Welcome to the Document Page.

The success of a print project begins with the document. We make this information available to you
to help you design right the first time, every time.

Sending a Complete Document

General Document Creation Guidelines

Guidelines For Individual Programs

Files We Can Accept

Back to the Requirements Page

What Is A Complete Document?

It includes these things:

a. Color-breaks are correct: You have made both a composite laser print of your document, and you have also printed it as separations.

b. Placed graphics are up to date: They are correctly linked and not "missing", "embedded", or "modified".

c. Page size is correct

d. Graphics are the correct color: Items that print black are not showing in color.

e. Extra colors have been eliminated.

f. Bleeds have been added where desired.

g. Extra pages have been removed

h. Your graphics are the correct resolution for printing: 300 dpi at final size for photos, 600 dpi or better for line art or solid graphics.

i. Extra items have been eliminated from the pasteboard area.

j. Empty text boxes or frames have been deleted.

k. Spot colors have been correctly named and written confirmation of ink colors included.

1. Use the right program for the right job. - Use a page layout program for layout and typesetting; Not a drawing program or word-processor.

2. Don't enlarge small graphics - They'll look jagged when printed - Use an image at least 300 dpi or 600 dpi for lineart (1200 dpi recommended).

3. Don't reduce very large graphics - They'll take too long to print. - Downsample them before you place them.

4. Place your graphics as TIFFS or EPS Files. - Other file formats like jpegs will produce unexpected color shifts*.

(*You may make your graphics jpeg files, in order to send them to us over the internet, but please call it to our attention).

5. Create your multiple page document in ONE file with several pages. - Don't make an eight page newsletter as 8 different single-page files.

6. Don't embed your placed graphics, LINK them; and include them on your disk.

7. Make a composite print-out and a color broken print-out of your document. This will allow you to see mistakes before they get to the proofing stage.
An unwanted trap (spreading of type) will be visible on your color-separated laser prints; Check them carefully.

8. Make your color photos CMYK color mode.

9. Create bleeds where you want them.

10. Eliminate all unused objects from the page.

11. Include ALL the fonts you used in the document. See our Fonts Page for more information.

12. Specify your document size as the size it will be printed. - Example: Don't layout a business card on a letter size sheet.

13. Only put working job files on your disk or CD - Eliminate all unused files before submitting to the printer.

14. Include written / email confirmation of any Pantone colors or special mix inks wanted on your job.

15. Don't place type or graphic items off the edge of your page or across spread pages. - Instead place the item completely on the correct page.

16. Don't use two versions of a color. - Pantone 124C and Pantone 124U will show up as 2 different color plates. Eliminate what you don't need.

We Recommend Programs In These 3 Categories:

Programs Below Are Not Recommended, However We Do Work With Them:
Files created in these or similar programs often require additional time to output to film,
and occassionally will not process at all.

IV. Word Processing:
Word
Wordperfect.


V. Database/Spreadsheet:
Excel
Microsoft Works
Appleworks.


VI. Bargain Programs:
Printshop.


VII. Miscellaneous Programs:
Powerpoint
Microsoft Paint
CAD Programs, etc.

Answers to Some Common Questions

Q. I use the Windows Platform, and most Printers prefer Mac -- Can you work with my files?

A. Yes, we are fully Windows compatible. Follow the guidelines we've posted on the site to help produce your file.

Q. I only have one of the "Limited" Programs. Can you still work with my file?

A. Most likely we can, depending on it's complexity. If you like, you can send us a test file that we can look at.



Q. Why do I need to send you my fonts? Don't all printers already have them?

A. The short answer is Yes, all printers have fonts; but not necessarily your fonts. See our Fonts Page for more information.



Q. Why are their 3 categories?

A. Different programs are used for different jobs; if you try to create your business card in an image-editing program like Photoshop, it may look nice on your computer screen, but print jaggged or blurry when output to film.



Q. Can you process Postscript files?

A. Yes, however these files are essentially "Non-editable". If you wish to make a postscript file, click here



Q. I'm using a recommended program. Can their still be problems with my file?

A. The are many pitfalls in desktop publishing. Their are some rules you can break. There are some you cannot. A Printer is familiar with them by experience. Some of the more common mistakes are listed above to guide you through the process.



Q. Do you accept Adobe PDF Files?

A. Yes, our RIP is pdf compatible.