Key Guidelines for Graphic File Construction

When setting up digital files for print, there are certain guidelines we like to follow. Here are some hints:

To help make the design process easier, let’s first create two layers: one for your art and the other to place our e-template. Placing the die on a separate top layer will help in lining up elements around cuts and folds, but still gives you the option to turn off/on the die layer to check fit and how the art looks alone, without the eTemplate.

** Helpful tip - You see the die, but you don’t see your art.

In Quark, click on the Die template box and go to Menu Item/Runaround and change Type to None and click OK.
In Indesign, go to Menu View/Display Performance/High Quality Display.
Make sure you are designing in CMYK.

Do not nest objects, meaning do not embed one graphic file inside of another. Example: You create something in Illustrator and save it as an EPS. You then place the first EPS into a new Illustrator document and save it as a second EPS.

Use only TIFF and EPS graphic file formats for any graphics which you include in/attach to a page layout document.

Crop, rotate, and resize graphic elements before placing them in your page layout program. Any resizing you do in your page layout program can affect output quality.

Remove all unneeded colors from the color palette.

Use swatch books to assign colors. Remember, what you see on your monitor isn’t necessarily what the press color will be. Assign spot colors only if you intend for those colors to really separate out as spot colors. Otherwise, assign CMYK values if you are using process colors.

Print accurate proofs of your document before you send your files to us. If you can’t print it, chances are we can’t either. Try printing color-separated proofs as well. This is the only foolproof way to check color breaks and see if your colors are separating properly. If the page doesn’t print on a laser printer, it won’t image on a plate setter.

Never use “Hairlines”. On high-resolution devices, hairlines can become invisible.

Common Problems with Digital Files

Some of the most common problems with digital files that we see include:

• Artwork doesn’t fit die template
• Missing fonts, missing printer fonts
• TIFF and EPS files wrong or missing
• RGB images instead of CMYK
• Incorrect resolution
• Bleeds not set
• Stylized type with no supporting printer fonts
• Spot colors set to separate as process
• Duplicate spot colors
• Use of compressed images (Visual JPEG artifacts in image)
• Hairline assigned to lines or borders

Digital Proof/PDF Checklist

It is critically important to check our Digital proof, as it is the guide we will use in producing your job. Here is a suggested checklist to ensure sure you don’t forget an important check:

• Read every sentence and every word. Typos hide in the oddest places.
• Have someone else proofread it as well.
• Check color breaks. How do the spines line up? Does type flow correctly?
• Check all graphic elements. Are they high resolution or pixilated?
• Check for font substitution.
• Check that all pictures are cropped, sized and positioned properly.
• Check all addresses and phone numbers.
• Make sure dates and any other numeric totals are correct.
• Use bold or brightly colored markers to indicate any corrections to the proof.
• Write complete and concise instructions for corrections.
• Verify accuracy of color. Indicate any special printing instructions, i.e. “Make sure this area does not get any bluer” or “No varnish in this area.”
• Be sure to sign Approval Form on the back of the digital proof / or Fax the PDF waiver form back to us. Our fax number is 770-832-1334 .