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File Help

PressCo Printing File Submission Guidelines



The preferred method for submitting electronic artwork for printing is as a Press Optimized high quality PDF. Our prepress system is based on Heidelberg’s PDF workflow process so we are able to preflight and process your file quickly and efficiently. Acrobat Professional & most native application programs will allow you to save your file as PDF. You can also use a free program like PrimoPDF to create your PDF file.

Alternatives to PDF

In addition to PDF files we can work with TIF / TIFF files, EPS files and high resolution JPEG /JPG files.

We can work with the following native application files if you include all the fonts, graphics and support files used in your document creation.  Submitting native application files may delay processing your order.

  • Illustrator CS3 Mac & CS5 PC.  You can also save and send as an EPS file converted to outlines.
  • InDesign CS3 Mac & CS5 PC. Convert fonts to outlines.
  • Photoshop CS3 Mac & CS5 PC . Flattened – no compression.
  • QuarkXPress 7 Mac.  Include fonts & support files.
  • Microsoft Publisher. Make sure your photos, graphics and fonts are embedded in your Publisher files.
  • Corel Draw files only if saved as an EPS file with fonts converted to outlines.

File Size & Bleeds


Your file size must be built to the final trim size plus bleed. This means your files should be at the top & bottom and on each side 1/8th inch larger than the final trim size. Example an 8.5x11 document that bleeds the size needs to be 8.75x11.25.

Make sure you save your PDF at at the bleed size and not the final trim size.  Check your file before sending to make sure the file size is correct and it held the bleeds.

We recommend you use our file templates to properly set up your files.

Fonts / Text


Make sure you embed all the fonts in your PDF. When possible convert all Fonts to curves (also called outlines or paths) in your native application program before creating your PDF. If you are working in Photoshop simply flatten the image.

Do not use a font size smaller than 7 point. It is not a god idea to apply styles to your fonts, if you want a bold font use a bold font rather than selecting bold from the styles menu.

Resolution


Make sure you use high resolution images in your native application file and create a high resolution PDF. Your images should be in the 300 - 350 dpi range at print size and  1200 dpi for line art bitmaps. Submitting files with lower resolution can make the image look pixilated and blurry. You want to create a PDF that is press ready and not a low resolution PDF designed for the Web. Don’t use image down sampling or compression.

Image Formats


EPS or TIFF files are the preferred format for images. JPEG images are not ideal but a hi-res JPEG can be used when there is no alternative. JPEGs will not print as clearly as an EPS or TIFF. GIF files are unsuitable for quality printing. Vector art EPS files with all fonts converted to outlines, paths or curves are great they can be easily re-sized without losing detail.

Color


If your job is to be printed in process color make sure you convert all your images to CMYK in your native application file before creating the PDF. RGB images submitted will be automatically converted to CMYK by our prepress software and a color shift will occur.

Rich Black


To achieve a dark rich black build your black using all four process colors C=60 M=30 Y=20 K=100. Don’t try to build text unless it is 24 Pt. or larger with a rich black or your text may appear fuzzy.

Imposition


Do not try to impose multiple files on a page. Send us individual properly sized files for each item you want printed. Example: If you want four business cards printed send us 4 business card files rather than a file that has 4 business cards on a page. Likewise if you want a 5.5x8.5 flyer send us one file at the correct size for the 5.5x8.5 flayer rather than a file that has two 5.5x8.5 flyers on an 8.5x11 page.

Do not build small items like a postcard, business card or other odd sized item in the middle of an 8.5x11 page or larger. Also don’t build the front and back of an item on the same page.

Safe Zone


Keep any critical elements and text at least 1/8 inch inside the final trim size to avoid them being cut off when the finished piece is trimmed.

Crop Marks


Do not include crop marks, color bars or other printer marks in your file.

Borders


If your file contains a border it should be at least ¼ inch wide to minimize the appearance of uneven borders that will occur due to the natural draw that occurs during the trimming process.