Frequenty Asked Questions Large Format Graphics

There are a myriad of options available for Large Format Digital Color, so we provide these convenient pricing tools to help you plan and budget your graphics projects:

— Modular price list
— Instant phone quotes — call 916.727.2700
— Faxed detail quotes — call 916.727.2700
— Inventory Closeouts price list
— Online Quoter (coming soon!)

First, it's helpful to know that Blue River's estimated turnarounds begin only when both of the following have been received:

1) Final print-ready digital artwork

2) A faxed, mailed or called-in order containing all necessary production specs (orders sent via email/FTP/web must be accompanied by one of the above)

Most small-qty. orders with average specs are completed and ready to ship in 3-4 days, for standard turnaround. Rush turnarounds available on request. Factors that may lengthen estimated turnaround include large-quantity orders, unusually complex artwork, custom or non-standard production specs, etc. Also, turnaround may be lengthened if you are requesting any layout, repair, scanning or other file preparation, or if proofs and/or proof revisions are requested.

Blue River Digital wants to help you get the perfect materials for your project: the right durability and performance for your intended usage, without going overboard. Please see our Materials Selector to help you evaluate options, or call 916-727-2700 and ask for a Large Format customer service representative.

Please read our article on Resolution vs. Size.

You have several options for increasing the resolution of your photos and/or bitmap images...

We support all standard graphics formats from both Mac and Windows, INCLUDING all the popular Windows formats! Still, some formats are much faster and easier to work with than others, so we've separated the common formats into these 5 "efficiency" tiers:

1) FASTEST, MOST ECONOMICAL - Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, TIFF, EPS

2) MAY SLOW PRODUCTION - Macromedia Freehand, Adobe PageMaker, Corel Draw, PDF

3) MAY INCUR EXTRA SETUP TIME - Quark Xpress, Adobe InDesign

4) ADD $50 MINIMUM SETUP - Microsoft Word, Publisher or PowerPoint

5) APPLICATIONS NOT LISTED IN TIERS 1 THRU 4 - May not be supported, please call

HOWEVER: Experienced users with files from Tier 2 or 3 applications who properly* construct artwork will likely advance tiers.

If you're sending a color proof, and/or if your total file size is over 100 megabytes, it's preferable to ship a burned CD directly to our Lab, or you may send a Zip disk. Otherwise, for file sizes 5 to 100 MB, you may upload your artwork to our FTP site if you like. And for even smaller file sizes (under 8 MB), email attachment is appropriate. NOTE: FTP and email orders must be accompanied by either fax or phone call to initiate order.

Specify UPS (preferred) or FedEx. Our daily deadline for orders to be ready for pickup (all packaged AND labeled), is 4:15 pm Pacific time. We ship any method you specify (overnight, ground, 2-day, etc.).

For shipping cost and time estimates, visit these websites (use source zip code 95621):

• UPS Ratefinder

• FedEx Ratefinder

Color life, especially outdoors, is difficult to predict because of variables such as how much heat is there, and for how many hours each day is there UV exposure from sunlight or halogen or fluorescent sources. It's also worth noting that all Duratrans are created equal when it comes to UV resistance, since the core process and materials for producing Duratrans backlit graphics are the same throughout the industry.

Indoors, Duratrans can be expected to maintain great color for 1 to 5 years depending on the amount of natural sunlight and/or other UV exposure.

Outdoors, Duratrans facing north can be expected to hold its color for 2 to 3 years; whereas East, West and South facing installations may perform well for several months to 2 years.

Either way, we recommend you order the UV laminate option with your Duratrans graphics, for improved color longevity and scratch resistance.