Frequently Asked Questions

I am sending Digital files to Shore, what file format should I save it in?
Is there a character limit on file names?
What color mode should I use, RGB or CMYK?
Should I be using 8-bit files or 16-bit files?
How can I check to see if my files are 8-bit files in Adobe Photoshop?
Is it ok to send a file with Layers or Alpha Channels?
I want to send a .JPG file to Shore, is there a specific way I should save this file?
How do I save a .JPG file with the least amount of compression in Adobe Photoshop?
I want to send a .TIF file to Shore, is there a specific way I should save this file?
How do I save a .TIF file in Adobe Photoshop with no compression and IBM byte order?
How large a resolution should I use when sending digital images to Shore?
I have been hearing about "Color Management" is there something I should be doing for my files sent to shore?
Do Ready2Print and AccessPoint have the same TIF and JPG requirements as if I were to send the files directly to shore in the mail?
I have a Apple computer will I have any problems trying to use Ready2Print or AccessPoint?
I am currently behind a firewall, does Ready2Print and AccessPoint utilize passive FTP protocol?
How do I know that my images have been received when I send though AccessPoint or Ready2Print?
Is there a maximum amount of space that can be sent though Ready2Print and AccessPoint?
I have a file that is significantly smaller then I need printed? Will it be ok?
I need multiples of the same image and unit in Ready2Print or AccessPoint. Do I have to keep adding the unit over and over till I get the desired amount?
I wish to know when my orders have been shipped on a regular basis do you offer this service?
I am not a AccessPoint or Ready2Print user, however I want notification of shipment. Can I also receive this service?
I want to be notified when I have shipments but I do not currently check/have a e-mail address, is there another option?
I want the Ready2Print pricing but I don't want to do the color correction myself any way I can do this?
I ordered some prints a few weeks ago, can I reorder them without sending Negatives or CDs?
I need to use a ©,®, or ™ symbol in AccessPoint or ready to print. Can this be done?

Q: I am sending Digital files to Shore, what file format should I save it in?
A: Shore accepts the following file formats .JPG and .TIF . Files saved in any other format may be subject to additional charges.

Q: Is there a character limit on file names?
A: Yes. Please have no more then 11 characters(including spaces) in the prefix of your file. This limit does not apply the the suffix of your filename (.JPG, .TIF, etc.). Please refrain from using ^, *, =, <, >, ?, (, ), ", or ' in you file names as they are incompatible with our production software. Files containing more then 11 characters in the prefix may be subject to additional charges.

Q: What color mode should I use, RGB or CMYK?
A: You should use sRGB or Adobe98.

Q: Should I be using 8-bit files or 16-bit files?
A: 8-bit files. 16-bit files will not work with Ready2Print or AccessPoint. Files sent to Shore Color for conventional printing that are 16-bit t will be subject to additional charges for file conversion to 8-bit.

Q: How can I check to see if my files are 8-bit files in Adobe Photoshop?
A: From the menu bar Choose "Images", then "Mode". Within the "Mode" sub-menu there will be a checkmark by either "8 Bits/Channel" or
"16 bits/Channel". If your image does not have "8 bits/Channel" checked please do so. Please See Figure 1 (Note: If a large majority of your images are 16-bit from your raw camera files you may have to adjust your camera settings. Please refer to you cameras owners manual or contact the manufacturer for details on how to shoot in 8-bit mode.)

Figure 1.

Q: Is it ok to send a file with Layers or Alpha Channels?
A: No. If a file contains Layers or Alpha Channels we will have to flatten the file or remove the channel, this may result in additional charges.

Q: I want to send a .JPG file to Shore, is there a specific way I should save this file?
A: Whenever you save a .JPG file use the Least amount of compression you can.

Q: How do I save a .JPG file with the least amount of compression in Adobe Photoshop?
A: After you choose to save a file as JPG format, a JPEG options pallet will appear on screen. Be sure to slide the quality slider to "Large File" in the Image Options area. Please see Figure 2

Figure 2

Q: I want to send a .TIF file to Shore, is there a specific way I should save this file?
A: Yes, please send your .TIF files with No compression. We prefer your byte order to be IBM but will not cause any major problems if you currently use Macintosh in your workflow.

Q: How do I save a .TIF file in Adobe Photoshop with no compression and IBM byte order?
A: After you choose to save a file as TIF format, a TIFF options pallet will appear on screen, be sure to select "NONE" on Image Compression and "IBM PC" on Byte Order. Please see Figure 3

Figure 3

Q: How large a resolution should I use when sending digital images to Shore?
A: The default size from most professional digital cameras give optimal results for most jobs. If you are working with scanned artwork, 300 DPI at size is sufficient for most jobs; for work larger then 10x10 150 to 180 is sufficient. If you receive CD's from shore for scanned negatives they are at a appropriate size for almost every job printed here.

Q: I have been hearing about "Color Management" is there something I should be doing for my files sent to shore?
A: Yes, Please save all your files with "Adobe98", "sRGB" or "ColorMatch RGB" color space. If you are not familiar with this please feel free to contact us and if possible we can help you configure your software.

Q: Do Ready2Print and AccessPoint have the same TIF and JPG requirements as if I were to send the files directly to shore in the mail?
A: Yes in the end the images do go though the same production software for output (Kodak's state of the art DP2 system) and have the same File requirements.

Q: I have a Apple computer will I have any problems trying to use Ready2Print or AccessPoint?
A: No, These innovative software packages run though JAVA technology and are platform independent, this allows you to use the same exact program that looks, feels and acts the same regardless if you happen to be on a Mac or PC.

Q: I am currently behind a firewall, does Ready2Print and AccessPoint utilize passive FTP protocol?
A: Yes Ready2Print and AccessPoint use both Active and Passive FTP protocols.

Q: How do I know that my images have been received when I send though AccessPoint or Ready2Print?
A: You should receive a conformation E-mail within 24 hours of sending your files. Usually you will get a
E-mail within minutes of your files being sent, however due to Internet lag, Slow e-mail servers, etc. it may take up to 24 hours for a message to get back to you.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of space that can be sent though Ready2Print and AccessPoint?
A: Currently 2GB (gigabytes) of information may be sent though AccessPoint and Ready2Print this may change in the future as newer versions of the software are developed. If you have a extremely large order that contains more then 2GB of files we ask that you please separate the order into sections.

Q: I have a file that is significantly smaller then I need printed? Will it be ok?
A: Ideally we would like the file to be at size but we know that this is not always the case. Please keep in mind that the larger you go from the original size the less the quality will be. For instance, if you have a file that is 5x7 at 300dpi we can make a 8x10 from it, there will be a slight reduction in quality but possibly still useable, however if you wished to make a 11X14 from this file you would loose a massive amount of quality that may not be suitable for your needs. Please feel free to contact us with questions about this matter.

Q: I need multiples of the same image and unit in Ready2Print or AccessPoint. Do I have to keep adding the unit over and over till I get the desired amount?
A: No there is a field where you can declare a quantity amount in AccessPoint or Ready2Print. Please see Figure 4

Figure 4

Q: I wish to know when my orders have been shipped on a regular basis do you offer this service?
A: If you wish to ship via UPS we can notify you via email. AccessPoint and Ready2Print users should be receiving conformation of shipment
e-mails though UPS, if you are not receiving notification please contact customer service with your e-mail address.

Q: I am not a AccessPoint or Ready2Print user, however I want notification of shipment. Can I also receive this service?
A: Yes. Please contact customer service and tell them you wish to receive e-mail shipment notifications. Please have your current account number and e-mail address ready.

Q: I want to be notified when I have shipments but I do not currently check/have a e-mail address, is there another option?
A: Yes. If you have a FAX machine you can be notified by UPS when you are getting a shipment from Shore Color. Please call customer Service and tell them you wish to receive FAX shipment notifications. Please have your current account number and FAX number, Please note this must be a Dedicated FAX line. FAX notification is handled by UPS and not Shore Color, so we can not control time or date of FAX.

Q: I want the Ready2Print pricing but I don't want to do color correction or retouching myself, any way I can do this?
A: No the Ready2Print pricing structure is so cost effective because there is no lab color correction or retouching services done to the images.

Q: I ordered some prints a few weeks ago, can I reorder them without sending Negatives or CDs?
A: No. We purge our servers to create more space, this could include your previous orders. We do not guarantee that your files will remain in our system for any amount of time. To safeguard your files shore does offer CD archival services for a nominal fee. Please contact customer service with any questions about CD archival.

Q: I need to use a ©,®, or ™ symbol in AccessPoint or ready to print. Can this be done?
A: Yes. For PC users you need to hold down the Alt key and type in a series of four numbers. Mac Users need to Hold down there Option key and type one letter or number. They are as follows:
© = ALT+0169 (PC) OPT+G (MAC)
® = ALT+0174 (PC) OPT+R (MAC)
™ = ALT+0153 (PC) OPT+2 (MAC)