F.Y.I. - Table of Contents

Why should I send a hard copy of my file?

A lot of things can happen to a file when it is opened on another computer. The fonts can change kerning if the font is manufactured by a different company. Multiple files on the disk might cause confusion when outputting the files. It also helps for the office staff to know how to place the job into production as the files are not opened until they reach pre-press.

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How can I send in my files ?

With larger files such as those you will encounter, 3.5" floppies are not the most effect media to use. We support following mediums:

Macintosh format:

1. E-mail attachment (see question 2 for instructions)
2. Iomega 1gig Jaz and  100 and 250 megabyte zip disk
3.  CD-ROM, CD-R (CD-R disks should be written in ISO9660 to maintain compatability)

Windows format:

1. E-mail attachment (see question 2 for instructions)
2. Iomega  100 megabyte  and 250 megabyte zip disk
3. CD-R, CD-ROM, CD-RW

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How do I send and e-mail attachment? 

The answer to this varies depending on the e-mail application you are using, however, the method is basically the same. In outlook you simply select the paper clip symbol in the menu bar then select the the files you want to attach. You should be aware that most e-mail servers will allow only 3 megabyte attachments. The files can be compressed using winzip in windows or stuffit deluxe on the mac. Keep in mind that often times it is better to compress the files before they are sent to prevent file corruption as the data is being transferred.

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At what resolution should I scan my files? 

The rule of thumb for photographs is; the recommended resolution should be twice the line screen of the output. Example: If the output screen will be 175 line screen the file resolution should be at least 350 dpi.

The minimum requirement for black and white or color photos is 300 dpi. Logos and art work scanned in bitmap format should be at no less than 720 dpi, but it is preferred that they be 1200 dpi.

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Do I have to send in my scans if they are embedded? 

Absolutely! If we need to do any editing on the scans, whether to add bleed, convert to cmyk, or adjust the resolution, we will need your scans as individual tiff or eps files. Each page layout program handles file placement differently. Pagemaker and Quark Xpress actually use the screen preview of the file and creates an OPI link to the HI Res file. Delays may be caused by the lack of resource materials.

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Should I convert my type to paths or curves?

We recommend converting any specialized fonts or anything that CANNOT CHANGE to paths or curves (i.e. logos, artwork, headers, etc.). When you convert a large block of text to paths or curves, the resulting number of paths may be too large for a postscript printer to handle. This also prevents any editing in the event there is a copy change. If you are producing a small job such as a single 11 x 17 page and want to prevent any changes in your copy then go ahead and convert all text to paths, however it is a good Idea to send a copy of the original file in a folder labeled "original resources" in the event there is a problem.

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How do I use Templates?

Simply open each template as you would any other document. You'll see that each template comes complete with crop and fold marks, bleed and safety guidelines, and if the template is complex you'll also find additional notes and overlays set up to help you.

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What is Bleed?

The print shop requires the any image that goes to the edge of the page needs to extend 1/8 " past the trim. When cutting the sheets the cutter will cut as many as 500 sheets at one time. In doing this the stack might have a tendency to pull the sheets forward or back. If adequate bleed is not provided, we might end up with a white line on the edge instead of the color. This is especially a problem in booklets when you have to deal with the thickness of the paper on the folds.

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What is a Safety Margin?

Think of the safety margin as bleed in reverse. The print shop requires you to keep your type and other important elements (except of course bleed images) 1/4" inside the page boundary. This serves the same purpose for the cutting process as bleed, and also helps to keep the finished item from looking poorly planned or sized incorrectly

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When Should I proof read my file?

The file should be proof read and corrected before it is sent. If the copy is changed after the pre-press department makes a proof additional charges will be added for computer time and for new proofs. It is very important to also proof read the final version to make sure everything you have requested have been done and then to catch any mistakes you might have made. Even though it costs to make corrections at this point it is way less expensive than after the job is printed.

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