To ensure high quality publications, our pre-press workflow depends on correctly-built files. Here we have laid out the steps for your easy reference. Please take time to read the following.
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Page layout size
Prepare your files for the final output size, not your laser printer. Do not try to do your own imposition. -
Scanning and placing an image
Plan and know your image size before scanning. Create your document and place an empty picture box where the image is to be positioned. Note the size of the box. If your original is 2" x 2.5" and you need to enlarge it to 8" x 10", scan the image four times the final resolution, or at 1200ppi. Then your effective resolution, after the image is enlarged to 400% becomes 300ppi. If the original is wider or taller, you may need to decide how to crop the width or height. Edit your image in Photoshop or another photo editing software by adjusting the colour or grayscale levels, compensate for dot grain and touch-up for imperfections. Adjust the image size to be slightly larger than the image box and make sure resolution is still 300ppi. Save the image as a TIFF, JPG or EPS. Place the image in your document, avoiding resizing or scaling. But if you must, you should only reduce or enlarge 90% to 110%. Any more than that you should re-scan the original to maintain high quality results. -
Support images
For best quality, support images must be saved in TIFF or EPS format. JPG format is supported as long as it follows the criteris listed below:
TIFF Images - Resolution must be 300dpi at actual print size
- Saved as CMYK (not RGB)
- Does not contain any unnecessary channels or paths
- Bitmap images must be 1,000dpi
EPS Images - Encoding is set to binary
JPEG Images - QUALITY: Save at maximum quality
- RESOLUTION: Must be 300dpi at actual print size
- Save as CMYK (not RGB)
Note:
Do not pull files off the internet which are almost always saved at a resolution that is too low for print quality.Do not embed graphics in your application file. Keep all graphics in one folder for each document.
Always send graphic files with application files. Otherwise you will get a low resolution output.
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Create Your Document in the Correct Colour(s)
For example, if you are printing a two-colour piece with a PMS colour and black, use only those colours in your document. If you designate any others, they won't show up on the film output. So, make sure all imported logos and graphic files also reflect only the colours used in your piece. And be consistent -- the computer views PMS 185C as a different colour from PMS 185CV. - Missing or Inadequate Bleeds
Remember to bleed at least 1/8” on all elements that touch the paper’s edge. - Transmitting Files
QuarkXpress and PageMaker have built-in utilities that can help. In QuarkXpress, use “Collect for Output”. Then be sure to read the report (.xtg file) to see what fonts need to be included too. In PageMaker, use the Plug-in “Save for Service Provider” to copy all graphics, fonts and application files to a distribution disk. -
Always indicate every font used in the document(s) on your job disk
All fonts, including the common ones like Helvetica, Times, etc., can vary slightly causing changes in line endings or type to drop out of a text box. Don’t forget to label and supply us with only necessary screen and printer fonts, whether or not they are embedded in a graphic file or is an EPS image.
If possible, convert to all fonts to path (outlines), but make sure you double up the working file in case of you’ll need to re-use the file and edit the content in future.
Note: If your file is done in QuarkXpress: save document as a Quark EPS, place this EPS into Photoshop, (Resolution must be 300 DPI, mode must be CMYK), save document as a TIFF. -
Always Indicate Program(s) Used
We accept the following programs. Please indicate if they are in Mac or WIN platform so we can access your files faster.
- QuarkExpress
- Adobe Illustrator / Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe InDesign
- Macromedia Freehand
- Microsoft Word (Text files ONLY)
- PDF -
Send us a printed sample or color proof
Composite or color separated laser proofs are required especially if your artwork is in color so that our prepress tech know what to expect and will try to match the color in accordance.
- Use "shells" and "imprints" to save money on business cards.
A good way to save is to preprint a larger quantity of "shells", which include your company's permanent information (logo, company name, etc.). Then. you can "imprint" each individual's information (name, title, phone, e-mail, address, etc.) in a smaller run.
To minimize set-up costs (film, plates, press set-up, etc.), try to use only one colour for the "imprint" and incorporate the other colours in the "shell". Increasing the number of names included in the "imprint" also reduces costs.
For instance, if one person needs a card now, but you know that three others will need them soon, run all four together and the cost will be only slightly more than for a single "imprint". That's because business cards run at least 4-up on a press sheet. And the cost for film, plates and set-up time is the same whether you're running one name up-four times or four names up-one time each per sheet. The only difference is paper and press time. - Proof your document carefully before giving it to your printer
Print a laser copy of your document and check it for typos, copy changes, additions or deletions before it goes to your printer. If you wait until proofing to make revisions, you'll be charged for the changes because your printer will have to output new films.
Re-outputting 4-colour films can get very expensive. Simply adding a comma could require outputting of four new films. Hence, remember to thoroughly review your laser copy before the films are made. And, always include a final laser copy with your disk so your printer can verify that what he or she sees on screen matches what you want. - Use a red pen/pencil for proofing
Familiarize yourself with the basic proofreader marks and always try to do your proofing in red. That way your corrections and changes will stand out on the page and be harder to overlook. - Whenever possible, print on a converted envelope
It is less expensive and time-consuming to print on converted envelopes. If an envelope must first be printed flat and then converted, you'll add about four to six weeks to the process. Here are a few tips to help you design envelopes that won't reuquire converting:
a. Don't bleed images off any edges.
b. Limit to two colours -- three or four colours may be possible if registration is not an issue.
c. Avoid solids that cover envelope seams.
- Know your mailing requirements
Paying attention to basic mailing requirements up front can save you dollars down the line, especially for self-mailers. To ensure your piece goes through the Post Office automated equipment, the design orientation should be horizontal with the fold at the bottom of the mailing panel. Size and orientation determine whether your piece needs one or even two tabs. The bottom line: always make sure to check with the Post Office or mail house before printing a self-mailer to make sure it meets all postal requirements. - Know the difference between CMYK and PMS spot colour printing
Printing in spot colour means the only colour that can show up is the chosen PMS colour or a screen (percentage) of that colour. It's accomplished by taking the selected colour of ink from a can and putting it in a unit of the press for printing on paper.
NOTE: A duotone is an exception. - Why do ink looks different on coated and uncoated paper?
Uncoated paper absorbs ink while coated papers keeps the ink on top reflecting more light and making the colour(s) seem brighter. Metallic inks offer the biggest contrast. A silver metallic will look like an ordinary gray on uncoated paper. PMS colours also differ depending on the use of coated or uncoated stocks. Keep this in mind when you're choosing inks and papers for your projects.
