Production Specifications
Some vehicles have frames displaying the signs. If this is the case with your campaign, please leave a 1.5” margin all the way around the perimeter. Graphics and color can bleed right to the edges, but your message needs to be clear of this border or it will be covered by the sign frame. Please leave a 1.5” border along the top and bottom of all interior signs, as they are displayed in runner style frames above the passenger seating areas.
PDF Files
We accept high resolution pdf files.
For ftp uploading information, please call 1-800-470-1619.
Compatible Software – version listed or earlier versions
Illustrator CS2
Photoshop CS2
InDesign CS2
Freehand MX
Quark Express 6.0
Acceptable Formats – All should be Macintosh compatible
For Design: Native File Format of the software (ex: Adobe Illustrator .ai)
Please do not flatten images – we need layered files so that we can manipulate images if necessary.
For Links: EPS, TIF, JPG
Acceptable Media
Floppy Disk
Zip Disk
CD ROM Disk
DVD
Color (Please include one or more of the following to ensure color matching)
PMS Colors
Written Color Instructions
Matchprint
Color Laser Copy
Original Photos
Resolution
Transit: We ask that you setup your artwork at 1/10 of finished size within a range of 560-1000 dpi. Resolution at full size will be 56-100 dpi.
Fonts
Please convert all fonts to paths or create outlines.
Include printer and screen fonts on disk when unable to convert to paths.
Fonts for Windows are not compatible.
Return to top
Technical bulletin for bus wraps/illustrated buses
This technical bulletin has been designed for your use in setting up images for digital output. Please take note of the software and media that we support along with the "tips and tricks" to consider when it comes to preparing your digital files for production.
Before you Begin
Please obtain a vehicle template from ATA and note that the colored areas of the template cannot be covered with graphics. The template will be set up at 1/20th scale of final product, however, we ask that the artwork be set up at 1/10th scale of final size and in a range of 560-1000 dpi. We will print out the images in the range of 56-100 dpi at final size. Please provide a hard copy that clearly represents what the final wrap should look like. Since PMS colors are ink based, not all colors are achievable through the 4-color print process.
We support the following Macintosh platform based software programs for pre-press.
• Adobe Photoshop
• Quark Express
• Adobe Illustrator
• Macromedia Freehand
• CorelDraw
NOTE: When using Photoshop and type or other vector elements together, it is best if the type or vector elements are set up in a drawing or page layout program. This will allow crisper type and vector items when output.
Return to top
Preparing files in Photoshop:
Prepare 4 separate layered files 1)Curb Side 2)Street Side 3)Front 4)Back.
All 4 files should be scaled to each other and include extra bleed on all 4 sides. Do not exclude from your files any part of the image even if it covers a non-printable area. Special effects created in Photoshop using type or vector elements will need to stay in Photoshop and will still print well. When supplying Photoshop composites, it is best to send us the files in layers. Do not flatten your files so adjustments can be made as needed. This allows for ease of change and less waste in time if a change is necessary.
Preparing files in Illustrator:
Do not mask images, all type should be outlined.
Preparing files in Quark:
Place each side on separate pages in one document. Fonts and images must be linked to the document and also given separately. For these types of files along with your other types of artwork we will accept them on a variety of media and in a variety of ways as follows:
• CD Rom
• DVD Rom
• 100 & 250MB Zip
• 1.44 floppy disk
• Photos
• Transparencies
• Slides
• Original illustrations
• Printed media
We suggest that either a color proof be provided with the files being sent or proper PMS colors be called out to assure the closest match possible to the color desired. We will provide to you a paper proof for position only on all products and a large size panel of the actual finished product on vinyl for illustrated buses only. Please note that printed media may produce unpredictable color and detail quality, however, we will do our best to produce the best possible quality.
If there are any remaining design/production questions, please feel encouraged to send them along. Please keep a copy of your original artwork for your records.
Return to top
Ad Design Guidelines
Words of advice abound regarding the psychology, philosophy, and even the science behind ad design. ATA would like to offer you three basic guidelines for your design process.
- BE BRIEF – A good rule of thumb for outdoor advertising, where either the viewer or your message may be in motion. A proven formula
is: your image, your tag line, and your company logo. Of course there are many creative avenues to travel, and this is only one. What remains true is the need for brevity. Most effective tag lines are 7 words or less.
- FONTS – Clear, bold, appropriately spaced typefaces work best in this medium. Try to stay away from overly ornate or decorative fonts
as these typefaces lose their legibility at greater distances and speeds. Size DOES matter here.
- COLOR – When advertising outdoors, utilize contrast for all it’s worth. The higher the contrast between
the background color and the text color, the greater the readability.
