How should I prepare my artwork files?
Specific file format requirements are listed below, as a general guide you should observe the following:
- Colour images must be prepared in CMYK (NOT colour RGB, Lab etc.).
- Spot colours defined ONLY by the Pantone sample book (Matching system or Metallics).
- Resolution of colour images and images in greyscale – minimum 300 dpi in actual size!
- Resolution of black and white images (monochrome) – minimum 800 dpi in actual size!
- Files must not contain images in EPS format with postscript colour management or ICC profiles.
- Files must not contain images in DCS1 or DCS2 (separated EPS) format.
- For all types of printed materials add minimum bleed of 3mm to each outer edge.
- Include imposition for staple (V1) binding in the case of a document of 4 and more pages.
- Ensure that final size is indicated by crop marks.
We accept source materials only in the following formats:
a) PDF (*.pdf)
- PDF files must be created from composite postscript using Adobe Distiller with appropriate JDD settings.
- Do not create it by saving or export directly from your source application (e.g. Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, etc.). PDF files created in this manner have a different internal structure, which is not compatible with our output equipment (proof, CTP, platesetter). Problems can occur with processing fonts and with transparency, so in some cases PDF files created in this manner cannot be processed.
- Sometimes this can be resolved by re-saving into postscript and back into PDF. However we advise against that, as we cannot be held responsible for small text errors that might occur due to re-saving.
- Your PDF files must be set to be compatible with Acrobat 4.0 (PDF version 1.3), set Adobe Distiller for commercial printing purposes with preset profile (Press Optimized / Press Quality).
- Please do not use OPI comments during creation.
- Embed or outline all the fonts, if in doubt supply them separately.
- If you use transparency in your files (Adobe InDesign, Illustrator) ensure that document resolution is set to 300dpi or above before printing to PDF.
b) Postscript (*.PS, *.EPS)
- Ensure these are composite (do not set separation!).
- We recommend using original print drivers from Adobe or use the driver of our platesetter ScitexDolev4Press, which we can send upon request.
- Don’t use a Linotronics driver, which creates a separated postscript file.
- Ensure that all fonts are supplied or properly embedded.