File Prep Tips

WE ACCEPT PDF, EPS, TIFF, QUARK, ILLUSTRATOR, INDESIGN FILES.
All spot colors must be converted to CMYK before creating pdf. All documents need bleed and crop marks (if applicable). Your document will then be saved correctly with a fonts folder, links folder and a report.

• Provide a hard copy or pdf of file so correct graphics and fonts can be checked.
• Create outlines for text with vector art or supply fonts.
• Scan photos (to size) at 300 dpi resolution or higher. All photos should be CMYK.
• Bleed: if image goes to the edge of page a bleed is required. Extend bleed at least 1/8” inch on all outside edges. When creating pdf with bleeds, final size should include bleeds.
• DO NOT judge color by what you see on your screen. Approve final hard copy proof and / or follow the PANTONE book to determine spot color if used in your work.
• After making a pdf, check if the colors are converted to CMYK. Check for crop marks and bleeds as well.
• Spell check all work.
• Define all blacks as 100% K. To bump the black, add 40% Cyan to the 100% K
• If job will be folded, make sample to be sure if folds properly.

Naming Consistencies
Colors should be named consistently throughout the job. For example, if there is art colorized in Illustrator "Pantone 485 CVU" and it is used in the same Quark document that has type colorized "Pantone 485 CV," Quark will separate this as two different colors. Delete any unused colors from your documents color pallets and any unused items from the pasteboard. If your job prints 4/c process only, please make sure all spot colors are removed or turned off - including linked Illustrator files.

• Do not stylize font in layout program. For example, don’t apply Bold, Italic....unless you supply the Bold and Italic screen and printer font for that type face.
• Supplied images with "Clipping Paths”, should be saved as an “eps” and not “tiff” files.
• Density for all images should not be more than 320%. This means that in the darkest shadows of an image, the sum of all color percentages should not equal more than 320%. Any higher density, is likely to cause heavy ink on press. To adjust this setting in PhotoShop, go to the ‘File’ menu, scroll down to ‘Color Settings’ then click on ‘CMYK Setup’or ‘Separation Setup’. Adjust maximum density by using the ‘Total Ink Limit:box. This should be done BEFORE converting to CMYK.
• When making a pdf from programs such as Word, Publisher, Powerpoint, etc. before making the pdf, in the print window go to either properties, default settings or advance settings and do not choose standard quality. Choose high or press quality, go through this window setting to also select CMYK and to select bleeds and crops. When the pdf is saved, check to see everything looks ok before submiting the file.

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