FAQs
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On which computer platform does Azalea Graphics work?
We work in OS X on the Macintosh platform, but have a Windows PC, as well, for jobs that require it.
What file formats do you accept?
We’ll gladly take high-resolution PDFs or native files created with any of the following programs
(in either Mac or PC format; if PC-formatted, please let us know if your files need to stay that way or we will open them on our Macs and convert things as we go):
- QuarkXPress (up to version 6.5)
- InDesign (up to CS2)
- Photoshop (up to CS2)
—file should be at least 300 ppi at actual print size - Illustrator (up to CS2)
You mentioned “ppi” above. What does that mean?
PPI stands for Pixels Per Inch and refers to image resolution. The higher the PPI, the higher the resolution and, in turn, the better the image quality. 300 ppi is the industry standard for quality printed images. Web site images, on the other hand, are “low resolution” (usually around 72 ppi) and are not acceptable for print work.
What if my image isn’t large enough for the print size I want? Can you just enlarge it?
We can, but when a photographic image is enlarged, the quality suffers. For this reason, we recommend not enlarging photos beyond 125% of the image’s original size or you will start to see a noticeable loss in quality.
What sort of images can be enlarged, and what format do they require?
A scalable image will need to be some sort of vector file, preferably an Adobe Illustrator file (a rastered file placed into Illustrator and resaved as an Illustrator file doesn’t count). This is the standard file type for a company’s logo and other illustrations, which often need to be resized for various applications, from business cards to large banners. A vector file also maintains spot colors (where applicable) and a transparent background, the latter of which is necessary for placement on colors other than white.
The company logo I have on file is a JPEG. Will that work?
Sometimes. A JPEG is not scalable and does not maintain a transparent background or spot colors. For small jobs (business cards, flyers, etc.) or digitally-printed pieces it may work just fine, but for physically larger jobs, you’ll want to contact the original logo designer for the scalable version. If a scalable version is not available, we can create one for you at our hourly rate.
I have a Word or other MS Office file. Can you work with that?
Office applications use an RGB color space and TrueType fonts that are not supported in most commercial printing environments. Extracting text/images is the extent to which we normally work with these types of files.
Do you do any scanning?
Yes, we have a Scitex large-format flatbed scanner with which we can scan original transparencies,
photos, or other artwork up to 11"x17" in size. After the scan is finished, we clean up and color correct the final electronic file.
What about Web sites?
Though we are currently heavily print-based, we have on occasion created Web sites for clients. Call us
or stop by to discuss your Web site project. We’ll let you know if we can help you or we’ll point you in
the right direction if not.
Okay, I think I’m ready. Who should I contact about starting a new job and what are the
next steps?
Please call us at (919) 286-2091 to set up a time to meet with someone to discuss your job. We’ll go over our responsibilities and yours and talk about any deadlines or budget restraints. Once we have the information we need, we’ll start crunching the numbers and e-mail you an estimate for time/cost involved, which you will need to approve before any work begins.
I have a job that’s already designed and approved that I need output to film. Is that something you can do?
You bet. Click here to download a PDF file of our Output Request Form. If you have Acrobat
Professional, you may fill in the appropriate information with your computer and e-mail the completed form to us at output@azaleagraphics.com. Otherwise, please use a pen to fill out the form and fax it to us at (919) 286-4466 or simply bring it by our office.
I have a question that isn’t covered here. What should I do?
Please call us at (919) 286-2091 and we’ll be happy to help you as best we can.