Using Our Template

Download Templates from our templates download page. Please note where templates are saved on your hard drive.

Open Sharpdots’ Template file in Illustrator. Read specific instructions on template while creating your artwork. Do not use “Template Layer,” this layer is for template information only, and will be deleted before printing. Do not alter page size or margins, as they are critical in the correct placement of your work.

Illustrator Inspection Checklist

Verify All 6 Points Below Prior To Submitting.

1. Convert all colors to CMYK
   Verify all colors in the color swatch are cmyk build. Go to File > Document Color Mode > CMYK color
   
   
2. Transparency Settings and Gradients
   Go to File > Document Setup.
   
   
   
   In Transparency Section, click “Custom”.
   
   
   
   For Raster/Vector Balance, set slider to Vectors (value of 100). Set Line Art to 2540, and Gradient to 300. Leave boxes unchecked.
   
   
3. Raster Effects
   Go to Effects > Document Raster Effects Settings.
   
   
   
   Choose CMYK color model. Set Resolution to 300ppi. Set Background to “Transparent.” Check Anti-alias, and be sure that a 0.5 in value around objects is entered. Click OK.
   
   
4. Confirm all linked images are press-ready
   - CMYK color mode. To change an RGB image to CMYK click the image, click Edit, mouse over Edit Colors, release on Convert to CMYK.
   
   
   
   Any images left in RGB mode will be converted automatically by our servers, using our profiles, and may not match the conversion tables on your computer.
   
   - 300-350dpi (scaling above 100% will cause problems – please see the resolutions section on our website)
   
   
5. Convert Fonts to Outlines
   Select all text (ctl A), click Type Menu, click Create Outlines.
   
   
   
   Any text boxes without text in them will not be converted to outlines. These need to be removed. To find them click the Type Menu, click Show Hidden Text. Delete these unused text boxes/lines. Any files submitted with empty text boxes will cause placement problems and delays.
   
   
6. Remove all non-printing items
   Select all to view any stray points on the outside of the printing area other than bleeds and delete these. Remove empty text boxes.

File Formats

SharpDots accepts the following file formats from Illustrator:

1. Illustrator EPS (.eps)
   Go to File > Save As. Select Illustrator EPS, click Save. This will open the EPS Options window.
   
   
   
   Set Preview Format to TIFF (8-bit Color) and check the "Transparent" radial button. Set Transparency Overprints to “Preserve” and Preset to "High Resolution." Set Fonts to “Embed Fonts” (This is just a precautionary measure, as all fonts should be already converted to outlines). In Options, check Include Document Thumbnails, and Include CMYK PostScript in RGB Files. Select “Languagelevel 3” for Adobe PostScript. Click OK. File is now ready to submit.
   
   
2. PDF
   If this is your first PDF submission, be sure to first download Sharpdots’ Illustrator PDF settings. Once you have our settings on your computer, go to Edit > Adobe PDF Presets.
   
   
   
   Click on Import, locate Sharpdots’ settings file and click Open.
   This will take you back to the “PDF Presets” window, note that Sharpdots’ settings are now on the list, click OK. These settings can now be used for future orders.
   
   To create your PDF, go to File > Save As.
   
   
   
   Name your PDF, choose a location, select Format “Adobe PDF,” and click save.
   
   
   
   When PDF Options menu appears, use the Preset pull down menu to choose “SharpDots.” Click “Save PDF.” This PDF is ready for submission to Sharpdots.