GENERAL

• When sending application files, include a copy of all of the placed graphic elements and a copy of the screen and printer fonts used. The fonts will only be used to process your job.
• To ensure that all elements needed to process your job are supplied, we suggest using the "Collect for Output" in QuarkXpress, "Save for Service Provider" in PageMaker, "Package" in InDesign, or "Collect For Output" in Freehand.

• Extensions are helpful when going cross-platform between Macintosh and Windows computers. Even though Macs do not require 3-character extensions behind file names to be recognized, it is helpful if a file becomes corrupt. Windows machines, however, require them. Corruption can occur when files sent via Email and FTP servers have not been compressed with Stuffit Deluxe or WinZIP. Corrupt files display generic icons as shown at right. Three-character extensions can denote what software the file originated from, whether it is a graphic or a page layout file, etc.
• Characters such as \ / : * ? % # < > in file names can cause problems when going cross-platform. For example, ABCprinting AD.3.375.x7.875.Jan.’06/ECM.qxd would not be seen on a Windows computer. Please avoid their use as long file names can become truncated: ABCprinting~.qxd.
• The page size in your layout application should be the trim size (not the bleed) if it's a full page ad, or the ad dimensions if it's a fractional ad. Crop marks will be placed automatically when the page is printed.
• If the ad is intended to bleed, make sure to pull images or color backgrounds at least 1/8" (0.125") off the page all the way around.

• Use only PostScript Type 1 fonts. Avoid usage of TrueType fonts and Multiple Master fonts because some characters may not print correctly.
• Do not stylize text by selecting "bold" or "italic". If a font family does not have a Bold or Italic, text may print unpredictably or not at all. It is best to select the actual font name, i.e. "Helvetica Bold" rather than selecting Helvetica then assigning it a Bold from the style menu.
• PC Users: Send both .PFM and .PFB parts of fonts.
• Mac Users: Send both the Suitcase and the printer font.
• We must have the exact fonts used in the document. Submitted fonts will only be used to process your job.
  
  

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COLOR

• Work with all graphic elements in the CMYK color mode. Avoid the RGB color mode if possible. RGB images will be converted to CMYK for our use, but be aware that color shifts may occur. Therefore, it is recommended that you convert images to CMYK so you can judge if it is the color desired. RGB photos that are black and white should be converted to grayscale.
• "Spot" or Pantone colors in drawing and layout programs should be converted to CMYK process color (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow/Black). Delete all unused colors. However, if a Pantone match color ad is being created then "Spot" color should be selected.
• Do not rely on monitor colors to be representative of colors used in the document due to color variances between monitor make and model. Quality proofs should be obtained to verify colors are accurate.

• Be sure images are high resolution: 266 to 300 dpi for halftone images, 600 dpi or more for lineart. Anything less will produce poor, fuzzy quality printing.
• Sizing down an image improves print quality but sizing up an image reduces print quality.
• Windows Metafiles (.WMF) and graphics captured from the Internet (GIFs or JPGs) are discouraged due to their low resolution.
• Each graphic imported into an application file must be linked or embedded within the file otherwise graphics will bitmap or not image at all. This includes Illustrator and Freehand files.
• Black and white scanned photos must be in the grayscale mode. Use of other file formats such as .PIC, .BMP, or .JPG is not recommended since these formats are not optimized for output to high resolution devices. Click
  here to learn more about creating ads in PhotoShop.

Adobe Illustrator

• Send native format files or the EPS file, any nested TIFs or EPS files placed in the file and both the printer and screen fonts used.


• Converting fonts to outlines via Type > Convert to Outlines command will avoid any font problems and fonts will not have to be sent.


• Delete any unused colors in the colors palette.


• Unless requesting a Pantone match color ad, make sure all colors are CMYK process color non-global as shown at right.


• If a Pantone match color ad is being created then "Spot" color should be selected.


• Minimally, we require a customer-furnished text and element proof to assist us in preflighting digital ads. This proof can be a laser proof or an accompanying PDF file with embedded fonts. Whenever possible proofs should be printed at 100% size.

Adobe InDesign

• Send native format files, all images and graphics placed in the file and both the printer and screen fonts used.


• Delete any unused colors in the colors palette.


• Make sure all colors (including RGB) are CMYK process color unless requesting a Pantone match color ad. However, if a Pantone match color ad is being created then "Spot" color should be selected.


• To ensure that all elements needed to process your job are supplied, we suggest using the File > Package feature in InDesign.


• Minimally, we require a customer-furnished text and element proof to assist us in preflighting digital ads. This proof can be a laser proof or an accompanying PDF file with embedded fonts. Whenever possible proofs should be printed at 100% size.

Adobe PageMaker

• Send native format files, all images and graphics placed in the file and both the printer and screen fonts used.


• In placing graphics in the layout, when asked if you want to include a complete copy in the publication, tell PageMaker "No". It will create a low-resolution preview for positioning only. Upon printing, the high-resolution image will be swapped out and file size will be kept at a minimum.


• Delete any unused colors in the colors palette.


• Unless requesting a Pantone match color ad, make sure all colors are CMYK process color. However, if a Pantone match color ad is being created then "Spot" color should be selected.


• To ensure that all elements needed to process your job are supplied, we suggest using the Utilities > Plug-Ins > Save For Service Provider feature in PageMaker.


• Minimally, we require a customer-furnished text and element proof to assist us in preflighting digital ads. This proof can be a laser proof or an accompanying PDF file with embedded fonts. Whenever possible proofs should be printed at 100% size.

Adobe PhotoShop

• Save PhotoShop files as TIFs whenever possible.
• We prefer not to receive PSD files, however if sending a layered PSD file, be sure to send along the fonts.


• Images with clipping paths should be saved as EPS files.


• Any black and white scanned photos must be in the grayscale mode.


• Files formats such as PIC and BMP are not recommended since these formats are not optimized for high resolution output.


• JPGs with a resolution of 300dpi in CMYK color mode are accepted, however, caution is advised due to the lossy compression of the format. Be sure the original is saved somewhere and make a copy to compress. Once the data is compressed, the information in the image is lost and can't be restored. A file resaved many times in JPG format will eventually become unuseable.


• Delete extra channels in PhotoShop images.


• PhotoShop monotone and duotone images should be converted to CMYK unless a Pantone match color ad is being created.


• ICC Color Profiles should not be used. Tell PhotoShop to not color manage files by selecting Edit > Color Settings > Color Management Off in the menu.


• Minimally, we require a customer-furnished text and element proof to assist us in preflighting digital ads. This proof can be a laser proof or an accompanying PDF file with embedded fonts. Whenever possible proofs should be printed at 100% size.

Macromedia Freehand

• Send native format files or the EPS file, any nested TIFs or EPS files placed in the file and both the printer and screen fonts used.


• Converting fonts to outlines via Text > Convert to Paths command will avoid any font problems and fonts will not have to be sent.


• Delete any unused colors in the colors palette.


• Unless requesting a Pantone match color ad, make sure all colors are CMYK process color as shown at right. This is recognized by the italic CMYK breakdown.


• If a Pantone match color ad is being created then "Spot" color should be selected.


• To ensure that all elements needed to process your job are supplied, we suggest using the File > Collect For Output feature in Freehand.


• Minimally, we require a customer-furnished text and element proof to assist us in preflighting digital ads. This proof can be a laser proof or an accompanying PDF file with embedded fonts. Whenever possible proofs should be printed at 100% size.

QuarkXpress and QuarkPassport

• Send native format files, all images and graphics placed in the file and both the printer and screen fonts used.


• Turn color management off by deselecting File > Preferences > Color Management.


• Delete any unused colors in the colors palette by holding down the Command key, selecting the color then clicking Delete.


• Unless requesting a Pantone match color ad, make sure all colors are CMYK process color. However, if a Pantone match color ad is being created then "Spot" color should be selected. See diagram at right.


• To ensure that all elements needed to process your job are supplied, we suggest using the File > Collect For Output feature in Quark.


• Minimally, we require a customer-furnished text and element proof to assist us in preflighting digital ads. This proof can be a laser proof or an accompanying PDF file with embedded fonts. Whenever possible proofs should be printed at 100% size.