- Graphics are saved as .tif, .psd or .eps images Graphics. JPEG files can be acceptable. (Not .gif, bmp, index,etc).
- Graphics are not left in RGB color mode, they should be saved as CMYK, if they are supposed to be 4-color and Grayscale if supposed to be black and white.
- All fonts have been included with the job (both printer and screen fonts). Do not use the measurements palette to bold or italicize type. There should be a specific font that includes the Bold or italic font already.
- All supporting files and graphics are included electronically with job or embedded properly.
- Sent either color or black and white lasers for printers reference of final document.
- Filled out, in full, the electronic file submission form to be handed into the office (This should be sent along when submitting your job or can be faxed over too, but the completed form is needed before work on your job can begin).
- Flattened any files with layers such as in Photoshop or Illustrator and created outlines for type (otherwise our system can potentially have problems processing the files). Some programs can be set to automatically flatten, but don't rely solely on that fact.
- Received American Litho's Rampage distiller options to install when making a pdf file.
- Marked proof with red ink to indicate where changes need to be made and proof is sent back to printer either signed as being approved or listing any necessary changes.
- Double-checked completed electronic file on another computer to preflight for missisng fonts or graphics or corrupt files before sending to the printer.
- Selected appropriate spot or Pantone colors to be certain that they are not CMYK color or RGB (Either selected from the programs color palette or chosen from a Pantone color swatch book located at American Litho).
- Called front office to inform them of files that will be sent when sending files.
- Selected graphics with resolution of 300 ppi or higher. (File sizes will increase with larger ppi, but clarity is increased. Try to stay away from pulling images off the internet as these files are set to a lower resolution screen viewing and not print quality.
- Create type within a specific typographical layout program as compared to Photoshop, which is designed for graphics, rather than type layout. Note: If you have files which contain type in Photoshop, please output with at least a 600 resolution otherwise type will not be crisp and clear.
- Document and/or pdf included pages which are set up for a symmetrical .25" bleed. Ex: you're document size for a magazine should be set up for 8.25" x 10.75" without bleed and 8.75" x 11.25" with bleed. Note: Type within your document should be no closer than .375" or 3/8" from the edge of the paper. This ensures that type will not be cut-off when trimming your publication.
- Document pages are setup for correct trim size plus a .25" bleed.
- Checked with someone in the office or in prepress to make sure which pages may have color in the publication. Note: Also check to make sure the correct amount of pages are evident in your publication.
- Larger areas of solid color are set for an 85% screen because newsprint will gain ink. Dark images to begin with will look darker on newsprint. So keep shadows at 70-80%, Highlights at 5-10% and midtones at 40-60%.
- When in doubt, save files down to a lower version or call to clarify.
- When naming files, keep the names short and include extensions so there is less of a chance of corrupting the files. Less than 15 total characters in the file name is preferred.
- The following software versions are compatible with the our prepress department.
Programs we possess:
- Quark up to v8.0
- Adobe Acrobat to v9.0
- Adobe Creative Suite through CS4
- Microsoft Office Publisher 2003
- Microsoft Word 2000
- Sent test files to prepress so they can decide what needs to be done differently for files to process correctly and to eliminate any errors during the registering of the final file.
E-mail: prepress@amerlitho.com
* Please call when sending test files or label the e-mail accordingly so there is no question. Also, if applicable, please compress files when sending over e-mail. Most e-mail accounts will only allow 10 MB of info transfer.
- Don't reuse old files by deleting items and reinserting new info into document for each issue. This procedure tends to corrupt files. Instead, create a new template. Each future issue can be created by opening up this blank template, designing your paper and saving the file as a different name. This way you start with a clean template each time reducing the possibilities of accidentally corrupting the document.
- Any questions or concerns, please call or e-mail.
Phone: (414) 342-5050
Fax: (414) 342-9950
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