Artwork Questions

Logo Requirements

Does it cost extra to print a logo?

Although this is a simple question, this answer is not so evident.

Products customized online: Adding a logo in the ink color choice available does not cost extra. However, if you want to order envelopes that only come in black ink and your logo is red and black, we will need to provide you with a quote on Your Own Design 2 ink color envelopes.
Products with your own design: Since the price varies depending on the ink color(s) used, the logo will cost extra if it is in color.
Full color products: Since the price includes any and all colors, the logo will not cost extra.

What file formats do you accept for logos?

We accept files for logos in the following formats: jpeg, gif, tiff, bmp, pdf, psd, ai, png, and cdr.

All other files will need to be submitted as detailed below. Any other file type can be reviewed but will result in the order being delayed.

Software	File Extension	Instructions
Multiple	.gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png	Only accepted for logos or custom imprints!
Adobe InDesign	.indd	Save file as EPS or send PDF
Adobe Illustrator	.ai	Outline fonts, save file as EPS or send PDF
Adobe PDF	.pdf	Make sure resolution is 300 DPI or more
Adobe Photoshop	.psd	Save file as EPS or send PDF
Canva	.jpeg, .png, .pdf	Make sure resolution is 300 DPI or more
CorelDraw	.cdr	Outline fonts
Mailed Copy	/	Original must be in optimal condition. Scan fees apply.

Artwork files accepted

We accept files for products with your own design that were created using graphic software or online design platforms as long as the file resolution is at least 300 DPI.

Any file not mentioned below may still be submitted for review, but this will result in the order being delayed. We can otherwise create the artwork, free or charge on projects up to 3 ink colors, based on a Word, Excel or even a drawn document.

Software	File Extension	Instructions
Adobe InDesign	.indd	Save file as EPS or send PDF
Adobe Illustrator	.ai	Outline fonts, save file as EPS or send PDF
Adobe PDF	.pdf	Make sure resolution is 300 DPI or more
Adobe Photoshop	.psd	Save file as EPS or send PDF
Canva	.pdf	Make sure resolution is 300 DPI or more
CorelDraw	.cdr	Outline fonts
Mailed Copy	/	Original must be in optimal condition. Scan fees apply.
Microsoft Excel	.xlsx	Only accompanied by PDF
Microsoft Word	.docx	Embed fonts, no Bing images or WordArt allowed

Artwork and/or images used must always be at 300 dpi (dots per inch) in resolution or the print will be blurry and/or pixelated.

Even though an image may print fine on an office printer, presses are more accurate and the final result will be pixelated if the resolution of the file is too low.

File Resolution

To check a file's resolution, open it with one of the software below and follow the instructions given for that software.

All logos and files for printing with your own design should be at 300 dpi (for projects up to 3 ink colors) or 1200 dpi (for full color projects).

Software	Files Supported	Instructions
Microsoft Paint	Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png	Click Properties
Adobe InDesign	Will open .indd, .pmd, .xqx	Click Image > Window > Info
Adobe Illustrator	Will open gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .ai, .eps, .cdr, .psd	All imported images should be at 300 dpi. Click on each image > Window > Document Info
Adobe Photoshop	Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .psd, .pdf	Click Image > Image Size

Changing a file resolution

Although we DO NOT recommend this and would rather have you start over (scan, draw or import), in some rare cases, the resolution of an image can be changed. In such a case, the image must be larger than the intended output. For instance, if you would like the final image to be 1 inch wide and you start with an image that is 4 inches wide, you will be able to reduce the file size (and thus increase the resolution) without affecting its quality. To change a file's resolution, open it with one of the software below and follow the instructions given for that software.

Software	Files Supported	Instructions
Adobe Photoshop	Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .psd, .pdf	Click Image > Image Size > Verify that image size is larger than desired output > Make sure "Constrain Proportions" is checked > Change resolution to 300 pixels/inch

Sending Your Artwork

There are 2 reasons to send us artwork:

You placed an order with us and could not upload it
You need a quote for a custom project

In both cases, you can email your file(s) to artwork@smartresolution.com

In the case of an order, please mention your order number in the subject field of your email.

Font Considerations

Due to the enormous amount of fonts available on the market today, we may not always have the font you would like on our system.

Whether the artwork was designed on a Mac or PC, Postscript fonts and True Type fonts will work fine.

Sending fonts

Mac Fonts : Fonts are stored in the Fonts folder in the library. Every font used must be included with the artwork. We will need the fonts provided in all styles (regular, bold, italic, bold italic and condensed). DO NOT include the entire font library. The fonts used to process an order are removed from our system upon completion of the job.

PC Fonts : Fonts are located either under Fonts Settings. Search for the fonts used to design the file and temporarily paste them on the desktop. We need the fonts provided in all styles (regular, bold, italic, bold italic and condensed). DO NOT include the entire font library. The fonts used to process an order are removed from our system upon completion of the job.

If files are under 2MB, they can be uploaded during checkout or emailed to artwork@smartresolution.com .

To reduce the file size, you may compress your files.

If the files are over 10MB, they can be sent on a CD to the following address:

Smart Resolution
PO Box 4668
PMB 83245
New York, NY 10163-4668

Please keep in mind that this will delay an order.

Software Specific Instructions to Submit Fonts

Software	File Extension	Instructions
Adobe Illustrator	.ai	Select All -> Type -> Create Outlines
CorelDraw	.cdr	Convert all Text to Curves
Microsoft Publisher	.pub	File -> Pack & Go for Commercial Printer
Microsoft Word	.docx	Tools -> Options –> Save Tab -> Embed True Type Fonts

Considerations for PageMaker users

When working in PageMaker, do not to use the style palette to alter the appearance of fonts. If you want bold or italic fonts, use the actual fonts. Do not to use the Shadow or Outline features as they will not work with our printing process.

Fonts might print fine on a desktop printer but not when sent to an image setter. We will not accept responsibility for output errors due to the use of the style palette.

Large Black Ink Coverage Considerations

When using large areas of black ink coverage in a file, it is always best to create a "Built Black" of 75% Cyan, 50% Magenta, 50% Yellow and 100% Black. Do not use rich black in your fonts. Any type using this color will be blurry.

Graphic Design Options

Does Smart Resolution offer graphic design?

We do, indeed.

We offer FREE graphic design for orders printed up to 3 ink colors. This also includes the creation of custom imprint areas for customized products but most often, the creation of a product made from scratch, like a business invoice or laser check.

Full color products offer graphic design services at a cost. A quote may be provided upon request.