File size requirements for large format printing are a bit different than for small format. And, like most things, acceptable standard files are different from printer to printer. Here at BIG Images, although we accept many file formats, there is one kind of file that tends to work very well with our workflow, and that's the incredible TIFF.

The standard file we accept is

• a flattened TIFF
• saved at 150 ppi (lower ppi will work depending on size of the graphic and distance the graphic will be viewed from)
• embedded with the Adobe RGB 1998 color space
• saved with LZW compression
• saved at the physical size it'll be printed

I know, I know; that's a lot of details, acronyms and geekiness, but that's just the biz. A major reason we accept files this way is because… Read the full article...

Tags: tips, tiff, design

In most sectors of the printing industry, Adobe's PDF file format is king. It deserves accolades, because for most applications, a PDF will reproduce art and text amazingly well while delivering a decent print-ready file in a relatively small file size. These features have made PDF a staple of the small format print industry. Although the PDF is great, BIG Images’ preferred file format for large format printing is the Tiff.

The benefits of the Tiff file format in the large format print industry are threefold:

1. Financial Savings
   • Tiff files saved with LZW compression use anywhere from 50% to 99% less disk space than competing file formats
   • The time required to open & save a Tiff is less than that of a PDF or other competing file formats
   • The time & resources needed to transfer the file to BIG Images is reduced
2. Time Savings
   • Faster processing time for both the customer and BIG Images equates to a faster turn around time
   • Smaller size is faster to open, close, and transfer via FTP or email
   • More predictable results mean fewer errors to chase, resulting in faster production time
3. Better service and product from BIG Images
   • Elimination of common errors means faster production & fewer pre-press expenses. BIG Images can produce a better, more consistent product, faster.

Read the full article...

Tags: tiff, pdf, technology, about us, jon beebe, workflow