Artwork Management

Artwork Basics

Scale

Bleed

Trim Bleed

Finish Bleed

Dots Per Inch

Dots Per Inch is the measure of how many dots there are per inch of printed material.  The higher the number of dots the higher the quality of print.  It is used to express either the quality a print is printed at or an Image's Resolution.

A good way of visualising this is the diagram below.

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Minimum Recommend Artwork Dpi

Work Type Minimum DPI
Business Cards & Leaflets 300dpi
A0 Poster and Bigger 100dpi

Though we can print at lower resolutions depending on the viewing distance we always recommend a minimum DPI of 100

Dpi at Scale

Scale Multiply DPI / Scale By Example
25% 4
33% 3
10% 10
1% 100

Viewing Distance vs DPI

Viewing Distance Min Resolution
0.6m  /  2ft 300 dpi
1m  /  3.3ft 180 dpi
1.5m  /  5ft 120 dpi
2m  /  6.5ft 90 dpi
3m  /  10ft 60 dpi
5m  /  16ft 35 dpi
10m  /  33ft 18 dpi
15m  /  50ft 12 dpi
50m  /  160ft 4 dpi
60m  /  200ft 3 dpi
200m  /  650ft 1 dpi

Low Resolution vs High Resolution

Low resolution is another way of saying low DPI or poor quality.  High Resolution is another way of saying high DPI or high quality.

The images below show a high DPI (High Resolution) vs a low DPI (Low Resolution) image.

While you can convert a low resolution image to a high resolution image, You cannot convert a Low Resolution image to a High Resolution. There is an alternative called upscaling, which you can read about below.

image-1652865127494.png

Upscaling Images

Upscaling is the process of converting an image from Low Resolution to High Resolution.  Basic upscaling is the simplest way of stretching a lower resolution image onto a larger display. Pixels from the lower resolution image are copied and repeated to fill out all the pixels of the higher resolution display.

More advance processes include Dithering (blurring the dots as you enlarge so you don't get a block effect) or AI (using computer prediction based on the surrounding dots to predict what the image should look like at a larger size).

Uploading Artwork

Where do you upload files...

You can upload files on the artwork management screen.  This is accessible from the Customer Portal Cart Screen or the Customer Viewing Quote Screen.

How to get to the Customer Cart Screen

  1. Go to a Cart the MaticTrack

  2. Click on the "Cart View" button


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  3. Click on the "Edit Artwork" button on the size you want to upload/edit artwork on

    EACH SIZE HAS ITS OWN EDIT ARTWORK BUTTON


    image-1652787054296.png


How to get to the Customer Quote Screen

  1. Go to a Quote on the MaticTrack

  2. Click the Quote View button as below

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  3. Click on the "Edit Artwork" button for the item you want to upload the artwork for.

    EACH SIZE HAS ITS OWN EDIT ARTWORK BUTTON


    image-1652786544366.png

What kind of files can you upload...

The MaticTrack accepts the following file types

PDF EPS PNG
JPEG (JPG) TIFF WORD
PPT (Powerpoint)

Maximum File Size

The system will accept file uploads of up to 1 Gigabytes in size.

What happens when you upload a file...

The Queue

The system queue is exactly that, a queue of jobs that the system processes in the background.  Examples are sending emails, preflighting artwork, generating proofs, generating print files. 

This keeps the system running fast as it runs in the background.

Monitoring the Queue

If you have the proper permissions you can monitor the queue from here: System Queue - MaticTrack (maticmedia.co.uk)

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What Does Pre-Flighting Artwork Mean?

When uploading a file your file will be put into a processing queue where it will be automatically split into individual pages and then checked for quality against these parameters...

At the same time it'll generate a CMYK jpeg proof for display in the artwork approval process.

Depending on the size / complexity of the file this can be quite an intensive process and may take up to 5 minutes.

What Does Proofing Artwork Mean?

This basically means converting the artwork into a jpeg that can be displayed to the user.  This is also known as Image Rasterization.

Depending on the size / complexity of the file this can be quite an intensive process and may take up to 5 minutes.

Size vs Complexity

Just because a file is small does not mean it is not complex, an architecturual drawing is a much more complex than a 1 gigabyte image.

Uploading Artwork

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  1. Artwork Status
  2. File Proof

Artwork Proofing and Approving (Artwork Approval Process)

Step 1: Scale & Position

Artwork Scale
Method What it does...
Scale to Bleed Width Scales the artwork up to the width of the artboard including the bleed
Scale to Bleed Height Scales the artwork up to the height of artboard including the bleed
Scale to Finish Width Scales the artwork up to the width of the artboard, not including the bleed
Scale to Finish Height Scales the artwork up to the width of the artboard, not including the bleed
A Paper Scale up 1 Scales the artwork 141% used for scaling A Sized documents e.g. A2 to A1
A Paper Scale up 3 Scales the artwork 283% used for scaling A Sized documents e.g. A4 to A1
100% Does not scale the artwork
400% Scales the artwork 400%
1000% Scales the artwork 1000%
Custom Scale Allows you to pick the width and height of the artwork
Orientation

Allows you to select the orientation of the ARTBOARD.

image-1652867364862.png

Artwork Management for _Rigid Board Printing - Direct to Board - MDF - 18mm - Single Sided x 1_ _ Graphic Warehouse.gif

Rotation

Rotates the ARTWORK

Artwork Management for _Rigid Board Printing - Direct to Board - MDF - 18mm - Single Sided x 1_ _ Graphic Warehouse (1).gif

Position
Operation What it does....
Automatic Automatically tries to calculate where the artwork should be placed assuming equal registration points around the artwork.
Centre of Bleed Size Centers the artwork in the middle of the artboard including the bleeds
Center of Finish Size Centers the artwork in the middle of the artboard not including the bleeds
Bespoke Allows you to drag and drop the artwork where you want or put in a specific X and Y Coordinate (0,0 is at top left)

Artwork Management for _Rigid Board Printing - Direct to Board - MDF - 18mm - Single Sided x 1_ _ Graphic Warehouse (2).gif

Step 2: Artwork Bleeds

Method What it means.... Image Example
Print File has Bleed In It The artwork already has enough bleed in it

image-1652868457609.png
Mirror Bleed Reflect the artwork at the edge of the finished size

image-1652868525693.png
Edge Stretch Take the last 1pt of the artwork at the edge of the finished size and stretch it to the end of the bleed

image-1652868535118.png
CMYK Colour Take a CMYK Colour reference as the bleed

image-1652868578973.png
RGB Colour Task an RGB Colour reference as the bleed

image-1652868581350.png
Spot Colour Pick Take the colour at the point selected and make that the bleed

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Step 3: Preflight Warnings

Shows any warnings, hover over the information icon to find out what each warning means

Step 4: Prepress Proof and Quantity

Shows you what we are going to print and what is going to be finished.

You can enter the quantity of each artwork here too.

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Adding Cut Lines / Digital Cut Marks

To add a Cut Line, the cut requires:

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Save as the latest version of pdf.

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Make sure this box is ticked. Otherwise you'll get digital cut-line errors when uploading.

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If there are a lot of nodes, it can be beneficial to simplify the nodes to speed up production.

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Adding Drill Holes

Using the Automatic Drill Hole Positioning System in Artwork System

Using matic track, when viewing an order, select 'edit' to change the individual settings of that artwork. Use 'All Settings' to change all artworks of the same size and product.

image-1662368409506.png

Changing the 'Drillhole X' changes the measurement in millimetres along the X axis [landscape]

Changing the 'Drillhole Y' changes the measurement in millimetres along the Y axis [vertical]

Drillhole Position is saved as presets, so each number has different layouts: 

Drillhole Size is the radius of the hole in millimetres. If you need a 5mm hole, enter '2.5'.

Select the 'Save' button when you scroll down in the same box, now check the image-1662372816942.png print-ready file to see the drill holes on the artwork.

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Setting Up Drill Holes in Artwork via Corel Draw / Illustrator

Setting Up Bespoke Drill Holes Position in Customer Portal (AKA Graphic Warehouse)

The Customer Portal accepts DrillHoles as a layer called "DrillHoles"

Drillholes can be made as a 'CutContour' line, see instructions linked: Adding Cut Lines / Dig... | Matic Manual (maticmedia.co.uk)

Setting Up Drill Holes for Zund Cut Center

The Zund Cut Center accepts DrillHoles as a layer called "DrillHoles"


Setting Up Drill Holes for Onyx Thrive

When setting up for Onyx Thrive you should set up drill holes as a spot colour called CutContour


Curved Corners / Rounded Corners

Rounded Corners can be made manually as a 'CutContour' in the same way you would make a cut line.

The rounded corners can quickly be changed in 'Edit' or 'All Settings' within the Items section on the order page within Matic Track.

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You'll find it when you scroll down in the pop-up section of All Settings. 

For example type "5" this will give you a radius of 5mm rounded corners.

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Hit Save

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 Check your file in the Print Ready file.

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Setting up artwork with White Ink

How to add White Ink to a Print Job...

White ink jobs are setup on the same file as your artwork but on a new layer as a spot colour.

Rules for white ink jobs

White Ink = Spot1

White ink must be named a spot colour with the exact naming "Spot1" for Onyx Thrive to recognise it.

Creating Spot1 in CorelDraw

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4nOxxnj8-E

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White Ink must be the top layer

The white ink layer must be the top layer even if the white ink is being printed below the CMYK layer.

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White Ink must be set to Overprint Fill and Overprint Outline

Overprints in Corel Draw

Overprints in Illustrator

Example PDF Setup for White Ink

The example Graphic Warehouse logo would be printed onto wood.

Expected Finished Output when printed on to Wood

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Example White Layer

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Example CMYK Layer

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Example Downloadable PDF

You can download the above example as a PDF here: 

White Ink Example - Graphic Warehouse.pdf

Pole Pockets

How to Calculate Required Pocket Size for a Pole

You need to the know the diameter of the pole in millimetres.

Pole Diameter


Pocket Size Formula

Minimum Pocket Size = ((2*π*(Diameter / 2))/2) + 5

So for a 35mm Diameter pole...

((2*3.14*(35 / 2))/2) + 5 = 59.95mm

So for a 35mm Diameter pole you would need a 60mm pocket.

Required Pocket Size Calculator

Sometimes it's easier just using a calculator!  Enter the pole diameter in the box below and it'll automatically calculate the minimum pocket size.

Pole Diameter (mm)
Minimum Pocket Size (mm)

Setting Up Artwork for a Pole Pocket

Setting Up Artwork for a Pocket on Banner

Pole Pocket Size 50mm
Bleed for Join 25mm
Trim Bleed 3mm
Example

For a 300mm x 300mm Banner with a 50mm Pocket Top and Bottom the print file size would be

Formulas

Width =  Trim Bleed + Banner Finished Size + Trim Bleed

Height =  Trim Bleed + Bleed for Join + Pole Pocket Size (Top) +  Banner Finished Size + Bleed for Join + Pole Pocket Size (Bottom) + Trim Bleed

Working Example

Width = 3 + 300 + 3 = 306mm

Height = 3 + 25 + 50 + 300 + 50 + 25 + 3 = 456mm

Total Print File Size

306mm x 456mm

Image Example

image-1652710363113.png

PDF Template Example

Banner Pole Pocket 50mm Example.pdf

Setting Up Artwork for a Double-Sided Pole Pocket Banner

Use the same formula as above for the single-sided, however for double-sided one of the sides must have the 'Pocket Area', 'Hem' and 'Hem Join' kept white (empty). Markers can be added to the print bleed to mark the weld area (to help align with the 'Finish Area')





Setting Up Artwork for Pocket on Fabric

Pole Pocket Size 50mm
Bleed for Joining Strip 10mm
Trim Bleed 3mm
Example

For a 300mm x 300mm Flag with a 50mm Pocket Top and Bottom the print file size would be

Formulas

Width =  Trim Bleed + Flag Finished Size + Trim Bleed

Height =  Trim Bleed + Bleed for Join + Pole Pocket Size (Top) +  Flag Finished Size + Bleed for Join + Pole Pocket Size (Bottom) + Trim Bleed

Working Example

Width = 3 + 300 + 3 = 306mm

Height = 3 + 10 + 50 + 300 + 50 + 10 + 3 = 456mm

Total Print File Size

306mm x 426mm

Registration Marks

When to use your own registration marks

There are instances when you need to set up a print file with its own separate cut file. E.g. specifically to a fit a sheet size rather than using the workflow digital cut system in Onyx or the MaticTrack.  

Scenarios

Sheet Too Small Example

When using Onyx it usually needs an extra 15mm of bleed all around for the zund marks, in addition to the artwork, so effectively a 2440mm x 1220mm sheet's maximum printing area is 2410mm x 1190mm, not exactly an efficient use of material.

To get around this you can manually setup a print file and cut file but you must add your own registration marks for the finishing methods used with optical recognition..

Zund Digital Cutter Registration Marks

The following PDFs show examples of how Registration marks can be setup for the Zund Digital Cutter.  Registration marks should be put in the Register Layer in a cut file.  You can read about layers for the Zund Digital Cutter here.

Example Print and Cut File

[TODO]

The following example has been set up in InDesign, Illustrator and Corel Draw.

InDesign Example

[TODO]

Illustrator Example

[TODO]

Corel Draw Example

[TODO]

Summa Cam Registration Marks

Summa Registration marks can be added in illustrator or Corel Draw using the Summa Cut plugin.

Plugin Download

Plugin Usage (Corel Draw)

Plugin Usage (Illustrator)





Setting Up Double Sided Banners

To set up a double-sided banner, the file should be set up with just a 3mm bleed; if eyelets are requested, they sit 12mm in from the edge as a standard finish.

Adobe Cloud

We have access to the full suite of Adobe packages through Adobe Cloud subscription.  We are limited to licences and this may mean that you are logged out of some features.

Username: adobe@maticmedia.co.uk

Password: P0pc0rn@001

Shutterstock

We pay by subscription to Shutterstock.  The account is in richard@maticmedia.co.uk's name so password reminders will go to Richard.

For Client proposals, Watermarked images should be used before downloading.

Username and password in password vault.

Last Update: 24/08/2022

ACM | Dibond | Aluminium Composite - Folded Box Pans

Usually, returns have either 100mm or 50mm but these may be specified.  

Templates can be found here: Z:\Templates\Box Pan Templates

100mm Returns

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50mm Returns

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Bulk Uploading Artwork

Got a pdf with multiple pages of different sizes you need uploaded and allocated to multiple different quote items?

This is what the Bulk Upload Artwork function is for. 

What does it do...

How It Works

  1. From the quote screen click the Add buttton
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  2. Select the Artwork Items Button

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  3. Enter the artwork bleed in the input box (in this case the artwork is setup with a 3mm bleed

    image-1668606668781.png


  4. Click Save Bleed


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  5. Select Upload File

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  6. The system will try and allocate the artwork based on the artboard size of the artwork

  7. Open Quote or Cart frontend view to see the uploaded artwork you can change quantities as you see fit

    image-1668606816581.png


Fixing artwork off centre / wrong scale

Issue: The file is not in the centre of the page.

(This can also be used to correct the wrong scale of artwork)
Adobe Illustrator

If you have access to Adobe Illustrator (if not scroll down to see the method through Matic Track) you can open the pdf and the file will look something like this:

(if you have file issues see here: Editing a file with mi... | Matic Manual (maticmedia.co.uk))

image-1688461641006.png

Right-click and release the clipping mask:

image-1688461691703.png     image-1688461723772.png

If your file is the wrong size, you can change the size by selecting the artwork and changing the width and height in the Transform tab:

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Align the artwork to the centre of the artboard:

image-1688461818778.png     image-1688461840948.png

The file should now be centred and then save your file (ctrl+shift+S).

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Matic Track

Fixing the off-centre file through the Matic Track:

Go to the order page image-1688462327067.png


Click View Cart:image-1688462277324.png


Scroll down to cart view (if the artwork doesn't match your order, try right click open the link inprivate window): image-1688462362743.png


Select edit artwork:

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Select edit settings:

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If the size and scale are correct select the position:

If the file doesn't look right, you can alter the X and Y in bespoke position.

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Select next:image-1688463068444.png

If the file doesn't have a bleed, select edge stretch, which will stretch the last pixel on the edge to fill the bleed. Then select next.

image-1688463169498.png

Continue through the next few steps if all are correct.

Now to process the new file into the folder:

Go back to your matic track and go to view order image-1688463415262.png

Into artwork image-1688463510218.png

Process Printfiles from WEB

image-1688463530621.png

Open up the link in the project info to see the file.

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Editing a file with missing fonts or broken attachments

Issue: The file is missing fonts or broken attachments when opening in adobe illustrator.

image-1688463847883.png

If your computer does not have the font, we can get around it by placing the file into a new document and flattening the artwork.

Create a new file (to the correct size) and place the artwork that is broken.  image-1688463983708.png(just click when placing so that the file comes in at 100%)

Go to Object and select Flatten Transparency...

image-1688464138647.png

These settings can vary on the file issue, for text issues make sure that converting All Text to Outlines is selected.

If you have an issue with colour (inverted colours), select Preserve Alpha Transparency (check your spot colours afterwards as this converts them to process).

image-1688464178538.png

If you need to make further changes to the file, you will have to now ungroup and release clipping masks.

 

Tiling Print Files / Splitting Pop Up Panels

To Split a pop-up system through the Matic Track


Operations > Preproduction > File Editor

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Select Add File
> ROOT - PROJECTS
> Search the File with your job no. (ctrl+F to search)
> FOLDER - Production
> FOLDER - TO PRINT
> Select your print file.
image-1708429837487.png


Add your sizes to the finished width and height.
> Overlap at 10mm (otherwise, it'll shorten by 1mm.)
> Rotate depending on your file rotation, usually NO.
> CutContour, Zund Marks and Crop Marks as YES
> Cut Line on Finish Size.
> Scale usually at 1, depending on your file scale.
> Auto Split

Curved pop-up panels should all be 673mm wide.
Straight pop-ups will have middle panels of 733mm wide and end panels of 673mm wide.

*Example of a 3x3 curved popup that needed to be rotated.

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