Capabilities / File Support

We support all major Mac software packages and several PC software packages

Please call or e-mail us with any questions. Native files are required to produce output for most supported software. The following is a list of the major applications we accept from both platforms.

*Please supply any native files that have been embedded in the document.)*All jobs must be accompanied by separated lasers. Failure to supply separated lasers will result in delays.

If you need assistance outputting separated lasers please call, we will be more than happy to help.

File organization
We recommend your files be organized in folders as follows:
Output File(s): containing your page layout document. e.g.- QuarkXPress, PageMaker Support Graphics: files used in your page layout document. e.g.- Tiffs, Eps, Illustrator files Fonts: preferably Postscript fonts, both screen and printer font. (See "Font usage" below) Personal / Ignore (if needed): any instructions or notes you may have to better assist us in finishing your job.

This organizational setup will help ensure your job is output correctly, quickly and efficiently. Send only the files needed to output your job.

Transmitting files
Visit our "FTP" page for all your upload and download options. Making changes Don't make a change to an order in process. The job will be delayed. If you must make a change, call to confirm the change is possible then fax those changes to (412) 325-2552. Any change must be in written form.

File size
Recommendations differ depending on the output that is required. For print, all Bitmap files (Tiff and EPS), with the exclusion of Line Art (which must be at least 1200 ppi), must be at a resolution of 300 ppi. These files must be scanned or created at 300 ppi, they cannot be changed from a lower resolution to a resolution of 300 ppi in a graphics application such as Photoshop. Remember that excessive resolution (beyond that recommended) results in larger files that take longer to print with little or no visual improvement in print quality.

Font usage
To ensure font substitutions do not occur, DCI recommends you supply all fonts used in your document. If needed we can substitute fonts with customer approval, but the customer will be responsible for billable time should the type reflow and need further editing to match the original. Mac users should supply both printer and screen (10 and 12 point size) font files for any PostScript font. PostScript fonts are generally more reliable than True type fonts. True type fonts do not have the extensive font metrics that a PostScript font does so the output of a True type font is not always as clean and crisp. True type fonts have one font file, generally found in the system folder. Font files for every True type font used must be provided. Screen font families are generally contained in one font suitcase to minimize clutter.

The printer font icon depicted to the left is an Adobe printer font. Other vendors icons will look different. Windows users should supply .pfm and .pfb font files for each font if PostScript, or .ttf files for True type fonts. PostScript fonts are generally stored on top of the hard drive in a directory named psfonts. True type fonts are usually stored in the windows/fonts directory Multiple master PostScript fonts require you also supply an .mmm and .pss file.

Note: multiple master fonts can be problematic and should be tested.


Image Enhancement | Output | mezzotints | scanning | Graphic Design & Typography | File Support | FTP | Media | Shipping