The best file format for promotional items is a vector based file created in professional graphics application such as Adobe Illustrator, FreeHand or Corel Draw. Vector files allow us to adjust the size of your artwork without risk of distortion or "jaggies." Vector art is resolution independent and that's a good thing when you are trying to maintain the integrity of your artwork. EPS files also retain specific PANTONE color information that ensures accurate logo color and reduces the chance that your HUNTER GREEN 3308 will turn into LIME GREEN 375. These files are also typically small in size so they email and transfer quickly and securely. Be aware that saving your raster based jpeg artwork as an .eps file is NOT vector art.

Other files that can produce potentially good results include raster based files created in professional graphics applications like Adobe Photoshop, or Gimp. The primary challenge with using these applications to create production quality art is they create resolution dependent files that can get jaggy if they are resized from what was originally created. But if you are a PhotoShop guru, make sure the files you create are 300dpi at the size you intend the image to print.

Some file formats are definitely not appropriate for quality promotional marketing projects. Friends don't let friends use MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Paint to create production ready art. File types ending in .jpg, .gif, .png, .ppt, .doc are not acceptable production ready art. Also, while the internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and transfer assets, don't get tempted to use art appearing on a website for promotional marketing. No matter how good the graphic looks on your screen, it will not look good on your promotional marketing item.

Once again, if you have a question concerning the quality or file type of your artwork, feel free to email ARTgenius@bluegrassltd.com and we'll get right back to you.