FAQs

What is a "Comping" or Preview Use Image?
Images may be used free of charge for a limited duration, if they are used only for personal, noncommercial use and solely for test or sample purposes. These rights are governed by the Comping Preview File License Agreement. Comping files may be used to take a closer look at a particular image or to create materials for proofing presentations to end clients. They are of a lower resolution than the purchased image and do not reflect the quality of the purchased image. Comping files are not licensed for use in final projects, whether for internal or external use.

How may I use a Royalty-free product?
Royalty-free products may be used by the licensee multiple times for multiple projects without incurring additional fees. Royalty-free pricing is based solely on the file size of the product the licensee needs and the number of people entitled to use it (maximum 10), not the specific use. You don't have to pay any additional royalties on a use-by-use basis. However, as with all A.V. Rodgers Visual Media licenses, the rights granted are non-transferable and are personal to the licensee. This means that if an RF product is used in a derivative work by the licensee for another person, the other person may not use the licensed product separately from the derivative work. Royalty-free licenses are always non-exclusive. All licenses of royalty-free products are subject to A.V. Rodgers Visual Media Royalty-Free License Agreement.

What's the difference between RGB and CMYK formats?
When an RGB image is converted to CMYK, several parameters must be taken into consideration, including paper stock, four-color film output device, layout software programs used, types of inks used and special effects intended by you, the designer. An RGB format provides you with the most flexibility.

How large can I print your digital images?
As a general rule of thumb, our images can safely be enlarged to 125% of their original image size without affecting the quality. Since it's critical that you know what resolution you need for the output device, we recommend that you consult directly with your printer or service bureau to find out the specific capabilities of the device that will be used.

How do I retain the original quality of an image when I want to enlarge it?
For the best quality, remember this general guideline: The image resolution (ppi) should remain equal to twice the screen frequency (lpi). You have options, however, to adjust the screen frequency, re-sample the image at a higher resolution, or lower the ppi-to-lpi ratio.

I downloaded a high-resolution image, but it's opening up at 72dpi. What happened?
Depending on how the image was saved, it may open at a screen resolution of 72 dpi. This doesn't necessarily mean you downloaded a low-resolution image by mistake. Check the dimensions. Change the dpi of the image to 300 without re-sampling the image. If the dimensions come down to 5"x7.5" (9 MB image) when you change the dpi to 300, then you know you have the correct image. Simply re-save the image at 300 dpi.

How do I achieve the best results producing four-color separations from images?
There are several steps you'll need to take to create a quality four-color separation, including determining the image resolution, calibrating your system, selecting the right service bureau and checking your files. It's always a good idea to discuss the details of your publication with a representative at your commercial printer before you create the final film output.