To expedite your orders, please submit camera-ready artwork. We recommend submitting vector graphics so we can easily resize the graphics to fit the engraving area.
We accept the following types of digital Camera-Ready graphics media Electronic vector file. Conforming to the following formats: vector .AI,.EPS or .PDF . Black and white.
If you choose to create your own layout file, please contact us for active etch space and follow these
Graphic Guidelines
- Save your vector file in .AI or .EPS format
- No fonts smaller than Arial 12 points
- All graphics converted to RGB black and white (#000000 , #FFFFFF)
- All fonts converted to outlines
- No vertical /horizontal lines thinner than 1.3 point weight
- All objects are vector - no raster images
- No linked/ embedded objects within a file
Artwork that is not camera-ready or submitted in non-digital format requires additional touch-up and reconstruction. Example: JPG file, non-vector .AI or .EPS file, Black and White 600 dpi Artwork printed on white paper and scanned. Our graphical designers electronically reproduce printed artwork to digital camera-ready art. Additional charges may apply if non-camera artwork is submitted.
Some thin lines and reverses may not reproduce at the thickness or size submitted. We reserve the right to make slight alterations in artwork, text and logos in order to adapt to engraving process. Submitted artwork and logos is assumed to be to be in fill compliance with trademark and copyright laws.
Customers agree to allow Crystal Art USA, LLC to display their logos and personalization copy with intend of demonstrating examples of work to potential clients.
Modern engraving technologies require that engraving layout and text are created as vector graphics.
Computer graphics are divided into two types: raster (or bitmap) images and vector images. The major difference is that vector image is independent of size - it can be scaled to any size without compromising image quality. This is not true for raster or bitmap graphics. The edges of bitmaps often appear jagged when resized. In addition vector images can be easily manipulated in terms of color conversion and color substitution and again the quality is going to be 100% sharp.
Raster images are composed of girds of pixels. Vector images are composed of mathematical statements that describe points and connecting paths. Example below illustrates the visual differences between bitmap and raster when images are scaled up.
Vector files can be created with Adobe application. Adobe vector formats are .AI , .EPS or .PDF files.
It is not enough to paste your bitmap image into Adobe Application and save it as an .EPS or .AI file.
Raster images can be saved as a vector image - but first they have to undergo a conversion process. Each cluster of pixels has to be converted to a vector object. Only then these vector objects can be grouped together and saved under a vector file extension. Sometimes images can be converted by using automated processes, other times they need to be redrawn from scratch as a series of vector objects.
Recently Adobe Illustrator introduced "Live Trace" functionality to help with raster-vector conversion process. This feature works great if your original raster image is has sharp edges and high contrast colors. We recommend customers to print vector images prior to submission.
Wherever possible use the vector format for all your type, line art and illustrations and only use bitmaps for photos or images with complex or non-uniform shading. PostScript and TrueType® fonts always appear smooth - they are vector-based.