Useful Information
Please use the following resources for tips and techniques on preparing your documents for optimal and efficient production. For additional support, please contact a Cowboy Copies representative at 520-825-4699 or visit us for additional information.
Click on the resource you would like to learn more about:
Preparing Files for Digital Printing
This guide will aid you in preparing your digital files for digital output. By following these guidelines your job will be executed more efficiently and with higher quality. Cowboy Copies can handle almost any file, but prefers that your digital files be submitted to us in PDF format.
PDF (Adobe Acrobat)
Portable Document Format (PDF). This format is the standard in the industry. PDF allows files to be printed on almost any output device and by converting your files to PDF it automatically saves and embeds your fonts, colors, graphics and formatting. In addition, PDF reduces the size of your "native" files making it much easier and faster to send files electronically. To view a PDF file, your computer must have a program called Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free at www.adobe.com. To convert your native files to PDF, you will need software designed to create PDF files such as Adobe Acrobat, which is available for purchase at www.adobe.com, or one of many other programs available such as Bullzip – Free PDF Printer or CutePDF Writer. You can also create PDF files using Adobe's online service at createpdf.adobe.com. This is a subscription based service which is currently offering a free trial. Please note that PDF files are uneditable. Cowboy Copies will not be able to make any changes to PDF files, so please make sure all changes are made prior to your saving and sending your files as PDF documents.
Native Files refer to a document's original format or the software program one uses to create a document. Native Files include Microsoft Word, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Pagemaker or InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Powerpoint, Publisher and Excel among many others. You have most likely used one of these programs to create your document(s). Documents created and saved in these formats are editable. Transferring such documents in editable formats to other sources can sometimes cause unintended alterations. For best results always convert your native files to PDF format.
Online Ordering
Submitting your orders to Cowboy Copies on our Website allows us to provide a more convenient way for you to achieve results. The process is simple and offers many advantages:
- Convenience - place orders and see proofs without leaving your office
- Speed - saves time and allows you and your staff to focus on your business
- Security - orders received from our Online Ordering system are secured by using browser based encryption
- Quality control - we review your order with you by phone before proceeding to make sure we get it right, then deliver a proof to your location for approval when necessary or if you request it
- Staff extension - let us be your staff (without the overhead and HR requirements!)
- No extra cost - submitting your orders on our Website will save you time and, therefore, money
If you have questions about the process, please call or visit us, and a Cowboy Copies staff member will be glad to help you.
Scanning Images
The following scanning tips will help you achieve the best possible outcome for your images. With any scan, always make sure that your scanner screen is clean prior to initiating your scan.
Black and White Photos
For best results with your black & white photos scan at 300DPI or higher. If your photos will be used for a high quality publication, scan your images at 600DPI. If your photo has a reflective glossy coat or varnish, you may want to set the brightness setting a little lower to compensate for any reflection.
Color Photos
For best results with your color photos scan at 300DPI or higher. If your photos will be used for a high quality publication, scan your image at 600DPI. If your photo has a reflective glossy coat or varnish, you may want to set the brightness setting a little lower to compensate for any reflection. Most scanning software will have control features such as brightness, sharpening, contrast, or other that can be used if the original photo is too dark or dull.
Black and White "Line Art"
Black & white line art includes simple black & white drawings (not photos) that may include text, cartoon drawings, lines, boxes or other. For best results, scan these documents at 300DPI or 600DPI if small detail and clarity are most important. In addition, your scanner may have an "extra sharpening" or "contrast" setting that could also maximize your results.
Color "Line Art"
Color line art includes simple color drawings (not photos) that may include text, cartoon drawings, lines, boxes or other. For best results, scan these documents at 300DPI or 600DPI if small detail and clarity are most important. If your drawing has a reflective glossy coat or varnish, you may want to set the brightness setting a little lower to compensate for any reflection.
Enlarging and Reducing Images
Your scanning software should give you an option to scan images at 2X (200%), 3X (300%) or other. These settings will increase the output size of the original document accordingly. This feature is particularly useful if you are preparing a digital file for large-format color posters.
Scanning for the Web
When scanning images to be used for a Website, or for simple e-mail or for viewing purposes only, there is no need to use a resolution higher than 72DPI. Using this resolution keeps the file size small, allowing for your web pages to load more quickly, or your e-mails to transfer faster. Keep in mind that if you try to print a 72DPI scan, your print will appear to be fuzzy or of low quality.
Copyright Guidelines
The Copying Guidelines of Cowboy Copies are based on U.S. Copyright Laws regarding copyrighted works and trademarks. The reproduction of copyright work or trademarks require written permission to be given from the copyright holder. U.S. Law provides the holder of a copyright with the exclusive right to reproduce or allow someone else to reproduce the copyrighted work.
Copyrighted materials are original works created by authors (writers, composers, artists, architects) or sold by authors to another agency (publishers, archivists). These works include but are not limited to some of the following categories:
- Books, Magazines
- Pictures and Graphics
- Music and Lyrics
- Video Tapes
- Screenplays
- Professional Photographs
Color Copy Guidelines:
Some items may be copied in black and white only (some restrictions still apply). They include, but are not limited to:
- Currency
- Travelers Checks
- Checks and Money Orders
- Stocks and Bonds
- Postage Stamps
- Register Receipts
- Diplomas
- College Degree Certificates
- Concert Tickets
- Passports
- Ski Passes
- Driver's Licenses
Black and White Copy Guidelines:
The following items can be copied in black and white only:
- Drivers Licenses and Identification Cards
- Passports and U.S. Citizenship Certificates
- Birth Certificates and Immigration Papers
- Diplomas and School Certificates
- Automobile Titles and Registrations
- Signatures
- Currency if enlarged or reduced by at least 150%