View source for MediaServices/How-To/How-to-Format-Your-Files

== <b>How To Format Your Files</b> ==
=== <sub><b>Size and Dimensions</b> ===
* Open the file in Photoshop, click on "Image" in the top menu bar and select "Image Size..."
* A new window will open showing the height and width of the image
* Next to those dimensions will be the type of measurement being used, typically this is set to either pixels or inches
* If the dimensions are in pixels, change it to inches
* Ensure those dimensions are correct for how large you want the file printed
* In addition, ensure the "Resolution" is set to at least 200 (but no more than 300) for the best quality print
=== <sub><b>Color Profile</b> ===
* For the most accurate color reproduction, it is important to set what is called a color profile in your image(s)
* Color profiles enable the printer to match what you see on your screen as close as possible
* For Photoshop, you'll want to use the "sRGB IEC61966-2.1" profile
** For new images, you can select the profile from the New Document screen
** For existing images, or to simply check, click on "Edit > Assign Profile..." and then view or choose from the list
* For Illustrator, you'll want to use the "sRGB IEC61966-2.1" profile as well
** For new images, in the new document screen, select "RGB Color" for the Color Mode, and it should default to the correct one
** For existing images, or to simply check, click on "Edit > Assign Profile..." and then view or choose from the list
* To learn more about color profiles and how they work check out these videos
** Photoshop - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azb17GbZpxY
** Illustrator - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_17sMJp2tzY

=== <sub><b>File Formats</b> ===
* The printing software the school uses is very particular to what types of files it can print
* Currently the only supported formats are JPG (JPEG), TIFF, and PDF
** You can read about different types of image formats at https://99designs.com/blog/tips/image-file-types/
* You should only submit flattened, or layer-less, versions of these files as well (jpg's are automatically flat)
* To flatten a file, open it in Photoshop and go to "File" and choose "Save As..."
* Choose the file type you want to save the image as, but also <b>uncheck</b> the "Layers" box
* Name and save it to create a flattened file
* Flat files ensure all elements in your file, such as special fonts, will be included in the print
=== <sub><b>File Naming</b> ===
* It is imperative you include your name in the file before submitting it to Media Services
* Large format prints are manually charged to your Papercut account, and we won't print a file if we can't charge an account
** For instance, if you submit a file called "Image001.pdf", we can't determine who submitted that file, and it won't be printed
** However, if you submit a file called "Barnaby Jones Project 1.pdf", we know who to charge and will print that as soon as possible
* If you have multiple prints, you can save time by simply putting all of them in one folder with your name, instead of naming each one, and then submitting that