Providing electronic files sometimes can be confusing ...
at Print & Copy Factory WE want
to help make it as simple as possible!
Just because it prints on your inkjet printer, or looks a certain way on your monitor, doesn't mean it will look like or print on a different computer system. We have state of the art, high quality postscript printers, that require more than meets the eye. Don’t assume that because you have a program on your system, that the way you built your file will give you the results you want! That is why we have created this digital preflight checklist with the DO’s and DON’Ts, to avoid delays, frustrations and help your project be a complete success!
Why PDF files
Programs (such as Publisher and MSWord) and file types (such as .png, .gif’s and .jpg’s) create a variety of concerns and require attention for optimum output results. Providing a high resolution PDF (portable document format) file will most often omit unforeseen problems. Because of this, we strongly request that your digital projects are provided as a PDF. Please keep in mind, whether you decide to have us digitally copy or offset print, each process has it’s own set of “preflight requirements.” Please give us a call before you get started, so that we can help you save time and money from recreating or trying to get a file to print properly.
Can't create PDF'S? No problem!
WE OFFER A FREE ADOBE PDF "JOB READY" PROGRAM FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD!
If you can not create PDF files, you can download from our website our “Adobe PDF JobReady” which is a FREE download for Windows and Mac OS X that enables you to digitally send your files to us, proof them online, and submit the order to our website. Install Adobe PDF JobReady on your computer, and you can print your files directly to our website from any application. Your print job is converted to an industry standard PDF file, compressed for easy online transfer, and everything we need is embedded in the job (including fonts and graphics).
You’ll have the opportunity to “proof” your job on your computer, immediately. Once the proof looks good to you simply click “Accept” to submit the job to our website. Our website’s Online Print Center, will keeps track of your orders for you!
Project Submission Check list:
1. DOCUMENT INTEGRITY
- Run spell check, proof read
- Phone, address, emails correct
- Pagination correct (page sequencing)
- Content, headlines, graphics positioning
- Copyright and photo, image, illustration credits considered
- Postal indicias (first class-presort, etc.)
- Correct updated version of the document with ALL of the
- updated elements double checked
- Make sure your document is designed at the correct size
2. PROVIDED FILES / LABEL EVERYTHING
- Properly label the disk/CD with your name, phone and date it was saved
- Print out a list of all files on disk/CD, indicating the file name to print
- List the name and version of the native software program
- Project was created in
- INCLUDE: Links (photos, logos and graphics)
- INCLUDE: Fonts
- Provide a high resolution .PDF file
- INCLUDE: Bleeds that are 1/8” - 1/4” overlapping cut line, indicated by bleed marks
- INCLUDE: Cut marks
- Provide the file with correct fold, perf and/or score lines
- DO NOT Set multiple up, provide one as finish size,
- we will “imposition” the document as we choose to run it
- Provide accurate proof printouts of the final file (100% size)
- Provide a mock-up, of the FINAL version at 100% size
3. ORDER PROCESSING SPEcs
- How many?
- What paper? (Weight, color, texture)
- Job estimate number and estimate revisions
- Who has authority to sign off project for production?
- Deadline requested, and to be confirmed
- Will call or delivery location and time
4. DIGITAL COPIES
- Check the cut, fold and margins for at least 1/8” + “wiggle” room
- Check for “Effects” such as drop shadows and transparencies for overlap postscript errors
5. OFFSET PRINTING:
For Spot Color:
- Provide the file with correct PMS colors, and a printout of the color separations (not RGB or CMYK)
For Full Color:
- Provide the file with correct PMS CMYK colors, and a printout of the color separations (not RGB)
- Make sure you have trapping and overprint considerations
- Make sure your document does NOT included “nesting” of graphics
- Verify your clipping paths, transparencies and masks are working properly
VARIABLE DATA PRINTING:
- EXCEL or CSV files with each field labeled for data entry
- Spelling, punctuation and information entered in the fields is how it is going to be displayed on your project. VDP is a completely automated process and what is entered is what is used, so make sure the data is consistant with correct information in the appropriate fields
