Here is the definition of Vector Art (using guidelines from Promotional Products Industry SmartCodes, Smart Code #1).
VECTOR ARTWORK - definition from Promotional Products Industry Smart Codes
- Must be saved in the Postscript Format and contain no
Postscript errors, stray points or colors assigned inconsistently to
the type of imprinting -- specifically --
- if your order will be screened or embossed; then all colors must be 100% of a PANTONE COLOR, no half-tones of a color
- if your order will be digitally (vignette) printed - colors must be set as CMYK, half-tones OK
- if your order will be offset printed, colors must set as CMYK or PANTONE, half-tones OK
- All type that has been set must be converted to curves (outlines). If future changes to the text will be necessary, the original font file must be supplied with the art file (we support both MAC and PC)
- All design elements in the file must meet our minimum standards (recommended minimum size if 0.125" of any element)
- If the vector file contains any linked (placed) raster images, these images must be a minimum of 300 dpi at 100% of the print size, must be set in CMYK and must be submitted with the original vector file.
- PDF Files created from vector files must retain the editing capabilities of the program that was used to create them (e.g. Illustrator or Freehand).
- PDF Files that contain raster elements must meet the standards from above for raster images (CMYK, 300 dpi at 100% of size)
- PDF Files that contain vector elements must meet the standards from above for vector art
- No matter what the format or transfer method, artwork should never be submitted without either a hard copy proof or electronic equivalent (properly prepared PDF files are suitable as proofs)
- Any fonts used in the product of art files should be converted to curves (outlines) prior to submission.
- ONLY PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE packages may be used to produce artwork. Although programs like Microsoft Word and Publisher are useful tools, they are NOT capable of producing art files of a quality necessary for imprinting purposes.
