File Guidelines

1. Begin with the best possible art

The better the original the better the printer can meet your expected results. Try to select images with the most complete tonal range, or in the case of line work, art that looks crisp and clean.

2. Select the right software

Quark 7 and In Design CS3 as page layout applications, Photoshop CS3 for image capture and editing, Illustrator CS3 for drawing (company logos, small pieces of art).

3. Fonts Usage

Supply both screen & printer fonts. Avoid using true type fonts. Refrain from stylizing fonts.

4. Image modes, formats and resolution

When supplying Photoshop files that are layered (.psd) please supply both the layered and flattened file. RGB Photoshop images should be converted to CMYK prior to placing them into a layout program. Tiff files are the most common file format and easiest to use. CMYK and grayscale images in Photoshop require a minimum of 350 DPI for best reproduction results. Bitmap files require 1200 dpi. Files from Illustrator are vector based; resolution is not a factor.

5. Colors Selections

Each color used to create a document results in a plate being output and the corresponding ink on press. Confirm that any PMS (spot) colors that are being used are converted to process color if necessary before releasing the file to the printer.

6. Creating the document build to final size

Do not create a “large” doc & place pages on it. Add 1/8 inch bleed where appropriate. Allow for room in the margins for drill holes if necessary.

7. Keeping things organized

Send all the files needed for the job and only the files needed. Be sure to include all of the screen and printer fonts used in the files, all images (including Photoshop files embedded in Illustrator files) and current lasers.

8. PDF Guidelines

All fonts used in the document must be embedded. Raster images must meet the resolution guidelines mentioned above. If compression is used for images it should be lossless or the highest quality jpeg. Colors should be specified in the correct color space. Page dimensions must be correct and be sufficient to include bleed.