Properly prepared files make a printing job run smoothly. We have included some pre-production helps and definitions to help you with the process. If you have questions regarding any of these helps, please feel free to contact us.

FILE PREPARATION GUIDE

 

Page Layout //

When designing your project, please use Adobe InDesign or QuarkXpress for page layout. Import Adobe Illustrator files into a page layout program. If at all possible, avoid using Microsoft (MS) Word processing programs, MS Excel, Corel Draw or MS Publisher, which are not designed for the commercial printing process.

CMYK //

When preparing a 4-color process job, make sure all colors in the color palette are process. Do not use registration black for black type, instead make it 100% black.

Spot Color (PMS Color) //

A spot color is a single Pantone color ink or varnish. On spot color jobs, make sure the color is a spot in the color palette. Spot colors are used when you want to exactly match a specified Pantone color on 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6-color documents.

Rich Black //

For black backgrounds when printing in four color process, we recommend utilizing this formula to create a “rich” black: (60%-C, 40%-M, 40%-Y, 100%-K)

Bleed //

Bleed is necessary for images and background that print to the edge of the paper. To include bleeds, extend them all 1/8 inch beyond document size. This will be trimmed off after the document is printed.

Imposition //

Our imposition program works best with the documents imposed as single pages. It is not necessary to impose the jobs yourself (i.e. printer spreads).

Folding //

When preparing your job, please adjust pages for folding. (i.e. 3-page spreads or roll fold documents)

Image Files //

Make sure supplied image files are at least 300 dpi and CMYK

Sending A File Electronically //

Please compress your files utilizing Stuff-It, WinZip or the built in compression software available on your OS such as “Create Archive” (MAC) or “Send to Compressed (zipped) folder” (PC).

Fonts //

Include any fonts used in your file along with fonts used in EPS files.

FILE PREPARATION CHECKLIST

Before you send your file, make sure you have included:

  1. The document file you have created
  2. All the fonts and artwork used in the document
  3. All linked images and artwork
  4. A “folding dummy” or prior printed sample
  5. A pdf of the file if sent electronically or a printout of the file if on a disk

FTP TIPS

 

We have created an FTP site that allows our customers to transfer larger files to us electronically. To help ensure a proper transfer, please follow these tips.

  • + Use a program such as StuffIt or WinZip to compress your files (see above for Sending A File Electronically). Please compress the files on the same OS platform that they were created.
  • + Name the folder clearly, such as your name and the job title (i.e. “AG Brochure”)
  • + When transferring, we recommend using a FTP client software such as Fetch for Mac users or WS FTP for PC users (see Download section). Our ftp site domain is ftp.actiongraphicsnj.com
  • + If you do not already have a username and password, please call us at 800-365-6687 to obtain one.
  • + Please email or call your salesperson or customer service rep to let them know that the job is transferring.

DOWNLOADS

 

HELPFUL FTP PROGRAMS

  • WinZip Compresses large PC files into a smaller size for easier transmittal.
  • Stuffit Compresses large Mac files into a smaller size for easier transmittal.
  • Fetch FTP client software for Mac users.
  • WS FTP FTP client software for PC users.

HELPFUL FILE PREPARATION PROGRAMS

  • Adobe Acrobat Allows the user to easily view and manage PDF’s. (Mac and PC).
  • FlightCheck Scans documents for problems with images, color, fonts and other issues potentially detrimental to printing. (Mac and PC)
  • Pitstop A plug-in for Adobe Acrobat; scans PDFs for problems with images, color, fonts and other issues potentially detrimental to print. (Mac and PC)

GLOSSARY OF FILE FORMATS

 

  • .indd //

    InDesign file

  • .qxp //

    QuarkXpress file

  • .ai //

    Illustrator file

  • .eps //

    Encapsulated Postscript image format for vector and raster images

  • .dcs2 //

    Image format containing spot color channels or process and spot chanels

  • .psd //

    Photoshop file

  • .tif //

    Most common format across platforms

  • .jpg //

    image format with the capability to over compress images resulting in low quality images unusable for quality printing. If using jpg format make sure maximum image quality is selected (10-12)

  • .pdf //

    Portable document format

  • .sit //

    Stuffit compression program used for Macs

  • .zip //

    Zipit or WinZip compression program used for PCs