Do's and Don'ts of Project Design
TOP 10 tips on how to
develop a successful design project
This is a preflight checklist to review
before providing us your next project!
1. Provide graphics/elements
If you are unable to provide us with a PDF file, we request that you supply us with all of the imported graphic links that were used to design the document along with the native file that the page layout document was created. For example, if you have 2 digital photos, and a logo, these files need to be provided in addition to the page layout document. They are a program by themselves, that if not added to our system, the postscript printer cannot generate your files properly.
2. INCLUDE Fonts / EMBED
Remember to list the names of all fonts used in your documentation, and provide them along with the graphics. TrueType fonts may cause unexpected problems. Stick with Postscript fonts whenever possible, or convert fonts to outline. Do not use the “Styles” menu to bold or italic etc., use the font that is already named bold – such as “Century Bold.”
3. Website & low resolution graphics are to be avoided
We require 300 d.p.i. resolution at 100% of size for both offset printing and color copies. The color copier reproduces best with ".eps" graphics. NOTE: the quality is not as acceptable when ".jpg's" and ".tif’s" are used. Graphics pulled of websites are not acceptable resolution for quality output results.
4. What you see is not what you get
Don’t rely on your monitor colors to accurately represent ink on paper. When defining colors, refer to a standard Pantone swatchbook(s) for accurate hues or call Print & Copy Factory for assistance. Printers and monitors are different brands and are calibrated differently and may not be giving you accurate representation of color. Proofs on the actual paper is best for ensuring the color results you are hoping for.
5. RGB VS CMYK VS SPOT COLORS
Colors used in the document and make sure the color(s) separate correctly, by providing printed out separations of your document. Print out separations to insure you are using the correct PMS color for that color, as well as the same PMS color for other elements.
- Convert any RGB/spot colors to CMYK for process printing.
- Set PMS Colors - Spot colors for one, two and three color projects.
6. TRIM MARKS / FOLD MOCK-UP
All provided files must include trim marks and fold marks. This allows us to see what you are expecting for a finished product. Use a “hairline” mark in “register color” so that if it is multiple colors, the cut lines will print on the separations, and assist in registration of colors to each other.
7. BLEEDS
If you desire to have your image go past the cut edge of the document, in other words, no white border, then we require the image to go past the cut line 1/8” and prefer 1/4.” We run it on a larger sheet and trim down. See this diagram.
8. TRAPPING
In offset printing, trapping allows a tighter registration of colors, avoiding “white spaces” due to paper stretch. Check your software for trapping instructions.
9. BANDING
Banding is the result of gradations that do not make a smooth transitions. It is due to the result of a mathematical equation that includes the resolutions of the file, and resolution of the printer devise.
10. TRANSPARENCIES & DROP SHADOWS
Sometimes the transparency and drop shadow effect features do not print out as seen on the monitor. Please make sure you proof these areas carefully. We usually find this to be the problem if the design has mixed color pallets of RGB, CMYK and spot color. Convert everything to CMYK if color copies are the medium for reproduction.
