How should I setup my file?
The file should ideally be a PDF, but InDesign and QuarkXPress are also acceptable.
When creating the PDF, any quality settings available in your software should be set to "High Quality." Also, the finished PDF should show both crop marks and bleed area on the screen.
If the file is not a PDF, the document should be accompanied by ALL the linked images as well as ALL the fonts used in the document. QuarkXPress has a "Collect for Output" feature which will automatically compile these files for you and InDesign has a feature called "Package" which does the same thing.
CMYK is the proper color mode.
General File Conditions for Common Design Programs
File Type Ideal Print Specs:
Anything by Microsoft • Make it a PDF to ensure the best possible output
Photoshop • File must be created starting at 300dpi minimum
• If fonts are not supplied, text layers should be flattened
• Color mode should be CMYK
• Check for proper bleeds
• Can also save files as TIF, JPG, EPS, etc.
Illustrator • Outline fonts
• Embed images
• Document color mode CMYK
• Can also save as PDF
InDesign • Save as a PDF, or...
• Package file so it includes ALL fonts used and ALL
linked images
• Linked images should follow recommendations for
AI and PS files above
QuarkXPress • Export file as PDF, or...
• Collect for Output so submission includes all fonts and links
PDF's • As the ideal end product of most of the software above, any
and all appropriate specs should be followed. But any crop
marks and bleeds should be reflected on screen when the
PDF is viewed
A Note About Linked Images:
Photographs should be a minimum of 300dpi (600dpi is ideal). Please note that enlarging the photo in the layout program will degrade the effective resolution.
Under no circumstances should logos or images be grabbed off of other websites for use in print documents. Web resolution is typically only 72dpi, which is much too low for effective printing.
Whenever possible, logos used in the document should be vector-based EPS files.
How do I create a PDF?
There are many ways to go about this. To create a pdf you actually make your computer think you are printing a file. So once you have the appropriate software, or a Mac, you create your file in your preferred program, and the pdf is created in the Print Menu (usually).
On most Mac CPU's, there should be an option where you print your file listed as 'SAVE PDF'.
On a PC, Adobe Acrobat is the leader in PDF software, however, there are free versions out there. A quick google search for 'Free PDF Writer' should pull up some good results. We offer no support or promises on anything you may download on the net.
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