Oct
12
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Written by: Andrew
Client supplied files is an enormous aspect of the commercial printing industry and there are two main advantages in doing so – to save money and to save time. When you supply your own files you generally expect a quicker turn-around time as there is no need for the vendor to spend time on creative, file set-up, or changes. But often files don’t come in properly and may require some attention from a prepress department to ensure it is printed correctly. Below are some common problems we see when dealing with client supplied files. The goal here is provide more savings, and time.
#1. No Bleed: Many files come in with photos or creative elements that are supposed to run off the page, but aren’t produced with enough bleed, or no bleed at all. Make sure you allow at least 1/8” bleed on every side of the document that it’s needed.
#2. RGB Images: All images must be set up as CMYK or grayscale to be printed offset. RGB is ok when producing your project on a digital press, or being placed on a website. If you are not familiar with CMYK and RGB, or are unsure how to convert – please let us know. We would be happy to explain this in more detail for you.
#3. 4 Color Process Printing: When producing 4 color process CMYK jobs make sure all Pantone colors are converted to CMYK. All Pantone colors have a related CMYK compatible and need to be set up this way on 4 color print jobs.
#4. Pantones: When using specific Pantone colors check to make sure they are all named the same way. For example Pantone 125 C and Pantone 125 CV should both be named Pantone 125 C.
#5. Supplying File: The preferred way is to send a print-ready PDF file. If you aren’t sure how to create a print-ready PDF please let us know or package up the files – make sure to include all fonts, graphics, and photos to ensure the piece is printed as you expect.