Customer Service: Design Tips

In This Section

Introduction: Prepare Problem-Free Electronic Files for Printing

Fonts and Page Layout Issues

Scans and Graphic File Formats

Color, Trapping and Bleeding

Checklist for Submitting Digital Files

File Transfers and Downloads

Price Quote Request Forms

Checklist for Submitting Files

Please Include:

• A Labeled disk with only the current job stored
• A printed list of the disk contents indicating files to be output
• Composite laser proofs with size of output indicated
• FPO and spot colors indicated on the laser proof
• Special instructions for any images to be scanned
• All screen and printer fonts used in the document and in eps files
• Your page layout document, preferably InDesign
• The name and version of the page layout program used
• All graphic files used in the page layout document (scans, eps, etc.)
• "Collect for Output" (QuarkXPress users) or "Package" (InDesign users)
• Correct image resolution and CMYK
• Modified image files are updated in your document
• Keep a copy of all files on your system
• Any questions or concerns indicated

Platforms - MAC vs. PC, or Scitex

Primarily, we use both Apple Macintosh and Kodak prepress equipment. Macintosh Files are the most common and reliable for desktop prepress work. (IBM or PC files can also be submitted, although they are arguably not as adept at handling high end work.) Kodak is a proprietary hardware and software system that is solely designed for high end electronic prepress.

Media and Files

ProGraphics is able to read or write a file in either of the following formats:

• CD
• DVD

Files via the Internet

You may also transfer data files via the internet. Please see our link at File Transfers/Downloads for detailed instructions.

Proofs

When submitting an electronic file, please enclose laser proofs, both composite and separated. A color proof is also beneficial if possible. This will help eliminate questions and help prevent delays in processing your file.

With the introduction of CTP (Computer to Plate) we no longer show bluelines, matchprints and color keys as proofs anymore, because they are all created with film. Instead, after your file has been processed, a digital proof is made directly from the very same file which will be used to create the plate. We have two new large format proofers to create proofs: one to show accurate color and another to show folding, pagination, color breaks and trimming. PROGRAPHICS may also show you laser proofs or PDF proofs as intermediate proofs in order to save costs, particularly if color has already been approved but there are type corrections.

Always review your proofs carefully. Proofs must be signed off by the customer before going to press.