FILE TRANSFER: Via the internet as an email attachment or an FTP upload
MEDIA
We can accept files on the following type of drives:
- CD
- IOMEGA ZIP Disk
- 3.5" Floppy
Please include only the necessary files on the disk for the production of your job. Other files will slow down prepress work flow and add confusion. We are continually updating our prepress department, so if you are unsure whether or not we can accept your file, please call us.
SOFTWARE
We run both Macintosh and Windows platforms, and files can be accepted in many formats. Most commonly used are InDesign or Pagemaker for Mac or Windows, and QuarkXpress. We support many other software programs—please call for information. Files sent to us as an e-mail attachment should be packed into a single folder and compressed with a utility such as Stuffit or Winzip.
LINKED GRAPHICS
Graphics and photo scans should not be embedded in the layout publication. Rather, link these to the publication as discrete files. After you have copied the layout file and all linked elements to disk, reopen the document from the disk to make sure that the included files are properly linked in your document.
TYPEFACES
Typefaces with the same name may have different font metrics from one manufacturer to another. Substituting a typeface that is not identical can cause reflow - affecting line breaks in your layout. Because of this, we don't normally substitute typefaces from our library to your document. Please include on your disk all the typefaces used in your document, including any typefaces embedded in graphics.
COLORS
Unless otherwise specified, your PMS spot colors will be rendered in process inks for four color printing. Please be sure that they have been converted to CMYK equivalents, and are defined as such in the following menus:
| QuarkXPress:* |
Edit/Colors |
| PageMaker:** |
Define Colors |
| Freehand: |
Color List/Options |
| Illustrator: |
Object/Paint Style |
* When creating colors in Quark be sure the Spot Color box is unchecked.
** Make sure that the color model says "Process" and not "Spot" or "Tint" when creating new colors in PageMaker.
When choosing or creating colors do not rely on your screen as an accurate representation. Instead, use a TruMatch
TM, Pantone©, or Color Corp color swatch book.
We strongly recommend manually entering the CMYK percentages for all made colors to ensure color accuracy. To see how PMS colors will print when switched to process colors, look them up in a Pantone Process Tint Guide. Please remember that strictly speaking, PMS spot colors cannot be reproduced exactly in process color.
SCANNING - RESOLUTION
Grayscale and Color Images: For best results, photos should be reduced or enlarged at scan time or in an image manipulation software package, such as Adobe's Photoshop. The resolution should be 350 lines per inch (lpi). If you must reduce or enlarge a photo in the layout, it will be necessary that your scan resolution compensates for this. For example, a photo intended for a 50% reduction in the layout can be scanned at 175 lpi to achieve 350 lpi. Likewise, a scan enlarged 200% in the layout should be scanned at 700 lpi to achieve a final lpi of 350.
Black and White or "Line Art": Line art must be scanned at considerably higher resolution than photographic images if "pixilation" is to be avoided. To approximate the quality and detail of the original image, we recommend 1000 dots per inch (dpi). Again these resolutions are specified only if the artwork will not be reduced or enlarged in the layout.
Please note: If you prefer, we have professional quality photo scanning available. Please provide a "For Position Only" rendition in your layout so that we may crop and place the scan as you wish. There will be a per-scan charge for this service.
COLOR MODE
Before importing color graphics or photos into your document or page layout, be sure to convert the color mode from RGB to CMYK.
RE-SIZING, ROTATING & CROPPING
We recommend that you re-size, rotate and crop artwork in your image manipulation program rather than in your page layout. Altering your images after they have been imported into your page layout increase processing time and memory consumption.
CAMERA-READY LINE ART
Camera-ready black and white line art should be printed at 1200 dpi on a high-quality laser printer using laser paper. Artwork printed at a lower resolution may appear "pixelated" in the final printed piece.
BLEEDS
Bleeds should be created in the layout and should extend past the edge of the document page by
1/8" to
1/4".
CROP MARKS
It is not normally necessary for the designer to add "manual" crop marks to the layout. QuarkXPress, PageMaker, Freehand & Illustrator can automatically create crop marks based on the document size specifications. Standard practice is to compose your layout on a document page the size of the finished piece. For example, a standard business card should be laid out on a document 2" x 3½", landscape.
HARD COPIES AND FOLDING DUMMIES
Be sure to include a final hard copy of your document. When possible, size it to 100%. If not, mark on the copy the reduction percentage. For pieces to be folded, please also provide a folding dummy. Fold marks should be .25 pt. and colored Registration Black. Make sure they appear outside your bleed area or live area. For a guide on setting up your documents to fold correctly, please contact us. An otherwise flawless layout can be spoiled by incorrect panel spacing and folding specifications.
