usually they do not work. We normally can fix these problems.

If you have a question on your art upload it and we will look it over before starting work.
There is no charge for this.

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This is a list of the major file formats that we can work with.
These formats are OUTPUTS of the program you are working in
For example: card.eps, card.ai, card.doc
FILE FORMATS
EPS Excellent format especially when art has both words and pictures. Version 7 preferred. Convert all fonts to vector objects (paths/curves/outlines).
CDR CorelDraw - We use CorelDraw X# - Excellent format. Convert all fonts to vector objects (paths/curves/outlines)
AI Adobe Illustrator - We use Adobe Illustrator 10- Excellent format. Convert all fonts to vector objects (pathe/curves/outlines).
CPT Corel PhotoPaint - We use CorelPaint 12- Excellent format - Must be at least 300 DPI and to size
PSD Adobe Photoshop- Excellent format - Must be at least 300 DPI and to size
JPG Must be at least 300 DPI and TO SIZE OR LARGER. Send your photos in this format. All logos must be on a TRANSPARENT background if you want a different color than white for the magnet.
PDF Adobe Acrobat - Depends on how you design the art as PDF files are for transporting. Much better to send the art in the format you designed it in. If you do use a PDf File Convert all fonts to vector objects (pathe/curves/outlines)
GIF Sometimes- Must be at least 300 DPI and TO SIZE OR LARGER.
TIF Must be at least 300 DPI and to size- Excellent format
BMP Must be at least 300 DPI and to size and MAY work
BIZ NO
PP5 Sometimes
PPT PowerPoint - Sometimes, if properly designed the art may work but odds are against you. What we normally do is ask you send any graphics you are using alone and we reset the type. Details supplied after you order on how to do this.
DOC Ususally Works For Text. If you use a graphic send it alone
PNG Sometimes Sometimes- Must be at least 300 DPI and TO SIZE OR LARGER.
PUB Publisher - Version 2003 or earlier - Will work for Text Only. EVERYTHING has to be redone as PUB  files WILL distort the imprint. Also, any clipart used in PUB is normally unusable. All photos, clip art, borders, etc. MUST be 300 DPI to work !! We recommend that you do not use this hobbyist program to design your business material in.
Please fax a copy of your proof to 443.596.0202 or attach a jpg or gif file so we can see exactly what you sent.
XLS Excel - Sometimes
TXT Good for Text Only
WPD WordPerfect - Convert to Text
WMF Word format for graphics - Yes
WK Lotus 1-2-3 Sometimes
QUARK NO! UNLESS: All text is converted to outlines/paths and saved as an eps file - Must be at least 300 DPI and to size
PAGEMAKER NO. Convert to EPS/TIF etc
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The Crystal Group
Jim Maher
99 Attenborough Dr, Unit 103
Baltimore, MD 21237

Office: 888.426.2985
Direct: 757.373.1201
Fax: 443.596.0202

E-Mail: jim@crystal-group.com