Vector imagery
Vector graphics are our preferred file type because of their superior quality over JPEG images. Many graphic artists are capable of creating and/or manipulating these files. Vector images do not lose quality when enlarged, and therefore are perfect for large feature walls.
You can also purchase images from websites such as istockphoto.com and shutterstock.com.
Photographic imagery
Large JPEG and TIFF files are also suitable to use however, they must meet specific size guidelines and be accepted by our design team. Photos are most commonly used in small to medium installations or are combined into a vector collage.
Why? As a photo is stretched, the quality will lessen. For example, a 300 DPI image that is 32” wide in it’s original state converts to 75 DPI when the image is stretched across two panels (8’). Though 75 DPI seems really low, these walls are meant to be viewed from a distance.
If you wish to use photos, the selected image should meet the following guidelines to span a panel properly.
- Legally obtained photograph
- Dimensions > 40” width for multi-panel images
- High resolution > 300 DPI
- Large file size > 10MB, 20MB, 30MB+
- Quality inspected and approved by Altro
- Paper proofed and approved by end-user