Artwork
Supplied
Files:
This deals with issues that can elevate some of the problems and issues we have faced during a design or print project.
Accepted Files / Software
Adobe Acrobat, PDF Software, it is preferable for us to receive a “Print Ready” PDF files, which can be distilled from Page Layout Software (see below). A PDF file becomes a lot smaller, without the need for linked images of fonts to have to be supplied, and the file can’t be tampered with from our end.
If you are sending us a PDF file, ensure to have all fonts embedded, and include 300 dpi at 100% images, images must be converted to CMYK.
It is also extremely important to include bleeds if the job prints right to the edge of the page, and include crop marks for trimming.
Graphic House can accept files in a “Page Layout Software” such as Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress.
Work created in drawing and photo manipulation packages such as Adobe Illustrator, and PhotoShop should be placed into page layout software.
Graphic House is unable to use Microsoft Word or Excel, or presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, unless it is simply to provide us with a visual outline of artwork required. These packages run the risk of poor reproduction of images and text flow and font issues, producing a generally unacceptable print product.
Bleeds & Crop Marks
If your job prints right to the edge of the pages you will need to include bleeds. These will be trimmed off during the cutting process, so there should be no text or information within the bleed areas. Image bleed should extend a minimum of 3mm outside the final paper trim edge.
Please include crop marks in your job, if you are saving your job as a PDF file, save it with bleeds and crop marks – check your file prior to sending to us for printing, to ensure you are happy with final design.
CMYK vs RGB
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue.
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.
RGB is used by digital cameras and computer monitors.
CMYK is used by conventional and digital printing equipment.
If you convert them prior to sending to the files to us for printing, you are able to ensure you are happy with the final colours and fix any areas that are not bright enough prior to going to print.
We will require you to send us one pdf file, which is a composite CMYK, not pre separated files.
When checking proof colours, please be aware that Inkjet and colour printers will produce intense colours, that can not be matched in the offset printing process, and may be slightly different colour to the actual colour printed.
Spot Colours (PMS Pantone)
Colours – fonts
On your screen fonts can look crisp, however in a printed piece text can appear less sharp as it consists of dots. Avoid coloured or small font sizes.
Embedding fonts – this is one of the main issues that we face when receiving artwork, wrong fonts, incomplete fonts or no fonts and the list of trouble goes on…
One of the reasons we prefer a Press Ready PDF file is because Adobe Acrobat allows you to embed all fonts and eleviate all the above issues immediately.
To embed fonts in Distiller, go to Settings > Edit Adobe PDF settings > Fonts, and make sure the ‘Embed All Fonts’ tick box is ticked.
High resolution images
Poor quality Images can result in a poor quality print job.
Image resolution is extremely important when it comes to printed matter, as print requires a much higher resolution than that of viewing on a display.
An image on a website is sufficient at say 72 dpi (dots per inch).
An image on printed matter requires 300dpi at the size you want to use it in your design.
A photo or image taken from a website, would therefore result in an extremely poor quality printed product, and we would ask that you don’t use these images, instead obtain a high resolution copy of the image (and of course approval to use it).
If you require an image to be enlarged to say double the size, then you would need to provide a 600dpi, so that it can be enlarged and the quality of the reproduction would remain high.
FOLDS
If your job is going to be folded then please arrange for a folded printout to be supplied with the files, so that we are aware of exactly how you anticipate the fold.
IMPOSITION
Imposition is done in house, and allows us to accommodate the right size sheets etc for our presses.
We would ask that all documents are supplied one up.
IMAGES
When you supply a CD with images and text, we would ask that you only supply what is required, and that all files are named and referred to within your brief.
This allows our graphic designers to find exactly what you want them to insert, therefore making our job easier and saving you money.
PROOFING
It is imperative that you check your spelling, punctuation and grammar on any job at proofing stage.
If providing us with text in a word document please run your spelling assistant!
We would prefer that you print out your proof and allow plenty of time to check it carefully, it is also a good idea to have another person check it. Think about your investment now, once it is printed, it is printed!!
A few errors that are commonly missed are:
Files:
This deals with issues that can elevate some of the problems and issues we have faced during a design or print project.
Accepted Files / Software
Adobe Acrobat, PDF Software, it is preferable for us to receive a “Print Ready” PDF files, which can be distilled from Page Layout Software (see below). A PDF file becomes a lot smaller, without the need for linked images of fonts to have to be supplied, and the file can’t be tampered with from our end.
If you are sending us a PDF file, ensure to have all fonts embedded, and include 300 dpi at 100% images, images must be converted to CMYK.
It is also extremely important to include bleeds if the job prints right to the edge of the page, and include crop marks for trimming.
Graphic House can accept files in a “Page Layout Software” such as Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress.
Work created in drawing and photo manipulation packages such as Adobe Illustrator, and PhotoShop should be placed into page layout software.
Graphic House is unable to use Microsoft Word or Excel, or presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, unless it is simply to provide us with a visual outline of artwork required. These packages run the risk of poor reproduction of images and text flow and font issues, producing a generally unacceptable print product.
Bleeds & Crop Marks
If your job prints right to the edge of the pages you will need to include bleeds. These will be trimmed off during the cutting process, so there should be no text or information within the bleed areas. Image bleed should extend a minimum of 3mm outside the final paper trim edge.
Please include crop marks in your job, if you are saving your job as a PDF file, save it with bleeds and crop marks – check your file prior to sending to us for printing, to ensure you are happy with final design.
CMYK vs RGB
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue.
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.
RGB is used by digital cameras and computer monitors.
CMYK is used by conventional and digital printing equipment.
If you convert them prior to sending to the files to us for printing, you are able to ensure you are happy with the final colours and fix any areas that are not bright enough prior to going to print.
We will require you to send us one pdf file, which is a composite CMYK, not pre separated files.
When checking proof colours, please be aware that Inkjet and colour printers will produce intense colours, that can not be matched in the offset printing process, and may be slightly different colour to the actual colour printed.
Spot Colours (PMS Pantone)
Colours – fonts
On your screen fonts can look crisp, however in a printed piece text can appear less sharp as it consists of dots. Avoid coloured or small font sizes.
Embedding fonts – this is one of the main issues that we face when receiving artwork, wrong fonts, incomplete fonts or no fonts and the list of trouble goes on…
One of the reasons we prefer a Press Ready PDF file is because Adobe Acrobat allows you to embed all fonts and eleviate all the above issues immediately.
To embed fonts in Distiller, go to Settings > Edit Adobe PDF settings > Fonts, and make sure the ‘Embed All Fonts’ tick box is ticked.
High resolution images
Poor quality Images can result in a poor quality print job.
Image resolution is extremely important when it comes to printed matter, as print requires a much higher resolution than that of viewing on a display.
An image on a website is sufficient at say 72 dpi (dots per inch).
An image on printed matter requires 300dpi at the size you want to use it in your design.
A photo or image taken from a website, would therefore result in an extremely poor quality printed product, and we would ask that you don’t use these images, instead obtain a high resolution copy of the image (and of course approval to use it).
If you require an image to be enlarged to say double the size, then you would need to provide a 600dpi, so that it can be enlarged and the quality of the reproduction would remain high.
FOLDS
If your job is going to be folded then please arrange for a folded printout to be supplied with the files, so that we are aware of exactly how you anticipate the fold.
IMPOSITION
Imposition is done in house, and allows us to accommodate the right size sheets etc for our presses.
We would ask that all documents are supplied one up.
IMAGES
When you supply a CD with images and text, we would ask that you only supply what is required, and that all files are named and referred to within your brief.
This allows our graphic designers to find exactly what you want them to insert, therefore making our job easier and saving you money.
PROOFING
It is imperative that you check your spelling, punctuation and grammar on any job at proofing stage.
If providing us with text in a word document please run your spelling assistant!
We would prefer that you print out your proof and allow plenty of time to check it carefully, it is also a good idea to have another person check it. Think about your investment now, once it is printed, it is printed!!
A few errors that are commonly missed are:
- Telephone Numbers
- Headings
- Titles
- Spacing
- Inconsistencies
- Design issues