| 1. |
Include all Support Files
Poor file preparation can lead to mistakes and delays in getting your job
printed. Before you submit your job, please ensure that all the pieces
are in place. Include both printer and screen fonts, all linked graphics
(including all fonts used in those graphics) and any specific instructions
needed for production of the files. |
| 2. |
Use a Preflight Program
Preflight programs - such as Preflight Pro (www.extensis.com)
or FlightCheck (www.markzware.com)
inspect your files for conditions likely to cause output errors. |
| 3. |
Include Laser Proofs
A current laser proof not only lets us check for mistakes but also helps
ensure that the file is free of conditions likely to cause PostScript
errors. Remember, if you have problems printing a job to your own laser
printer, there will be difficulty printing the job. |
| 4. |
Watch Your Fonts
A common cause for output errors can be traced back to the use of corrupted
fonts. Use PostScript, True Type or Open Type fonts, and be
sure to include both the screen and printer fonts with the job. If your
EPS
(Illustrator
or Freehand) files include text it's a good idea to turn that type to
outlines to avoid potential problems. |
| 5. |
Stick with Standard Formats
Use standard applications to create your work, such as QuarkXPress or InDesign.
Using Illustrator to create a page layout can lead to potential problems.
Also when placing files in your page layout program use common file formats
like
EPS and
TIFF,
while
avoiding
JPEG,
GIF and PICT file formats. Check with us to see which programs and versions
we support. |
| 6. |
Check Image Resolutions
Make sure your bitmapped images (scans, Photoshop images, etc.) are created
at an acceptable resolution (dpi). As a general rule, the image resolution
should be twice the line screen to achieve the best printed result. For
example, to print an image at 175-lpi screen, you would need an image
resolution of approximately 350 dpi. If the image resolution is too low,
pixelization will occur, resulting in poor image quality. |
| 7. |
Convert to CMYK
To make images print properly, you need to convert them from RGB to CMYK.
Check the colors in all of your documents to make sure you are not using
any RGB color models. |
| 8. |
Watch Complex Vector Illustrations
Gradient fills and nested graphics (one EPS file inside another) can produce
unpredictable results. If you have trouble printing a vector graphic,
simplify it by reducing the number of points and/or hidden objects. |
| 9. |
Define Spot Colors
Make sure you are consistent when specifying a color as "spot" or
CMYK. If you are printing "spot" colors, include color-separated
laser proofs to help ward off potential problems. |
| 10. |
Spell Check
Most spelling errors can be prevented by using your program's spell check
feature. However, a thorough proofreading of your job could save time
and money in the long run. |
714.993.6000