SAN DIEGO COPY . INFO

Q: What is the best way to get files to San Diego Copy?
What is the best way to get files to San Diego Copy?

A: There are four simple and effective ways to send files to San Diego Copy.

If the file is relatively small, you can include the file as an attachment in an email to info@sandiegocopy.com or to your personal representative’s account at San Diego Copy.

The second way to send a file is by utilizing the “upload files” button on the Estimates and Files page of the website. You may attach up to 4 files using this method. Simply browse and attach the file you wish to send and click the upload button. After this is completed, it is usually best to send us an email letting us know that you have uploaded the files.

If you utilize File Transfer Protocol (FTP) software, you can contact us for our username and password. This is the quickest and most effective way to send large files.

Lastly, if you make use of yousendit.com, you may use their services to securely send us your large files, free of cost.

A: For copying jobs of both color and black and white, we require a high resolution PDF.

For color printing of PMS colors, there are multiple file formats that are acceptable. They are as follows:

o PDF X3 file
o Adobe Illustrator file with fonts converted to outlines
o Corel Draw file with fonts converted to curves
o EPS File with fonts converted to outlines

For 4 color process printing using CMYK, a PDF X1A file, or any of the four methods previously mentioned above are acceptable.

A: All images can essentially be categorized into two kinds: bitmap and vector based files.

Vector based images generally contain well defined elements such a numerous colors or shapes. Vector files work better for illustrations that require defined measurements. These files are also easily scalable. In general, vector files are more appropriate for most types of printing. Common names for vector based images usually have extensions such as .EPS, .AI, CDR, or .DWG.

Bitmap images on the other hand, do not use mathematical formulas to define elements as vector images do. Each bitmap image is mapped on a grid. Grid size is based on an images resolution. Each pixel in a bitmap image holds a specific color value. Bitmap files are best used for photo images that make use of complex color variations. Bitmap files are not easily scalable like vector files. Bitmap images also become pixilated when an image is enlarged since they are mapped on a non-flexible grid. Common names for bitmap based images usually have extensions such as .PSD, .TIF, .GIF, .JPG or .BMP.

A: The Pantone Color Matching System is largely a standardized color reproduction system. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colors match. This makes the process much easier, as manufactures do not have to meet face to face to discuss colors. PMS is often used for standardizing colors in the CMYK process.

A: If the project is one we have designed for you in house, we will always keep the working files in our storage database. This makes future orders much easier for our repeat clients. If you email the file to us, or bring it into our offices, we may not always keep it on file. Many hardcopies that our clients bring to us are returned upon completion of the job.

A: CMYK is a process of printing using four inks. These inks are cyan, magenta, yellow and black. These four colors can be combined in various amounts, to create most colors in the color spectrum. A majority of the worlds printing is done using this process.