Resources & Support
Prepping Files for Printing
To ensure that your files are ready to print and to minimize the time and cost in modifying them, we have compiled a list of some of the most common considerations when preparing your file. The following are the most common reasons for production delays and unexpected extra charges. We strongly suggest that if you are on a deadline, please take a look at this list and make the necessary adjustments to make sure that your file is ready to print as soon as possible. Always give yourself extra time in case that your files may need more editing or may need extra drying/binding time.
Supported Software/File Types
Although you can use a variety of software to create the graphic elements of your project, and we support the latest versions of all commonly used design software products, including QuarkXPress, the Adobe Creative Suite (PhotoShop, Illustrator and InDesign) and Microsoft Office, we ask that you submit a high-res press-ready PDF file with fonts embedded. If you do not have the ability to do this on your computer, we are now offering a free download of Adobe PDF JobReady which allows for a one-step PDF making process from your computer tour server. Click Here for More Information.
Page Size (for documents with bleeds)
The file size should be larger than the final printed page size (or "trim" size). E.g: If your page size is 8.5x11", your document should be at least 8.75x11.25" to accommodate the bleed area. Do not make your document excessively bigger than your file. Just enough so you have a decent sized bleed area. A surprising amount of files that are submitted are the exact size of the trim size. This causes delays as we have to ask the client to fix their files, or your "trim size" will be smaller than a standard 8.5"x11" size.
Bleeds
Bleeds should be a margin around all 4 sides of the file that is at least 1/8"(3mm). Your art file should extend slightly past the trim size into the bleed area as well. This is to prevent white lines from showing if the cut is too close to the white border. Bleed marks are placed in the four corners of the page to show where the trim size will be. It should be unrasterized so that it will not print on the final product.
Single File
We ask that you put all of their pages into one file as it will help us while downloading the files and while making the proof. If the pages are not numbered, there can be a lot of confusion so it's best that the pages are together.
Number of Pages
The number of pages in your document should match that of the final printed product. If your magazine is 100 pages total, you will have 4 cover pages and 96 text pages. One physical piece of paper equals to two pages, as we print the front and the back. Customers sometimes become confused and think that they should tell us the amount of the actual paper pages in their order. E.g: 100 files = 50 pages. Common terminology in the above example is for 100 "Numbered" Pages = 50 Printed Sheets.
Page Numbering
When designing your art files, take the page numbering into consideration. Many times, we have seen the page number on the same location for all the pages. The placement should alternate since the pages alternate positions. For example, if the page numbers are always on the bottom left corner, the left page will have the page number on the outside corner but the right page will have the page number towards the binding of the book. While designing your files, take a look at a book and the page numbers to help you get an idea.
Image Mode
Printing presses (digital or offset) require CMYK (Cyan, magenta, yellow, black) coloring. If your images are in RGB (Red, green, blue) mode, the printed result will appear muddy and flat. To avoid this, convert all images to CMYK. Simply select "Image Mode CYMK Color" in Adobe Photoshop.
Fonts
We suggest that you use PostScript Type 1 fonts and to avoid TrueType fonts. When a TrueType font and a PostScript Type 1 font with the same name are active on your computer it can cause many potential inconsistencies. If you are not submitting a PDF File, it is highly recommended that you submit all fonts used, including those in EPS graphics. Even if you are using a common font such as "Helvetica", your font's version may be different from ours.
