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Reference Section > Digital Art Tips

BCT Houston is a direct-to-plate facility. Because of this technology, the best results will be achieved when we utilize digital art files.

Acceptable Media
You can send us your orders via this website by clicking on any of the Digital Printing and Digital Stamps links on the right side of this page. You may also send us your orders via email order@bcthouston.com, CD, Zip Disks, or 3.5" Disks. Please see below for file formats.

   File Formats

PDF, EPS, or TIF (600 DPI)

It MAY be possible for us to accept other formats (additional charges may apply).


   Email Checklist

If you are emailing your digital art, please include the following: - Your dealer information, including name of your company, contact person, and phone number. We cannot process any emailed orders that do not have this information.
  • Job specifics (quantity, stock, and ink)
  • The file attachment(s)
  • A composite. A faxed composite will help us be sure your digital file is correct.
  • Color-separated files for multi-color orders
   General Tips

Size Correctly
Files should be 100% of the finished size (i.e. a file for a business card with no bleeds should be 2" X 3 1/2". NOT 8 1/2" X 11"). This keeps the file size manageable.

Resolution
Resolution should be 600dpi. We can work with digital art (logos only not text) that is only 300dpi, but it cannot be lower. Keep in mind that the higher your dpi, the better your results.

Fonts
Be sure to convert all text to Outlines or curves before saving your file. If fonts are not embedded, or converted to outlines, your file will not output as expected because of font substitution. Faxing a composite, or including one with your CD or disk is recommended.

File Extensions
We are a PC based shop. Since MAC based programs do not automatically add the file extension to the end of file names, you will need to. We cannot access any file without a file extension.

Bleeds
Anytime the ink extends to within 1/8" of the edge of the printed product it is considered a bleed and applicable charges will apply. For artwork that bleeds, the bleed area must extend 1/16" beyond the cutting edge of the item. (i.e. a digital file for a business card with a bleed would be 2 1/8" X 3 5/8") If a file is not provided with the necessary 1/8" margin and a bleed is not requested, then your artwork will automatically be reduced.

RGB vs. CMYK
For process color work, please save your file as CMYK, not RGB. If we receive a file in RGB mode, we will automatically convert the files to CMYK mode for printing, which could result in subtle color shifts. Please contact us about file formats accepted for CMYK orders.

Naming Files
When naming files please refrain from naming files black.pdf, businesscard.pdf, etc. Please include the mainline in the name of your file. Example: JonesStoreBlk.pdf and JonesStoreRef.pdf