Print/Artwork/File Specifications FAQ
Table of Contents
What line screen do you print?
Our standard line screen used on our offset presses is 200. We can print up to 300 line screen and as low as 65. We have determined that 200 line screen is an optically pleasing screen value that is sufficient for most coated stocks.
What resolution do you require for a scan or photograph?
For process color separations, 300 dpi is adequate for 175-200 line screen printing. Higher resolution images will be down-sampled during processing and can cause slow downs in production.
Do you have a specific dot gain setting for Photoshop files?
Yes. Select "Printing Inks Setup" in "Preferences" under the File Menu and be sure the settings read as follows: Printing Inks should be SWOP (coated) and the Dot Gain should be 15%.
Should I use CMYK or RGB mode for Photoshop files.
Always convert your Photoshop files to CMYK! Your files will be printed on a CMYK press. An RGB file may print correctly on your color laser printer, but it does not translate correctly on the RIP. Be sure to change your files to CMYK to avoid additional charges and costly delays in your print job.
How should I save my Photoshop files?
Once all photo manipulation is completed use JPG-Highest quality in CMYK mode. This format works well for almost any image. You can also use tiff or eps, but we prefer jpeg.
How many colors can you print?
If your job requires multiple spot colors or 4-color process plus spot colors, just let your salesperson know when you place your order. We can also print your job with gloss or matte varnish or both. Please indicate when submitting your job.
How long does it take to get something printed?
The turnaround time is specified in each contract and is what you should expect unless a problem arises. The time is figured from the proof approval date until it is ready to be shipped. If you know that you need something printed by a specific date, be sure to let your Salesperson or Customer Service Representative (CSR) know as soon as possible.
What type of file formats do you accept?
For full function printing, your file must be done in a page layout program. We use two primary layout programs, Quark Xpress and Adobe Indesign. Both are excellent pieces of software that allow for single page documents all the way to multiple paged complicated books. We do not recommend the use of any of the Microsoft Office software for layout if you are planning to have it printed on a press. But you may use these if you are planning to have us layout your document or if the file is to be printed in the copy center. Nonetheless, we do have ways of working with these files so please call if you have a concern about your file format.
- It needs to be created in CYMK mode. - If you do not know about this please call.
- We can accept jpg, tiff and eps files.
What is the problem with using Microsoft software to do my design?
While MS software such as Word, is great for word processing, it was not created for use as a layout program. We understand that many of our clients have MS software and we do try to accommodate them. However, when it comes time to bring your files to Printing Services, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint often have problems re-wrapping text and substituting fonts. In turn this will add composition time and thus more money. So what can be done? We can still take your word files and use it to create the publication you desire.
Why do I need to include my fonts? Aren't they in the file?
Fonts are not automatically included with their files. When you create a document on your computer, the software is utilizing your version of fonts. There can be several different versions of each font, which can cause your lines of text to re-wrap. Even Times (common as it is) has several different versions on the market, which makes it important for us to have the version that was used in the creation of your document. If you need help locating your fonts please feel free to call us.
My graphics are embedded, so why do I need to include them separately?
Another common misconception is that your graphics are embedded in your publication. Although we can see them on the screen and in the document, this does not mean that the actual eps or tiff file is included on your disk. In order to insure that your graphics print properly, always include your image files separately on the disk.
Why do my graphics look so blocky?
Often when graphics/images are pulled from web pages, or copied out of other digital publications, the resolution is set too low for printing (typically 72 dpi). The blocky appearance is known as pixilation.
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