For Best results, create your page layout in Adobe InDesign, Pagemaker, QuarkXpress or a similar program, and place your Photoshop or Illustrator artwork within this layout.
Build your document to the final trim size, but extend images that touch the edges of the page to 1/8" beyond this final trim size. For example, if you want your business card to have a red background from edge to edge, you would draw this background to 3.75" x 2.25" instead of the final trim size of 3.5" x 2". For more information on bleed, see our tutorial called "About Bleed" - http://www.serviceprinters.com/help/bleedinprinting.html.
It is not necessary to include trim marks or other printer's marks
When naming your files, keep the names simple and do NOT use special characters including / , \ " ' -
Vector-based 3 (Adobe Illustrator):
- ALWAYS convert type to outlines or paths to avoid font issues. It is recommended that you keep one copy with unconverted text, and save a copy with converted text.
- Save or export all linked files as .eps. Include a native file for all Freehand files used.
- Avoid transparency effects when working with spot colors
- Keep spot color naming conventions consistent between files and applications (Preferrably, always use the Pantone names for spot colors. Avoid calling them things like, "Company X Yellow" or "Blue-Green")
Pixel-based (Photoshop, bitmap):
- All images should be 300dpi for best print reproduction
- All images should be CMYK, grayscale, or duotone/tritone
- Save CMYK, grayscale and duotone/tritone images as .eps files
- Save images with clipping paths as .eps files
- ALL RGB images should be converted to CMYK4
- Avoid over-scaling images (75%-125%) when placing into your layout program.
- Sample down a copy of larger images and link them to your file to save disk space and processing time.
1 In InDesign, go to File > New... and select the "Facing Pages" checkbox. Click the image for a larger view of the settings.
2 In InDesign, go to File > New... and do NOT select the "Facing Pages" checkbox. Click the image to see a larger view of the settings.
3 Vector images are based on mathematical equations and therefore can be enlarged infinitely with no degradation in quality.
4 In Photoshop, go to Image > Mode and make sure CMYK is selected.
5 In a PostScript Font there are two files: one for display on a computer monitor, and one for printing. Often only the screen font is sent with a file for printing. Please be sure you are including both screen and printer fonts with your file. For more information, view our Fonts FAQ - http://www.serviceprinters.com/help/fonts.html