Artwork Requirements

Lettering Direct specializes in the computer cut Vinyl. This method of production requires that all artwork must be supplied in a vector based format (object oriented art). These files, are usually created in drawing or illustration programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, Corel Draw, and all sign making programs. Common file extensions for these drawing programs are .ai, .eps.

We do not digitally print signs, so there are some limits to what we can do. Depending on the application, signage made with Vinyl Lettering & Graphics is visually more appealing and has a much longer outdoor life than digitally printed signage.

Vector Artwork
We only work with Vector format as opposed bitmap/raster formats.
Here seen below is an example of what a Vector image looks like.
As you can see the vector image has grey points and red lines in between. The image is constructed mathematically as a series of points joined by lines. Vector images can be scaled to any size without any loss or distortion to the image.

Guidelines for Submitting Vector Artwork
Before we can make your vinyl lettering signs, your artwork needs to be converted into a Vector format.

ILLUSTRATOR FILES
All elements must be in outline/vector form, and fonts must be outlined/converted to paths. Make sure that all paths are closed. Ensure any pixel based files (ie: jpg, bmp etc..) are converted to an outlined/vector format. Also any lines must be converted to shapes using the 'Outline Stroke' command. (Adobe Illustrator files with 'PLACED' images are not usable).
If your using the latest abode illustrator software program then back save your  file as an Illustrator eps, version 8.

All text and objects of your design first needs to be converted to outlines/paths/or curves   so that our vinyl cutting machine can follow these precise vector mathematical lines to cut, trace, and rout your designs. In order to see exactly what the vinyl cutter will be cutting, look at your file in an outline form. Any lines that show up when you are looking at your file in this mode will be guides for our vinyl cutter to cut.

When you have designed your artwork you need to save it or export it  in a format that our plotter can interpret. Most drawing programs have the option to save as an .EPS file. This is ideal because it is readable across different platforms.

Sometimes we have trouble finding the same fonts that you have used, so it always advisable to convert your lettering to curves so that the computer 'sees' the lettering as a drawing and not as a font. To do this in Corel Draw you must select the lettering and CONVERT TO CURVES. In Illustrator you must select and CONVERT TO LINE

Resources

If you are interested in creating your artwork in Vector format, here are a few website's with tutorials for Adobe Illustrator:

http://www.vecpix.com/tutorials/illustrator/

http://www.tutorialfind.com/tutorials/adobe/illustrator/

http://www.sketchpad.net/illustrator.htm

http://www.adobe.com/products/tips/illustrator.html

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.