File Prep Guidelines
In order to help you obtain the best quality CHPL (Custom High Pressure Laminate) signs and murals, we have created the following File Prep Guidelines. The Fossil Art Department is here to help. Please let us know if you have any questions or need anything. We offer art production, design services or can assist you in preparing your files.
For any art related questions please email us at: ArtDepartment@FossilGraphics.com
Click on a title below to view the guidelines for each item:
Checklist
- Panel files set up individually (one panel per file) at 100 % with page layouts set to final size.
- CMYK color mode preferred. Blacks set to Pure Black (100% K) .
- Solid Coated Pantones converted to CMYK (Adobe no longer suppor ts Pantone Solid Coated or Uncoated).
- Panels require a .25” bleed on each side bey ond your finished panel size. This is an extension of your background colors and/or background images required to provide edge to edge printing.
- Panels require a .5” margin to the inside of your panel on each side. This provides .5” of a safety area between crucial foreground images, text and the cut edge. All artw ork closer than .5” to the finished edge is considered non-critical.
- Panels quoted with NPS frames will require a 1” margin for the viewable area. Any artwork closer than 1” from the finished edge will be covered by the NPS frame.
- Panels included in murals have been identified to Fossil.
- Double Sided panels have a maximum panel size of 52″ x 142.5″ Exterior & 58.5” x 142.5” for Interior .
- Flip books must be specified as such and a build guide must be provided for manufacturing purposes.
- Fonts fully outlined or include the font files for us to install. Note: Adobe no longer supports Type 1 fonts.
- Raster images 240 DPI minimum and 300 DPI maximum resolution. When using InDesign please look at your Actual PPI for resolution.
- Color Sample file must be included in the s ame format as production files.
- PDF’s files provided are for layout reference .
- Vector path for custom cut panels provided on a separate, non-printing layer labeled “Cut Path”.
- Use as few anchor points as possible (See Fig. 1). Standard corner radius is 1/16” Any radius is available. Specify size in inches.
- Insert and hole placement ind icated on a separate, non-printing layer.
- Insert placement not required for standard Fossil hardware.
- If you are using Fossil Panels as assembly components and h ave critical cuts or tolerances, make us aware when placing your order so that we can achieve your desired results.
- Fossil does not guarantee the availability of archived files.
Color Samples
Color Samples help ensure that your finished project matc hes your expectations. They are manufactured exactly as finished panels, but are only 1/8” thick. Depending on the scope of your project, more than one Color Sample may be helpful.
OPTION 1.
You create the Color Sample file, and we produce the sample(s) from it. We feel this is the best option because you know what
images and colors are important to review. Your file must be 8 ” x 10” and can be e ither a section of your panel or a collage of elements from one or multiple panels. Color Sample files must be set up the same way as your original files. Graphics and text should be kept at 100% of their final size.
OPTION 2.
Fossil can create the Color Sample file for you. We will use the art files that you have sent us and pick elements that we feel are important and incorporate them into your Color Sample. The Art Charge is $60.00 per sample.
OPTION 3. Color Samples may be waived at your discretion. Should you choose this option, we will send you a Color Waiver form.
Murals
- Maximum individual panel size: 58.5” x 142.5”.
- Include crop marks to indicate the panel sizes and final mural size.
- Include a .5″ inch bleed around mural/panel perimeter. All art outside of bleed area should be deleted.
- Printing tolerance: Less than (+/-) .0208 per ft. (0. 25″ -12′). Panel size tolerance: Less than (+/-) .125 per panel.
- Panels included in murals must be identified at the time of file submittal and Fossil proofs will group them as such.
- Reference file of the full size mural showing that all art lines up correctly.
Proofing
- Color Sample: For color matching and resolution. We recommend including any gradients at 100% of final size on your Color Sample to ensure you are satisfied with the final outcome.
- PDF Proof: For layout and content only. Not for colo r matching.
Software
- Preferred: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign.
- Supported: Canva, Quark Express, Corel Draw, Publisher, Powerpoint and Microsoft Word.
If your artwork was created in any of the above programs, please submit a high resolution PDF.
File Submittal
FTP
- Files less than 1GB
- The FTP link is https://ftpsite.fossilgraphics.com/
- Username: client
- Password: file
- Compress files for one upload
- Include PDF’s for reference
- Label folder with Fossil quote number (FXXXXX)
- Notify us of the filename once the file has fully upload
E – MAIL
- Files less than 10mb
- ArtDepartment@FossilGraphics.com
(Please copy your Account Executive (AE) on this email. If you do not received a confirmation in two business days, please reach out to your AE.)
Fossil Industries, Inc.
44 Jefryn Boulevard
Deer Park, NY 11729
Attn: Art Department