There are four components to every project: the document, any linked photos and/or graphics, the fonts you used, and a printed proof.
The document
Use the right software for the job. Build the document to the final size, with trim marks and bleeds (if applicable).
Naming conventions for all file types
It is a good idea to name your files to include a three letter extension, even if you are working on a Macintosh. The extensions make it much easier to figure out which file you want when looking at files in a list view. Also, if you do not have the creator application or if the file's icon is damaged (which happens all the time when you send files via email), you can still decipher which program will open the file.
Images/Graphics
Make sure the images are in the correct color space. CMYK for full color output, Grayscale for single color. All spot colors should be specified using Pantone Matching System® (PMS). RGB, Lab, Indexed, and all those other color modes are not used for printing. If you provide us with a RGB file we will have to convert them to CMYK which will inevitably shift the color.
Photos should be 300 dpi resolution and at 100% size for high-quality output.
Do not embed or paste photos and graphics in your documents. This makes it impossible to correctly prepare your job for printing.
Use the appropriate file type for photos and graphics. TIFF for photos, and EPS for vector graphics. Do not use JPG files in your page layout.
Why shouldn't you use a JPG file?
Each time you open a JPG file (.jpg or .jpeg) and resave that image its quality becomes worse because your image editor compresses it once again causing the degradation of its quality. This happens each time you open and save the JPG file. If you are planning on using a file that was once saved as a JGP, open it in Photoshop and save it as a TIF.
The difference between bitmap and vector graphics
Slide the arrow to the right to see the difference between bitmap and vector graphics. Using a low resolution bitmap graphic versus a vector graphic will effect the quality of your final printed project.
A bitmap graphic is a graphic or character represented by pixels or dots that display the graphic’s light or dark spots arranged horizontally and vertically. Each pixel is indicated as 1 (dark spot) or a 0 (light spot) to the computer in binary code.
A vector graphic is not made up of a grid of pixels. Instead, vector graphics are comprised of paths, which are defined by a start and end point, along with other points, curves, and angles along the way. A path can be a line, a square, a triangle, or a curvy shape. These paths can be used to create simple drawings or complex diagrams.
Fonts
Please supply the font files used in your document. With Postscript fonts, include both the screen and printer fonts. Do not use style buttons when setting your type. These are the little boxes and commands you find in type menus that produce bold, italics, outline, shadow and other similar effects. These were originally created for use with low-resolution desktop printers, not for high-end printing. These commands will work on the screen but once your file is sent through our RIP things do not remain the same. The results are unreliable and unpredictable. That's why you should not use style buttons. Instead, select the named bold, italic, heavy, black, or oblique typeface you will find in your type menu.
Proofs
Include a full-sized printout showing crop marks with your disc. For color jobs, click "separations" in your print dialog box, and print out laser seps. This will give you a preview of what will print on each color plate, and will help you and the prepress department spot potential problems. If you can't get it to print, we might not be able to either. Include any special instructions.
Pulling the pieces together
Quark
In Quark the "Collect for Output" is under "File" menu. Check all the boxes on the bottom of the window except the one for Report Only. You will want to include the printer and screen fonts. Compress the folder and it should be ready to send. It is your responsibility to provide us with the fonts used in your project. If fonts are not provided we may substitute our fonts.
InDesign
With InDesign select "Package" under "File" in the menu bar. You will get a form to fill out. Just click "Continue" as we do not need any information from the form. After selecting where you will want to save your package, click the check boxes "Copy Fonts", "Copy Linked Graphics" and "Update Graphic Links in Package". By selecting these three items InDesign will copy your fonts and images to the package folder and it will update the images in the packaged InDesign File. Click the "Save" button.
Illustrator
When designing your project in Illustrator be sure to link any images rather than embedding them. As with Quark and InDesign you must include any fonts used. If you do not wish to include fonts Illustrator will allow you to convert your type to outlines. Be sure to keep a version of your project before you convert your type. Once type has been converted to outlines there is no way to change it back to type.
PDF
A PDF can be created with any of the above programs. Just remember to save for "press quality", NO compression, and DO NOT subset your fonts.
Getting your project to us
Email
The "collect for output" and "packaged" folders should be compressed (stuffed or zipped) before emailing. Also, any individual illustrator files should stuffed or zipped before emailing. Files under 5MB in size can be emailed to us. Files over 5MB in size should be burned to a CD or DVD or sent via FTP.
Why use compression?
Compression makes your files and folders smaller, so they transmit faster over the Internet and via email. Compression also protects files from becoming corrupt during email transmission.
CD or DVD
Drop off a CD to our shop or call us to pick it up.
FTP
You can send your files to us using yousendit.com. This is a free service for files under 100MB in size. Any files over 100MB should be burned to a CD or DVD.
