Tip Sheet for Flawless File Preparation

Converting Images

The Publishing Process

Tips For Simplifying Illustrations

Build the job in the most efficient manner so that we can produce output that is accurate and cost effective. If you have any questions we will be happy to try and assist you.

1. Preflight your file.

2. Be sure to note if spot colors are required.

3. Make sure your file is in CMYK (not RGB).

4. Make sure the page layout is the correct size and an allowance is made for bleed. Establish crop marks correctly from the page setup of reference. Do not place them manually.

5. If the original transparency will be cropped greatly, request that we scan only the image area that you are using.

6. Are we providing trapping?

7. Identify the graphic file formats (TIFF and/or EPS)

8. Do not change the name of the files after they have been placed.

9. Limit resizing of scanned images in Photoshop to 115%.

10. Do not scale down placed photos more than 10% in your page layout program. Set the proper size in your graphic program then place at 100% in your page layout program.

11. In drawing programs, limit anchor points to the smallest number possible to minimize RIPing problems. Objects with more than 2000 anchor points will not print.

12. Do not use "Style" menu for type styles (ie. Bold, italic, etc.) Use the actual font from the "Font" menu.

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13. Check all spelling/layout before sending the job to us.

14. Always make a backup before sending your files to us.

15. Provide the following to us to ensure the job will run properly:
Fonts, Support Files, Laser Prints and an actual mock-up of the job.

16. Include all the application and source files including EPS files.

17. Fonts should be in a folder all by themselves. All printer fonts and screen fonts used for the file should be in this folder.

18. Scanned images (that we are not scanning) should be provided in single file, EPS or, TIFF format.

19. All pages should be accompanied by a laser print, allowing all crop marks to be visible. This will also identify the file name right on the laser—this is very important to us. Clearly communicate to us which of the placed images are for FPO, and which are for reproduction.

20. Make sure you only put the most recent file on the disk.

For more information and tutorials visit adobe.com

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