Submitting Print Ready Artwork

Although it is our recommendation to seek a professional graphic artist like ours here at Creative Printing we understand the desire to save money on set-up cost. Below you will find some tips to help you insure your files are production ready.

1)   Talk to Your Printer First

It is important to talk to your printer before you get started with any print project. All print shops have different requirements and standards for submitting production ready files.

2)   Use High-Resolution Images

All images need to be high-resolution; we will NOT be responsible for the outcome of print-ready files submitted. That means at least 300 dpi (dots-per-inch). Most photo utility programs will enable you to check the resolution. Images saved from the internet, are typically 72 dpi. Re-sampling images to 300 dpi from a lower dpi image will result in a less-than-optimal results. “Re-sampling” an image is the act of decreasing its dimensions in the same ratio that you increase its resolution.

3)   Choosing the Right Colors 

Full color files submitted for offset printing will need to be in CMYK (4-color process). Please understand that due to the difference between CMYK (printing colors) and RGB (computer/monitor colors) there may be a slight difference in color, contrast, brightness, and tone, from what you see on your monitor and the final print piece. If your job will print 2-3 pantone colors than your file will need to separated correctly. For example: If your letterhead is red and blue you will need to use a pantone red such as 185U and a blue such as 072U so you end up with just two colors in separations. If this does not make sense you should probably let us set-up your files for you! Please do not hesitate to call us at Creative Printing if you have any questions on color.

4) Process Black vs. Built Black

Process black is using all 4 inks CMY & K to build the black instead of just 100% black. This will ensure you end up with a rich black. Process black should be used in graphics and backgrounds but NOT text. Black type should be 100% black for best printing results.

All Black type should be 100% black NOT built black.

6) Folds

It is important to keep in mind when your design has to be folded that it is set up correctly. For example, on a tri fold brochure the panel that folds in, will be smaller than the other panels. If you do not have your file set-up correctly your brochure will not look right. If you need assistance with your file, contact your printer. Upon request we have templates we can send you to help insure your job will fold correctly.

 

 

7)   Fonts

When you spend hours working on your layout and getting the fonts you desire it is important that you send the fonts that your using to the printer in case they don't have your font. If you convert your font to outlines in Illustrator or turn them into vector objects you don't have to worry. If you worked in Photoshop you can save the design as a flattened tiff and then your design will print with ease.

8)   File Type

All printers have different requirements for file submitting, so be sure to contact your printer first if you have any questions about the process. Creative Printing prefers a press quality or high quality PDF with all fonts embedded or converted to outlines. If you are sending the native files make sure you include all fonts, links and graphics used as well as a PDF to proof by. We accept Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Corel Draw and Microsoft Publisher. When submitting native files we require a proof approval before production.

Keep in mind when submitting production ready files we will NOT PROOF READ, OR MAKE ANY ALTERATIONS to your file. All files must go through the pre-press department to check your files before production. If the pre-press department finds anything incorrect you will need to re-submit new artwork and will incur charges for every new file submitted. To avoid this, please be sure to check your file(s) to be sure the fonts are embedded and everything is correct before sending artwork. Proofread/preflight the application files (i.e. InDesign, Word, etc) and review the PDF after it is created as well.

At Creative Printing of Bay County we happily accept your production ready files. It is important to save your files accordingly so that we can provide you with the best results in a timely manner. Now aren’t you ready to GET CREATIVE!