 Digital images and documents can streamline production if they are prepared correctly. However, they can also be a nightmare of overtime, excess charges and missed press schedules when printers discover unexpected issues (see common problems) which must be resolved during production. Our goal is to reduce interruptions in workflow and assist our customers in understanding the responsibilities in rendering a print-ready electronic file.
You are encouraged to fully review all information on this site regarding file preparation. This will insure a successful print job and help you avoid additional charges for improperly prepared digital files.
Acceptable File Formats
Mac Platform
Quark Express 6.0 or lower - .qxd
Pagemaker 7.0 or lower - p7
Adobe In-Design
Adobe Illustrator CS or lower version - .ai, .eps
Adober Photoshop CS or lower version - .tif, .psd (native Photoshop file), .eps
Multi-Ad Creator 4.0 or lower version - Mac only
Text-Only Files - .txt
(We can use .doc files but prefer .txt files due to changes to txt in the platform conversion process)
PC Platform
Any files created in the native applications listed above keeping in mind that the files must be saved with an appropriate filename and extension (see extensions above and file naming recommendations) so that the file can be read by the Mac. Documents created on a PC will need fonts replaced (PC and Mac fonts are not interchangeable) To prevent document reflow with font substitution please send us a hard copy of your document marked up with typeface names, sizes and style throughout so we can match them as closely as possible with a Mac version.
PDF Files
Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files can be created from any application capable of printing to Postscript. When created properly, PDF files can eliminate many potential problems such as incompatible fonts or incompatible program versions. PDF files are also platform independent - they can be opened on Windows or Macintosh operating systems. PDF files are not a panacea however; all rules applying to proper file creation in the native application still apply.
There are many methods of creating PDF files, and therefore not all are suitable if the destination is high-quality offset printing. The most reliable method - that works with all programs capable of outputting to Postscript - is outlined below.
1) A Postscript file with all fonts embedded is generated using the "Acrobat Distiller" PPD file (this requires a PostScript printer driver to be installed on your machine; the driver can be downloaded for free from Adobe's web site).
2) The Postscript file is then converted to a PDF file using the application Acrobat Distiller. It is important that the "Press" job options file be selected in Distiller.
3) The PDF file is then checked using Acrobat Reader.
Acceptable Digital Media
The Arenac Independent accepts digital media in the following formats:
 100/135 MB Zip Disks
CDs or DVDs
3.5" Floppy Disks
Electronic Mail (E-mail)
FTP upload to our servers (preferred method) - COMING SOON!
Disks and CDs should be labeled with the following information:
Company Name
Contact Name and Phone Number
Project Name and Date
OS platform used (MAC or PC)
What Application was used and its Version #
Media must contain copies of:
The DOCUMENT(S) (page layout file) with the appropriate file extension.
All photos/graphics/artwork labeled as ARTWORK in a separate folder. Please see image preparation for more information.
All fonts used in the publication labeled as FONTS in a separate folder.
We prefer postscript vs. TrueType fonts.
MAC users: remember to include both screen and printer fonts.
Please avoid using any fonts with city names as our imagesetter will substitute the font as Courier.
All digital media should be accompanied by a hard copy, printed proof marked up with font names, sizes, and styles and either electronic or original artwork and photos. If files are sent via modem, fax or FTP, a printed proof MUST follow. Be cautious relying solely on faxes or electronic submissions.
No other files should be sent for viewing. Often a customer sends a disk or other media with a number of jobs and images on it. To prevent a mix up in choosing the correct file for printing, your disk should ONLY include the files you wish to use for the present job with clear identification of the DOCUMENT(S), ARTWORK and FONTS. |
