Product Graphic Design Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions about product graphic design.

How can I send artwork or engineering drawings to BTI? 

1. Email all appropriate artwork to info@butlertechnologies.com
2. (If file size is too large) – physical flash drives or DropBox.
3. Blueprints – Please provide logos either digitally or clean original.
4. Technical drawings – These can be plain paper drawings calling out all dimensions and type
   specifications to produce your finished art.

What kind of artwork file is needed for production? 

All finished artwork is produced in Adobe Illustrator regardless of native format.

• VECTOR graphics are infinitely scalable to any size without loss of resolution and are the preferred format.
• RASTER graphics are only as good as the resolution they were saved at. They are complicated to separate for our processes and, in most cases, are not acceptable.
  *If RASTER graphics are the only files available, additional charges may be incurred to recreate VECTOR artwork.*

What should be included in artwork files? 

• All color call-outs. Please provide color breaks clearly on your drawing. A file will be printed as it appears in the file unless otherwise indicated.
• All linked Image/Logo files.  (Examples being .pdf, .psd, .ai, .eps, .tif, .jpeg)
• All screen and printer fonts.  Fonts used within your job (Helvetica, Arial, Century Gothic) If you can not send fonts, call out information to recreate those fonts. (ex. Arial Bold 14pt.) If supplying artwork in .ai format, convert live typeface into shapes (Create Outlines)

What should be included in engineering drawings? 

• 2-D CAD drawings (BTI uses AutoCAD) .dxf or .dwg
• 3-D CAD drawings (BTI uses SolidWorks) .igs, .stp, or .sldprt

What is the Pantone Matching System?

The Pantone matching system, also known as PMS, is the standard language designers use to call out the specific color they need on that product.   

Why are color callouts so important? 

It matters because no matter where McDonald’s would go to make their signs – they will all look the same! The reason is that every manufacturer will have the same CMYK combination of 0:100:91:0 that it takes to make PMS 123C.

What is the difference between CMYK and RGB?

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.  RGB Stands for Red, Green, Blue.  Often MYK colors are used because it is the standard for printing.  RGB is used more often in a digital setting to display images on a screen.  If you would like to read more about colors ideology, click here.