The sm@rt Code is designed to be placed on a suppliers catalog – right next to an items price, photo and features–and immediately conveys the suppliers artwork requirement for that particular product and imprint process.

“Wait, that sounds too simple,” you might say. Well, it is simple–and it works! The Artwork Task Force surveyed dozens of supplier companies representing nearly 30 different imprint techniques. In every case, each products artwork requirements could be accurately defined by one or more of the new two-digit sm@rt Codes. (Many suppliers will not need to use more than four sm@rt Codes for their entire line.)

How do Smart Codes work?

Suppliers can accept both “ready” and “non-ready” artwork. An artwork file is ready if the supplier can use it without modifications that incur charges or cause delays. The new sm@rt Codes are designed to be published in suppliers’ sales literature, such as catalogs. The purpose of sm@rt Codes is to simplify communication of artwork readiness criteria (as defined by each supplier).

The first character in sm@rt code describes the format (vector vs. raster) necessary for artwork readiness.

Code		Min Resolution**
1	Vector Image	N/A	File contains only vector elements
2	Raster Image*	72 dpi	File may also contains vector elements
3	Raster Image*	150 dpi	File may also contains vector elements
4	Raster Image*	300 dpi	File may also contains vector elements
5	Raster Image*	600 dpi	File may also contains vector elements

The second character in sm@rt code describes the format (vector vs. raster) necessary for artwork readiness.

Code	Min Requirements	Multi-Color/Color(v)
S	Spot Color (only)	All colors in file must be specified using either a known library (e.g. Pantone) or the suppliers standard colors. Colors printed on product may or may not match colors assigned in file (e.g. black and white are used for color imprint.)
X	Colorless Decorating	File colors are used to convey image features only. Decoration does not show file color. Used for engraving, embossing, etching, etc.
C	CMYK Color (only)	File may also contain vector elements for spot colors.
R	RGB Color (only)	File may also contain vector elements for spot colors.

The sm@rt Codes are explained in full at the new www.smart-artwork.org Web site.

Remember: sm@rt Codes are not a substitute for reading a suppliers general artwork and imprinting information, such as software programs, imprint areas, printing processes or business policies. Rather, sm@rt Codes exist to avoid errors by answering questions about the graphics requirements that apply to specific products.