The Tiff Advantage
This PDF explains why BIG Images prefers the Tiff format for all image files submitted.
Saving from Photoshop
How to properly save a flattened Tiff using LZW compression in Adobe Photoshop
Saving from InDesign
Sadly, InDesign does not allow for Tiff export so this shows how to properly save a file from Adobe InDesign as a PDF.
Saving from Illustrator
How to properly save a file from Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Color Settings
How to set up the Adobe CS Color Settings panel to take maximum advantage of color management technologies
Automator Workflow
BIG Images is harnessing the power of AppleScript & Automator on Mac OS X Tiger to improve the production workflow in a cross-platform computing environment.
Customer Management System
Read how BIG Images is fulfilling its mission—Revolutionizing the large format print industry through Technology and Relentless Customer Service—by pioneering a Customer Management System that integrates with sales & production for a seamless experience.

File Submission Guidelines

PDF Library

BIG Images File Submission guidelines – Updated October 16, 2007

BIG Images accepts files via FTP, DVD, CD, ZIP, and floppy disk. BIG Images will guarantee print quality if files are created according to the following specifications†:

General File Requirements
• All files should include a 1/8” bleed and crop marks.
• All files should be created in RGB color.
*This only applies to new files – if you already have a CMYK file DO NOT convert it back to RGB – this will only further harm the color data.
• Embed the appropriate ICC profile:
“Adobe RGB 1998” for all RGB documents
“U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2” for all CMYK document
• Use ZIP or LZW compression whenever possible – both are lossless techniques.

Adobe Photoshop files
• Save As flattened TIFF files using LZW compression.
• Optimal printing requires a resolution of 150 dpi at final output size.
*For detailed information please visit the support section of www.big-images.com

Adobe Illustrator files
• Save As an AI or PDF file◊.
*For detailed information please visit the support section of www.big-images.com
• Outline ALL fonts.
• Embed (do not link) ALL images.

Adobe InDesign files
• Save As an INDD or PDF file.
*For detailed information please visit the support section of www.big-images.com
• Turn on color management for all images embedded in the document.
• Outline ALL fonts and embed (do not link) ALL images.

All Other Programs
• All others programs such as Quark, PageMaker, and Microsoft applications must be exported as a flattened tiff, pdf, or an eps. Consult these programs’ manuals for how to activate color management and embed color profiles.

Any questions regarding these file submission guidelines should be directed towards BIG Images’ print production manager Jon Beebe at 805-781-9301 or beebe@big-images.com.



In an effort to keep up with the rapid pace of technology, BIG Images reserves the right to change, modify, or rescind its file submission guidelines at will.

† BIG Images cannot guarantee the print quality (including but not limited to image clarity, detail, readability, color accuracy, and accurate and repeatable reproducibility in the future) if the specifications outlined in “BIG Images File Submission Guidelines” are not followed explicitly.

◊ Due to an IllustratorCS ColorSync bug we have encountered you must save AI files with “Create PDF Compatible File” checked, otherwise the program will not include an embedded ICC profile, and color quality cannot be guaranteed.