All file originators may not understand how to strategically construct a job for efficient output and with print production requirements in mind. They may not know the idiosyncrasies of the final output devices. Also, graphic artists may be knowledgeable about design principals such as balance, color, space, readability and proportion, but may not necessarily be skillfull with technical issues such as trapping, or the actual digital color or offset printing press and also the size of the final run that may be required by the printer.

Open communications between the customer, graphic artist, output facility, and printer is paramount, especially concerning the time and money it takes for a job to be output-correct.

If you, the customer decide to do the electronic layout yourself, there is a lot of responsibility depended upon you to supply the job as “output ready”. Additional time and costs are required for additional work performed. It is essential for you to follow a checklist that reminds you to provide all font, graphics and linked file information in additional to the page layout document and hard copy proof for reference.

Be sure that the format you send is compatible with the computer system that will do the actual output. Be sure to lock your disks and send only the files that are needed for output. Do not send the only copy of your files, because rewritable media can become corrupted. It is always a good idea to reformat the medium prior to copying your files to it for final delivery to your prepress service provider.

Are your page settings properly specified?

Make sure your pages are set properly for the output device. These options include page dimensions, page orientation, margins, bleed requirements, trapping, etc. Be sure to allow for different sized panels in a folded piece. Fold-in pages are always smaller.

Have you included all the necessary files?

Include your electronic mechanicals in the file format requested by your prepress service provider/printer. Include all image and graphic files imported into your document. Make sure you have saved them in a file format your prepress service provider/printer can use. Put all graphic files in the same folder/directory as the application file. All fonts used must be included with the file where licensing terms and conditions permit and where the exchange is approved by the service provider/printer.

Avoid using formats such as PICT and WMF that are error-prone during output. These types of files may cause problems even when embedded in normal error-free format.

Include even those files you’ve placed FPO or OPI/APR. If using DCS graphic format, include all five image components (CMYK plus the Composite image).

Is there any additional work needed?

Clearly mark crop and final size information for all images that your prepress service provider/printer will be scanning.

Your images may print black and white or with unacceptable color shifts if you don’t convert them to CMYK for offset or RGB as required for digital color. Be sure to request converting your images if necessary.

Unless you plan to print using an additional ink for spot or custom color, make sure you use CMYK settings for all colors, including spot color, if your layout program allows you to do that.

Make sure all bleeds extend beyond the edge of the page to your printer’s requirements.

Include a full-sized proof of your file.

Send a black and white laser print or color proof of the final file. If you send files via modem over a phone line, be sure to also fax a laser printout or send a remote proof. If your page is too large at 100% of it’s actual size, write the reduction on the proof. Make sure you generate your proof from the same electronic file.

For color offset printing jobs, print out color separations in black and white on your laser printer and supply them - in addition to a composite proof. Be sure each color separation is properly named for each color.

Electronic Files Choosing Paper Choosing Type Graphics and Images Home Send mail to lisa@haleprint.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2000 Hale Printing & Vinyl Graphics Last modified: Sep. 10, 2003