TIPS & TRICKS
Because of the complexity of building digital artwork files, this support page will always be a work in progress. As technology changes, so will our suggestions on how to build files to work most efficiently and cost effectively.
Software developers continue to release programs that challenge the capabilities of most digital prepress labs. C&S Press uses the latest and most advanced technology.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Use the proper software. If you’re building a multi-page project, use software that’s designed to do just that. (QuarkXpress, PageMaker, InDesign…). Use whatever you're comfortble with. We support just about everything out there on all platforms. Submit multiple page designs in "readers spreads", not "printers spreads". If part of the design folds down like a pocket folder or converted envelope, don't forget to create a dieline which includes all glue tabs, scores and fold lines.
2. Check color usage. Make sure that ALL parts of any spot color design are built correctly using only the spot colors you want us to print with. If you're building a spot color project, lookout for images that may be built in process color (Cyan, Magenta Yellow & Black), unless of course you WANT us to use the process colors.
3. Don’t forget to add bleeds to pages. If an area of color or any image touches the outside edge of a page, the image needs to extend beyond the edge of the page. This will eliminate any undesirable white gaps near the edge when the pages are folded and cut down.
4. Check for RGB placed scans. RGB (Red, Green & Blue) colorspace files DO NOT separate into process colors on press. Your scanner probably scans using Red, Green & Blue “LIGHT”, but printing presses use “INK” composed of CMYK. Convert images to the proper color space before they are placed in your Desktop Publishing Software. Black & White images also need to be “Grayscale” or “Bitmap”.
5. Image resolutions should be as close to 300 dpi as possible. Placing 72 dpi (RGB) images into your design may look great on a web page, but will probably look very grainy when printed on paper. Remember to factor in any enlargements you may perform within the DTP program, as this will also affect the final dpi of each image. (ie. Enlarging a 300 dpi photo at 200% produces the same quality as having a 150 dpi image. Sure, it will be larger, but it won't have more pixels).
6. Don’t forget to submit all fonts used. This goes for Mac or PC files. If we have to substitute any missing fonts, the copy may reflow and this will take additional time. If your vector based eps files call for fonts, you'll need to include them as well. Otherwise, the dreaded courier font may make an unscheduled appearance.
7. Update all modified links. If you modify any links used in DTP files (Illustrator or Photoshop tiff/eps etc.), make sure you update your DTP file that uses those links. Seeing a “modified” status to a link makes us a bit nervous. Also…Never submit different pieces of art with the same filename, even if they are in different folders or subfolders. The DTP program may unintentionally grab the wrong image, since it doesn’t “see” anything but the filename.
8. SUPER BLACK considerations: If your process color design includes large solid areas of black, you may want to consider using a technique known as “Super Black”. By definition, super black appears as is a rich dark black area on paper. Black ink alone is actually VERY dark gray with a blue hue. Adding a second or third supporting color to the mix can greatly intensify the effect. Just create a new process color and call it "Super Black". We recommend using this ink formula. Cyan=40% + Black=100%. You can also add 40% Magenta to the mix, but remember, the more base colors used to build a solid color, the more registration problems may occur. This is especially true if your design uses reversed type, which takes us to the next topic…
9. BOLD REVERSED TEXT: Consider using a bold font for small reversed type. Printing inks can “fill in” a little bit when drying. Using bold fonts for reverse text can help keep the text bright and easy to read.
10. Leave all trapping concerns to us. We’ll make sure all colors fit together perfectly on press. We consider the precision of each press and the paper stock involved.
11. Using Varnish, Metallic Inks and Foils. We’ll be happy to consult with you over the phone or in person when it comes to adding these types of special effects to your design.
12. OS X. We've observed a few bugs that you should be concerned about. Here are a few current issues:
1. Fonts in OS X are a bit complicated. Try to avoid using Apples .dfont typefaces.
2. QuarkXpress 7.0/7.1 has a bug regarding properly naming pages. We recommend backsaving your fies to Quark 6.5 until a fix is released.
3. Adobe InDesign has a problem with some font's apostrophes. Some may not print.
4. Adobe InDesign has a problem when generating drop shadows. They only work in low-resolution.