Templates

If you don't see the template you're looking for, please feel free to contact the Graphics Department. All EPS templates are created in Adobe Illustrator CS. All Quark templates are created in QuarkXpress 6.0. If you are unsure which template you need, download the PDF to view the product. If you have any questions scroll to the bottom of the page for some helpful information or check out our graphic file submission guidelines for additional information.

If you have any trouble downloading our templates try right-clicking the file and select 'save target as...' to save the file to your hard drive.

Graphics FAQ

Q: What's the difference between offset and silkscreen printing?

A: Offset printing presses use the same method as four-color process printing on paper, in which the four ink colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) are transferred from plates to rollers to the printed surface, giving a smooth, even appearance. This results in much less ink on the surface. Offset printing is ideal for intricate full-color graphic designs, skin tones and crisp text. Offset printing also works well for jobs that require a smooth surface finish.The resolution of offset printing is also higher quality at 200lpi (lines per inch).

In silkscreen printing, ink is forced through a screen mesh onto the surface of the material to be printed. The mesh size of the screen, as well as other factors, cause the resolution of silkscreen printing to be 150lpi. Silkscreening also leaves a much heavier coat of ink that you can actually feel. Silkscreening is appropriate for all 1 to 4 color projects, especially those requiring PMS colors or complete, solid ink coverage.

Q: Why don't we offer Photoshop templates?

A: While Photoshop is hands down the most powerful image editing program on the market today, it is not suited for page layout and does not handle text well at all. Text in Photoshop has to be rasterized (turned into art) and will result in text that appears "fuzzy." It would be irresponsible for us to offer templates that give our customers poor quality text. However, we will accept artwork in Photoshop, but please understand that your finished product will not be of the highest quality possible. If you must use Photoshop, our suggestion is to "force" our PDF or EPS templates open in Photoshop by using the File>Open command in the menu bar and using a resolution of at least 300 pixels/inch.

Q: Do you accept PageMaker files?

A: We do not accept PageMaker files. However, you may export EPS or TIFF files from PageMaker.

Q: What about Adobe Acrobat?

A: We LOVE Adobe Acrobat! We use it everyday, ripping proofs for customer approvals, distilling ultra-high resolution files for direct-to-plate printing even creating completely interactive e-forms like our Electronic File Submission PDF (don't forget to download this form to send along with your files!). However, as much as we like Acrobat, our record of receiving ready-to-print files has not been very good. If you are a high-end designer with a master level knowledge of Acrobat, give us a call and we can make it work. If your experience with Adobe Acrobat has been limited to Reader or the basic editing tools, your best bet is to send us the native art files from one of the professional level design programs mentioned above.

Q: Can I supply my own film?

A: Absolutely! Please call or email the Graphics Department for the latest specifications for film output so there are no delays with your project. Don't forget to supply a contract color or matchprint proof with your film so our pressmen have a color sample to match. Color laser or inkjet proofs are not an acceptable alternative due to the wide range of variance in color output between models. If you have no way to provide a contract color proof with your film and only have access to an inkjet or color laser printer, download our Color Waiver form, fill it out and send it along with your film to avoid additional delays.

Any other questions? Feel free to give us a call at 317.549.8484 or email the Graphics Department.

(See also -- Business and Production Forms, Graphics Checklist)