Understanding the many types of files available today required to get your project printed is our job. Listed below are some tools to help you insure that the print files supplied to PrintCo will enable us to deliver the highest reproduction quality possible.
What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a universal electronic file format. Documents in the PDF format can be viewed, navigated and printed from any computer regardless of the fonts or software programs used to create the original. PDF files are small and self-contained, meaning that images and graphics are embedded within the PDF document, streamlining electronic transmission and prepress process. PDF files are independent of the platform or operating system. It is one of the most versatile file formats, and is now an essential part of PrintoCo automated and digital workflow.
The PDF provides the best method yet for storing and defining a document for print. The same file can be used for soft proofs (PDF files sent via email or internet viewable on your computer monitor) digital contract proofing and large format (imposed) computer-to-plate devices.
There are specific settings to follow when creating a PDF file from your document. If you are a current or potential client of PrintCo, please review the following information carefully. File preparation is a necessary and precautionary step you must take before submitting artwork to be printed. Following these standards will prevent delays or additional charges for corrections. Please contact us for additional support.
PrintCo is currently using Creative Suite 4 by Adobe on the Macintosh Operating System Leopard. We prefer that if you are using any of the Creative Suite products to produce your artwork, please send in native program, including fonts (or outlined) and all images if they are not "embedded."
What file formats does PrintCo require its customers to submit?
The following the guidelines for submitting offset printing, digital printing and other reprographic art files to PrintCo (Reno):
FREEHAND
- Embed all Images
- Convert all your text/copy to paths
- Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF
PAGEMAKER
Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
- Embed all Images
- Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
- Export your file as an EPS with CMYK selected
COREL DRAW
Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
- Embed all Images
- Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
- Export as Illustrator EPS
MICROSOFT WORD
Customers will need to save files as an Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t, we will need to do that for you. Saving files as an Adobe Acrobat PDF should resolve any proprietary font and color issues that may be a result of utilizing individual computer and/or software programs.
PUBLISHER
You will need to save your file as an Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t, we offer that service. Saving files as an Adobe Acrobat PDF should resolve any proprietary font and color issues that may be a result of utilizing individual computer and/or software programs.
What resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
300 dpi. Almost all photos downloaded or clipped from a website are unsuitable for commercial and digital printing. Please consult with us before proceeding with these types of files.
Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode whenever possible. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.
