Digital Art Guidelines for Flexographic Printing -Revised 09/09

These guidelines are designed to assist those responsible for the development of package design of electronic artwork for print and packaging done by Total Quality Labels. Use of these standards will insure the best quality printed packaging and labels at the most economical price.

 Format & Programs  - Macintosh platform is preferred. All applications listed in their most recent versions are preferred. If using a PC platform, convert all fonts to outlines and save files as EPS file. Preferred Programs are Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Any version is acceptable however we are always up to date with the latest versions. Any files made with the following applications will be acceptable. Please contact TQL if programs other than what is listed are used.

• Adobe Illustrator
• Macromedia Freehand
• Adobe Photoshop
• QuarkXpress
• Adobe Indesign

 Fonts  - All Fonts MUST be supplied with every file. Both the printer and screen fonts are required. If special typefaces are used for creative logos and art, these should be converted to outlined graphics.

 Scanned images  - all EPS, TIFFS and scanned images must be included with the files. If images are embedded within a design, the original images must be supplied. Logos, bar codes, etc. should be created or converted as art elements within the original program. Scans should be high resolution of at least 300 dpi based on 100% size. Scans supplied less than 100% size will need to have a high enough resolution so
when enlarged image will equal 300 dpi. All placed images are preferred to have layered photoshop files
supplied.

 Color Palettes  - Palettes should be set up using only the colors required for a particular item. All unused colors should be deleted. Colors must be stated as PMS spot colors, special matches or process colors. When white is used, it should be indicated as a color on the file.

 Maximum Colors  - 10 including white as a color if printing on a clear or foil substrate. If varnish or lamination is needed or desired this will count as one of the 10 print colors.

 Gradients and Tints  - Production of gradients and tints cannot be maintained to 0%. All gradients that are produced as such will print with approximately 3 to 4 %. A hard edge at the end of gradient maybe present depending on the design. This is a typical limitation in flexographic printing and should be
addressed during the creation of the art. Tints should not be used to create copy due to legibility problems issues. If copy is reversed out of a screen tint or vignette, a .008” keyline of the same color should be added to the copy to prevent rastered edges. Copy reversing out 4/c process should have a .008” keyline to help with copy registration.

 Manufactured Colors  - manufactured colors from process colors should be limited to non-critical areas, as perfect reproduction is not guaranteed. Questions regarding manufactured colors should be addressed prior to final art submission. PMS spot colors should be used for critical color match.

 Type and line size  - minimum type size is 6 point and .008” rules for positive print, 8 point type and .012” for rules for copy reversing out of solid fields. Trapping rules to be minimum of .020” thick.

 File Transfer  - TQL has as totally secure private FTP access. Please contact TQL for your personal private access to our FTP site. No one other than authorized agents of TQL will have access your art files. Files also can be supplied on most any media: CD, Zip Disk, 1.5 floppy or Jaz disk to name a few. All files should be accompanied with hard copy print out or proof. This guarantees issues such as font substitution and font re-flow are identified before proceeding to printing.

 UPC Codes  - All UPC and bar codes should be scaled at minimum 80% magnification or larger to guarantee scanning and should be marked on art files as FPO. Bar codes must be in 1 color. Background and bar colors must be contrasting to allow proper scanning.

 Color Proofs  - color proofs should be sent with files and PMS colors stated as what is used within the file. This includes any builds, tints, gradients or overprints. TQL can provide the highest quality digital color proof from the Epson Digital Proofing system. Exact match of PMS color can be achieved the
conventional waterproofing system.