Preparing files for print can be a complex task, and
those unfamiliar with the process will occasionally overlook certain
steps, resulting in additional costs or delays. Below we've compiled
a checklist we hope you'll find helpful in the preparation of
your artwork. Please take the time to go through the list and
verify that you have not overlooked any of these steps before
sending us your files. It may take a little extra time from your
busy schedule, but it could end up saving you considerable time
and possible additional charges later.
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·Fonts:
Please verify that you have included all fonts used in your job.
Otherwise our graphic programs will substitute the fonts. ·A
Few Words About Fonts:Fonts are a very important part of every
job. Often what sets a particular job apart from the rest is the
designer's choice of fonts. Therefore it is especially important
that you include any fonts you use in your job with the files
you send. Even if they are common fonts, there may be subtle differences
between, for example, the Helvetica on your computer and the Helvetica
on our computer. We have only a font name to go by, and no way
of knowing if your font differs in any way from our font by the
same or similar name. Also, when possible, always use Type1 fonts
rather than TrueType fonts in PC files. For Macintosh files, only
Type1 fonts will be accepted.
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·Linked
Files: If you've linked or placed any files, you must also
send those files for us to be able to print the job.
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·Image
Resolution: If your images are in a lower resolution (150
DPI or less) they may not be printable. They may look ok printed
out on a laser or inkjet printer, but those devices are not representative
of what will come off a commercial press. Usually 250 to 300 DPI
is recommended for crisp printing. Lower resolutions may result
in jagged edges. __________________________________________________
·Bleed:
Please be sure to apply 1/8" bleed in the appropriate places.
__________________________________________________ ·Color
Space: Are your files submitted in CMYK format? We can not
print RGB files. RGB files must be converted to CMYK before they
can be printed on a press. Remember that converting files from
RGB to CMYK will result in color changes. Sometimes there is a
drastic change in color which will result in wasted time and money
for your firm. ·Colors:
Please use a Pantone swatch book when choosing colors. While many
of todays output devices reproduce vivid details and brilliant
colors, artwork printed on laser or ink jet printers, or other
digital output devices, will not provide an accurate representation
of what a commercial offset press will output. Your computer monitor
likewise should not be used to determine desired colors for commercial
printing. Please use the correct Pantone books for coated or uncoated
paper when selecting your colors. Also, if you are using Pantone
colors, please use the correct color swatches in your computer
programs when working with your art.
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·Color
Correction: When color correcting your scans, don't rely on
the colors you see on your monitor. The only dependable way to
check the colors in your scan is to sample various parts of the
scan with your program's eyedropper tool and compare the CMYK
values with a color matching book.
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·Proof:
Have you included composite and separated printouts with your
files?
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·Layout:
Is your job properly laid out using the correct measurements for
your final product style?
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·Program:
Are your files prepared using one of the programs listed in our
compatible applications list above?
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·Include
Proofs: This step can save considerable time in reviewing
your digital files. If you provide us with a color proof and a
separated proof of your design, when we examine your files we
can tell very quickly if what we're seeing on the screen is what
you intended. Text reflow is one of of the most common examples
of problems that can be avoided if we have a proof in hand when
reviewing your files.
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·Trapped
Again! Please do not apply any trapping to your files. For
information on how to determine if your program is automatically
applying trapping, see the section specific to your program below.
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·Line
Weights, Borders & Outlines: Line weights, borders and outlines
should be explicitly defined as .25pt or larger for offset printing,
or .75pt or larger for screen printing. Lines smaller than these
may print inconsistently or not at all. Never select hairline
as the line weight. Different programs may define hairline as
different weights, and they may use a weight that will not print
well for your job.
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·Bleeding:
Whenever colors run off the edge of the page, this is referred
to as bleeding. You should allow extra "bleed" past the edge,
to ensure proper registration of the printing to the die-cutting
of the final product. Please use a measurement of 1/8" when setting
bleed on your art.
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·Scanning:
If you find it necessary to scan images, the final printed output
should be a minimum of 300 dpi. Please take into consideration
whether you have enlarged or reduced your images, either within
an image manipulation program such as Photoshop, or by resizing
placed files within Quark Xpress or PageMaker. It is preferable
not to resize images from within your layout program if it can
be avoided, but to use the likes of Photoshop to resize images
(note: this applies to cropping images as well). Resizing your
image will change its resolution as follows: resolution of original
scan divided by enlargement or reduction percentage equals final
resolution (example: a 200 dpi scan reduced 50% results in a 400
dpi final resolution, whereas a 300 dpi scan enlarged to 150%
results in a final resolution of 200 dpi). If your image is going
to be rotated 90 or 180 degrees in your final layout, please perform
this rotation in an image manipulation program such as Photoshop
before placing it in your layout program instead of rotating it
within the layout program. All images should be converted to CMYK
(not RGB) before placing them in your layout program or submitting
them to us for placement. When scanning Line Art, a final resolution
of 1200 dpi is desired. Lower resolutions may result in jagged
edges, or "feathering."
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For more information or questions please e-mail us here: info@cmdgi.com
or call us Toll Free: 1-888-816-2626
