When sending files to us, you should assume that every element of the project is new to us. We want to ensure that your project is completed correctly and on time and the best way to do this is to eliminate unnecessary problems that may arise. While we can't cover all possible problems, here is a valuable list of considerations:

FILE SUBMISSION

For printing, there are standard file types required to get a job done properly. They are most often either created in Quark Xpress (commonly with the filename extension .qxd), or with Adobe software - primarily Illustrator or InDesign, and for certain circumstances using Photoshop.

Quark Xpress has long been an accepted medium for printing, and is an acceptable format as long as all fonts, images, and artwork are in place and collected for output. When using Illustrator, the project file extension is .ai; with InDesign, the project file extension is .indd. We can certainly use either type of file; again, provided that all fonts, images, and artwork are in place and collected for output. Adobe Photoshop can be used primarily to set up images that will then be placed (either embedded, or linked) within one of the other file formats.

The most preferable file for print is an .eps file. Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) is a standard file format for importing and exporting PostScript files. It is usually a single page PostScript program that describes an illustration or entire page. An EPS file can contain any combination of text, graphics and images. Since it is actually a PostScript file, it is the most versatile file format that is available. EPS files can be generated by all drawing applications as well as most layout applications. Image manipulation programs like Adobe PhotoShop can also save bitmap images as EPS-files. Some printer drivers are also capable of generating EPS-files as well as PostScript files.

Almost all types of software at this point can create a .pdf file, which is a consumer-friendly image file. A pdf file can be useful as a smaller sized representation of larger artwork; and as a large, hi-res file, can be acceptably used for digital printing. However, as a general rule, pdf's are normally not preferable nor high enough resolution for printing.

We can accept files either on CD-ROM, via ftp, or by email. Try to be as brief, direct and specific as possible when naming your files.

COLLECTING FOR OUTPUT

Put all items into one folder for output. Be sure to include all fonts, images and artwork but try not to include items that are not necessary for output. This can eliminate any confusion. Some software on the market can collect your files or "pre-flight," but always manually check that everything is there.

FONTS

Provide all fonts used in the project (file/document). We cannot guarantee that our fonts are exactly the same as yours. You should include your fonts even if you have outlined your text.

Within your document, do not apply software-driven font manipulations, such as BOLD, ITALIC or UNDERLINE to typefaces. Always use the actual typeface (i.e. BTimes Bold, ITimes Italic, etc.).

We recommend you use a type size above 6 point. Smaller type may not print well.

PRINTER MARKS

Make sure your final print-ready files include all appropriate printer's marks in the document layout. This includes crop marks, fold guides, dielines, etc.

Check your actual document dimensions to make sure they are correct; make sure that the document size is the exact same as the trim size. For example, if you are creating a business card, your document size should be 3.5" x 2", not 8.5 x 11.

Make sure the pasteboards surrounding all pages are empty. Stray points, empty text paths, empty text boxes, etc. should be deleted.

Extend all bleeds at least 1/8" beyond the document dimensions. Try to allow 1/4" for jobs that diecut.

Dielines and foilstamps should be set up as a spot color (NOT MAGENTA) and to overprint.

TEXT

Be sure your layout has been proofed for typographical errors and correct separation of all elements. Unless multiple proofing rounds have been built into your quote, copy and design changes made after we have pulled proofs can incur an additional cost. Provided your files do not include outlined text, we can make simple text changes, i.e. correcting typographical errors, inserting punctuation, etc.

IMAGES

Be sure to include all images and graphics used (even if the image is embedded instead of linked). They should be saved as CMYK or Spot Color, not RGB. RGB is not meant for commercial printing.

All cropping, rotation, and image flipping should be done in the image's native format, not in the final document. Crop and size your images, scanning them at the appropriate dimension for your document. For example, an 8 x 10 original being used in a 4 x 6 space does not need to be scanned to 100%. Bitmapped images in color or grayscale should be saved as 300 dpi at the size to be printed. Bitmapped images saved as line art should be saved at 800dpi at the size to be printed.

SPOT COLORS

Be sure to list all the spot colors used in the file or document. Also be sure that spot colors used in all images are named the same thing. The computer sees different named colors (i.e. Pantone 153 CV and Pantone 153 CVC) as two different plates.

If a spot color is used from a color matching system (like Pantone) and is converted to CMYK values, it will not match exactly the spot color chosen (usually "off" by 5-10%).

Again, by all means, contact us with any questions you might have - we'll be happy to help you set up the perfect file for your job.