technical requirements

proofing services
On-Line Proofing
Lenticular effects can be experienced over the internet using "animated gif" technology. Ask your sales representative to have your lenticular image posted as an on-line proof that anybody you choose can view. This service is usually provided the same day we receive your art.

Lenticular Comps
Finalize your marketing concepts or work out the bugs in your design using our lenticular comps. Usually prepared in just 24 hours from receipt of your art, lenticular comps are prototypes that function just like our finished products. Lenticular comps precede our high-resolution (Matchprint) proofs, and are included with every paid job. Lenticular comps may also be made for marketing presentations free of charge.  Just ask your sales representative.

timelines
Production timelines vary based on product type, production constraints, and your requirements. Many projects can be completed in just 14 to 21 days.  Please ask your sales representative for an exact timeframe to manufacture your products.

software applications
Our electronic pre-press department is Macintosh-based.  Therefore, if you are preparing electronic art files, please provide in Mac format. We can accept most commonly used application documents for graphic design such as: Adobe Illustrator 8.0, QuarkXPress 4.0 and Adobe Photoshop 5.5 (send layered art when applicable). Postscript files are acceptable as long as they are saved from Adobe Illustrator.  Otherwise please provide application documents.

fonts
Virtual Graphics has an extensive type library, but with so many typefaces available today, we request that you always include a font folder that contains both printer and screen fonts used in your designs. Outlines should be used anytime a typeface is used which cannot be supplied. If the type element is simple, converting it to outline can actually make things fool-proof and eliminate the need for a supplied typeface.

disk directories and printouts
Please provide a full directory of all disks sent. We also recommend a comment page that will detail which documents will be used and their purpose. For jobs to be processed efficiently, printouts of the final design are required. This print, marked "FINAL", should be in color at actual size.

electronic media
We can read 1GB Jaz disks, and 100 MB and 250MB Zip Disks. For files smaller than 95 MB the Zip Disk is now preferred, if possible. For larger files, the most fool-proof medium is now the CD. Be sure to confirm that any disk to be shipped reads back error free.

scanned images
We can read any scanned image file format available to Photoshop 5.5. Resolution of 300 DPI is usually sufficient. For images larger than 11"x14", resolution can safely be reduced to 200 DPI. There is no harm in providing higher resolution, but we must work with no less than 150 DPI and this low resolution is not recommended. When providing originals to be scanned by Virtual Graphics, we will be able to accept the following types: Transparency (35mm, 2.25", 4"x5", 8"x10", 11"x14"), C-Prints, Illustrated artwork (must be on flexible board material) and Cine format film strip (Bell & Howell perforations only).

artwork preparation tips
For the best 3D
For 3D environments, backgrounds should be nondescript but feature some sort of texture, pattern or noise. Plain colored backgrounds will diminish the amount of viewable depth. Items which are showcased and have text which must be clearly read should be featured on the "key" or middle plane of depth (perceived as the surface of the lens).

For the best Flip and Animations
For the most effective flip images or animations, backgrounds should always remain constant. Narrower flip or animated elements will feature the most convincing effects. For flip or animated images within a 3D environment, place active elements on the "key" plane only.

Stay away from horizontal or vertical lines running in the same direction as the lens. Use text and lines which are large enough that they will not be distorted by the texture of the lens itself.

Virtual Graphics, Inc.
For questions about these technical requirements please call
Brian Young, art director
(909) 388-1000, ext. 110