What are the guidelines for uploading images?

Image Formats: We support images in both JPEG and PNG formats. Both formats will produce high quality products as long as the resolution meets or exceeds our recommendations.

Image Resolution: 200dpi is recommended. If you submit images with lower than 200dpi, you run the risk of the image appearing fuzzy and/or distorted. Most web images are created in 72dpi and we do not suggest you upsize from 72dpi to 200dpi as the image will become distorted and fuzzy. We recommend that all images start out as 200dpi.

Image Size: If you would like to populate the entire surface with your design, we recommend that the images you upload be no smaller than the minimum pixels as recommended in each product description.

Transparency: Saved as PNG-24 with Transparency. With PNG, we can support full transparency of your images as you design. This can be especially useful if you are creating a design with multiple overlapping images such as borders to go around your design, or shapes with non-rectangular edges.

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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 as stated above then your design may not turn out the way you had hoped.

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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 Graphic Unit. To add text through our online Flash Application, click the ADD TEXT button. You can then type in the text and change it properties in the pop up window. A text box will then be added to your design. You can move, resize and rotate the text box once it's been created.

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How do I remove text from my design?

To delete a layer (text or image), simply click on the layer you want to delete and then click the DELETE button located in the TOOLBOX. NOTE: Once you have removed a layer, there is no way to get it back.

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How do I change the font type, size and color?

You can change the text again after double-clicking the text box 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.

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How do I move, rotate, and align my text?

Activate your text layer by clicking on the text area in your design. You can use the TOOLBOX buttons to adjust your text box by rotating, moving and aligning your text box.

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How do I upload images?

Click the upload button in the background and icon panel. Before uploading your own images, please make sure your graphics have a pixel count higher than 200 DPI or the minimum pixels as recommended on each product description. It will 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.

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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 give the best results. The lower quality 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 ideal if you want to use a transparent. Save your files using the PNG-24 w/ transparency option.

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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 file the longer it will take to load into the Custom Graphics Unit. 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.

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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 really are 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.

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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.

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How do I delete an uploaded image?

Click the delete icon in the tool box, and the uploaded image will be deleted. This is not undoable.

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Are transparent backgrounds supported?

Yes. We support PNG-24 w/ transparency.

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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 the minimum pixels sizes as recommended in the product description.

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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 really are 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.

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How do I resize, move, rotate and align my images?

Activate your image layer by clicking on the layer icon within your CANVAS. You can use the TOOLBOX buttons to rotate, move, align your image etc.

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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 may be slight differences between what you see and what is printed. 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.

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What colors can I use?

We suggest that you create your design using CMYK color format.

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Why is my image distorted? It doesn't look the same when uploaded as it does on my computer.

This may be because your image does not comply 100% with our Image Guideline. Namely we have resolution requirements (200dpi minimum), color requirements (CMYK), and size requirements (varies based on product type).

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I'm a graphic designer and I would like to have my artwork displayed with your Custom Gear utility.

Please contact us at reseller@act-labs.com.

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