Electronic File Submission Tips:

Other Tips:
Quark
Illustrator
Photoshop
Freehand
Pagemaker		 General Tips:
  • Laser Prints and Color Printouts are VERY IMPORTANT!
    • They give us a reference to work from.
    • They allow us to understand how you expect your file to output.
    • ... If you include Spot Color Breaks on your print out they assist in the separation and printing process.
  • Supply all Postscript (Screen & Printer) and/or TrueType fonts used. This will minimize problems between font vendors and version.
    • Remember to check not only in your file, but if you used them in the graphics that are placed in your file.
    • You can also convert all type to outlines in the graphics to avoid font problems.
  • Avoid Stylizing your fonts. (For example, don't bold Helvetica, use Helvetica Bold)
  • Build your documents on a Page Size that is 100% or evenly proportional to the final print size. And place the edges of your Page Size where you want the edges of your page to be. This helps us determine how you intended to print your file, and ends much guess work.
    • For example, your 30x40 document could be made as a 15x20 page size.
    • It makes it easier to set up bleeds and prints.
  • Include all placed Graphics, and PhotoShop documents in an editable format so we can troubleshoot and fix your files if there is a problem.
  • Do not set White elements to Overprint. They will not print.
  • Do not set up your file to Trap. We handle all the trapping settings inhouse.
    • We determine the ink printing order.
    • We know the opacity of our inks.
    • Silk Screen Trapping is a little different the Offset Trapping.
  • If you have an image in your document, remember that we will need to add at least 1/8 inch bleed to your file at final printing size.
  • Any pertinent information you can supply will help expedite your job.
Back to Top
Quark
  • Use the "Collect for Output" option
    • Quark finds and collects included Images, Graphics.
    • It also collects fonts, and creates a report that lists the fonts for us to reference if we are having trouble with your file.
  • When importing Greyscale or Color TIFFs, do not set background to None, instead use White, or 0% Black.
    • Although the more recent version of Quark has fixed the earlier problem it still doesn't print out the way that it looks on screen.
  • When importing Greyscale TIFFs, be careful when colorizing them as Quark has a funny way about looking at the positive and negative space of those files. They might not print out on our RIPs the way they print to your inkjet printer.
  • Be sure to setup your Quark file to represent which colors you want to print. (Process (4-Color) or Spot separations) This way we know what you intended.
  • Whenever possible, do not save your Quark Page as an EPS and import it into another Quark Document. This may cause problems when the file goes to print.
    • Let us know if you have done this so that we can look for possible problems.
    • Also include the original Quark Document (Pre-EPS) so we have it as a resource if necessary.
  • Be careful when sending RGB Images for Film Separations, you might not get what you are expecting. Make sure to send a color proof with any job with RGB Images.
Back to Top
Illustrator
  • Adobe Illustrator is not a Page Layout Program.
    • Illustrator is an illustration program for creating vector artwork. Anything beyond that could cause output problems.
    • Printing and adjusting file elements is difficult when it comes to printing to RIPs and Imagesetters.
    • Images Placed into Illustrator is the #1 Problem with working on a file built in Illustrator.
  • Avoid nesting EPS files into Illustrator. Illustrator is basically an EPS editor as PhotoShop is a image editor. By opening, copying and pasting an EPS into Illustrator it allows easier editing and earlier warning of problem files.
  • Use the Swatch Palette to color elements. Keeping the elements associated to a swatch with the same spot/process colors consistent throughout the design.
  • Keep your elements in Spot format in your document. By building your elements in Spot format the RIP and/or Quark will do a better job keeping the colors looking the same and more vivid.
  • Use the Gradient Fill instead of the Shape Morph Tool to create cleaner Vignettes.
  • Be careful when sending RGB Images for Film Separations, you might not get what you are expecting. Make sure to send a color proof with any job with RGB Images.
Back to Top
PhotoShop
  • When Saving a file DO NOT "Include Transfer Function" or "Halftone Screen"
  • Photo type Images need to be about 150 DPI at final printing size.
  • Text and other hard edged type graphics that are in Photoshop need to be at least 600 DPI at final printing size, or leave type in Type Layer Format in a PSD file format.
  • Images you download off the Internet are not suitable for high resolution printing
  • Clipping paths should be drawn with the "Pen Tool," not the "Magic Wand." The "Magic Wand" makes the path far too complex (too many points) and can crash your job.
  • Be careful when sending RGB Images for Film Separations, you might not get what you are expecting. Make sure to send a color proof for any job with RGB Images.
Back to Top
Freehand
  • Macromedia Freehand is not a Page Layout Program.
    • Freehand is an illustration program for creating vector artwork. Anything beyond that could cause output problems.
    • Printing and adjusting file elements is difficult when it comes to printing to RIPs and Imagesetters.
    • Making multiple pages all with different sizes is problematic when printing and working.
    • Importing images from PhotoShop is inefficient and can cause problems.
  • Avoid using "Paste Inside"
    • Avoid Grouping Items and then "Pasting Inside"
    • Avoid Grouping Items that have information "Pasted Inside"
    • "Pasting Inside" is a mask function that rarely prints correctly
  • Because this is not a Page Layout Program, importing images from PhotoShop is inefficient and can cause problems.
  • Be careful when sending RGB Images for Film Separations, you might not get what you are expecting. Make sure to send a color proof for any job with RGB Images.
Back to Top
PageMaker
  • Use the Save for Service Provider Plug-In in Adobe's PageMaker 6.5 Update feature to save headaches. Check out the Adobe web page for this update
  • Use "Pub Info" and/or Links dialog to make sure all fonts and graphics are included.
  • Set your color to spot or process as necessary.
  • Be careful when sending RGB Images for Film Separations, you might not get what you are expecting. Make sure to send a color proof for any job with RGB Images.
Back to Top