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What are the guidelines for uploading images?
What software application/program should I use for creating images? We prefer that all images and artwork be created using a high-end graphics application such as Photoshop or Illustrator, however any graphics program which will allow you to create 200dpi or higher images using the CMYK color format will work. Please keep in mind that the quality of your design relies on you. If you choose to use a low-end graphics program and do not adhere to our Image Guidelines then your design may not turn out the way you had hoped. How do I add text to my design? You can add text to your design in two ways. You can either make your personalized text part of your design by making it part of your uploaded image, or you can add text to your design through our Custom Gear utility. To add text through our online utility, navigate to the TEXT tab and click the ADD TEXT BOX button. A text box will then be added to your design and a layer will be created within the WORKSPACE. You can move, resize and rotate the text box once it's been created. How do I remove text from my design? At the bottom of the Custom Gear utility, you will see an area called the WORKSPACE. To delete a layer (text or image), simply click on the layer icon within the WORKSPACE and click the DELETE LAYER button located at the bottom of the TOOLBOX. NOTE: Once you have removed a layer, there is no way to get it back. How do I change the font type, size and color? When you are on the TEXT tab, you will see a variety of text editing options. Start by highlighting the text you would like to change and then use the pull-down menus to change the font type and size. You can also change the color of the text by using the color picker or align your text within the text box. How do I move, rotate, and align my text? Activate your text layer by clicking on the layer icon within your WORKSPACE. You can use the TOOLBOX buttons to adjust your text box by rotating, moving and aligning your text box. How do I upload images? Navigate to the IMAGE tab and click the UPLOAD IMAGE button. Before uploading your own images, please make sure to read and fully understand our Image Guidelines, which help you create a design that will look great when printed. If you do not fully follow our Image Requirements, you may not be happy with the outcome. Once you have uploaded an image it will appear in the CHOOSE IMAGES scrolling box. NOTE: If you delete an image layer within your WORKSPACE it will still be available within the CHOOSE IMAGES scroll box for use. What file formats do you accept? We accept .jpg and .png file formats for uploaded images. Files saved using the highest image quality settings for .jpg will turn out the best. The lower you save your image, the more risk you run of having it turn out pixilated, distorted and/or fuzzy. We also accept .png files which is great if you want to use transparency. Save your files using the PNG-24 w/ transparency option. What is the maximum file size limitation for an uploaded image? While there is not current file size requirements, please keep in mind that the larger the image is the longer it will take to load into the Custom Gear utility and you also run the risk of crashing your session. As a general rule, we ask that you limit your file size to no more than 5mb. What are the size requirements for uploaded images? If you plan on using your uploaded image as an icon or logo that you will be using on top of another image or background there are really no requirements other than making sure it's at least 200dpi and created using CMYK. Transparent PNG files are the best for these types of situations. If you plan on uploading an image to be used as a background, please follow these size guidelines:
Images created smaller or larger than these size guidelines may not resize properly within the Custom Gear utility. What resolution should my uploaded images be? The minimum resolution requirement is 200dpi. Anything lower than that will not resize correctly, may become distorted and will most likely affect the quality of the printed product. How do I delete an uploaded image? At the bottom of the Custom Gear utility, you will see an area called the WORKSPACE. To delete a layer (text or image), simply click on the layer icon within the WORKSPACE and click the DELETE LAYER button located at the bottom of the TOOLBOX. NOTE: If the image layer you are deleting is an image you have uploaded, you will still have access to this image within the CHOOSE IMAGES scroll box on the IMAGE tab. Are transparent backgrounds supported? Yes. We support PNG-24 w/ transparency. How do I upload an image for use as a background? If you plan on uploading an image to be used as a background, please follow these size guidelines:
Images created smaller or larger than these size guidelines may not resize properly within the Custom Gear utility. How do I upload an image for use as an icon or logo? If you plan on using your uploaded image as an icon or logo that you will be using on top of another image or background there are really no requirements other than making sure it's at least 200dpi and created using CMYK. Transparent PNG files are the best for these types of situations. How do I resize, move, rotate and align my images? Activate your image layer by clicking on the layer icon within your WORKSPACE. You can use the TOOLBOX buttons to rotate, move, align, etc. your image. How accurate will the color print on the final product? Although we will try to match the printed color to the color you see on your monitor the best we can, there are differences between what you see and what you print. Monitors display colors in the RGB format where as printers print in the CMYK format. Colors in the CMYK format will print slightly different/darker than what you see on the screen. If you do not create your design using CMYK colors then beware that your design may differ slightly from what you see on your monitor. What colors can I use? We suggest that you create your design using CMYK color format. Why is my image distorted? It doesn't look the same when uploaded as it does on my computer.
I'm a graphic designer and I would like to have my artwork displayed with your Custom Gear utility.
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