Creating print graphics

[ssg2003]

I primarily use XaxaX for creating web graphics right now. However, I anticpate requests from my clients for print graphics in the future. What is the best way to create print graphics in XaraX for business cards/letter head or brochures? In what file format should I export my files? What size should my graphic be when created? I want to be sure that I am creating print graphics correctly.

Here is one I created for website that I am building.



Thanks,
Steve [img]null[/img]

[ssg2003]

I primarily use XaxaX for creating web graphics right now. However, I anticpate requests from my clients for print graphics in the future. What is the best way to create print graphics in XaraX for business cards/letter head or brochures? In what file format should I export my files? What size should my graphic be when created? I want to be sure that I am creating print graphics correctly.

Here is one I created for website that I am building.



Thanks,
Steve [img]null[/img]

[FAx]

Simple way (for me) - export to CMX, bring CMX to CorelDraw, modify manualy restore correct fills and transparents, export to EPS.
Corel EPS not very well, but modify drawing in Corel more easy, then AI (for me).

Best way - export to AI, restore fills&transp, export to EPS. (AI generate more accurate EPS, than other)

Don`t use Export to Xara EPS. Too buggly, huge size, stupid flatness, and only Photoshop can rasterize it.

Examples:
http://www.artin.ru/fax/forums/talkg/pig-xx.png Original XaraX Image

http://www.artin.ru/fax/forums/talkg/pig-ai.gif Export to AI

http://www.artin.ru/fax/forums/talkg/pig-cmx.gif Export to CMX

http://www.artin.ru/fax/forums/talkg/pig-swf.png Export to Flash

So!, FAx

[gwpriester]

Xara's EPS export works pretty well. I open EPS files in Photoshop and if the image opens OK then I know it will print.

One sure way to make sure that all your graphics reproduce as you see them in Xara is to export the design as a TIFF image at 300-600 dpi.

The image cannot be edited as a vector at this point but if you need to make changes, just change the image in Xara and export again.

You can use Xara's Illustrator *.ai export filter but only if your image does not contain bitmaps, bevels or shadows. Xara only supports Illustrator 7 or 8 and bitmaps, bevels and shadows do not export properly. Also, Illustrator only supports Flat, Linear and Circular transparency. Any other form of transparency (Conical, Square, Elliptical, etc.) is converted to Linear.

Gary

Gary Priester

Moderator Person


<a href="http://www.gwpriester.com">
www.gwpriester.com </a>


<a href="http://www.xaraxone.com">
The Xara Xone </a>

[FAx]

Thanks Gary - am forgot say about fill&transp supported types.

Some words about "Xara EPS".
Xara EPS made "simulate" fills & transparency (except uniform fills) aka flatness.
What "Simulate"? - that many-many linear shapes with many uniform fills.(try to open this at Corel and you see, if Corel not crashed http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/smile.gif) All together they look like real fill&transp, but have many artefacts on image.

Xara EPS extrimaly LARGER file, than AI&CMX. My Glass Pig weight - AI(16K),CMX(23K),X-EPS(650K)
Many RIP`s can`t parse this EPS Hell. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

Else use TIFF. Big filesize, but no problems. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

So!, FAx

[stlewis]

Steve

Another trick is, if your client wants two or three colour work, to make sure you use Named colours. This makes it easy to produce separations.

Then at print time, change colour 1 to black, other colours to white. Then export as TIFF. Then change colour 1 to white, colour 2 to black, 3 to white etc and export again. And repeat for other colours.

The printer may like registration marks - put these in a separate layer for convenience.

Hope that helps.

www.bricksandbrass.co.uk

[ssg2003]

I appreciate all the feedback and tips, which helps me to better understand print graphics. I am TOTALLY green when it comes to this, so I really appreciate your help.

Thanks again,
Steve

[Turan]

I've only done a few big print projects, but what I have done have turned out very well (not just my words but feedback from customers).

I have found no need to import my Xara output into another program.

I just export to JPEG 300dpi (100%) at 1/4 size and the printer produces results identical to what I see on the screen.

I've also used Tiff for one project.

Just my input - don't claim to be an expert.

My main thought is ring around printers in your area and ask them what they will accept.

Turan

[sidewaysup]

I have a pretty good printer I have been working with, while I havn't been able to get him to get a demo version of Xara, he has allowed me to get his printer driver, and hook up directly to a printer and go to town. If it wasn't for his in house "designer" who obviously swears by you know who, who knows I might get him hooked on xara.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-2/76617/MSYUIJJOGIOZED[LTWMJ-rstag3.gif