File How-Tos

Notes on Supporting Files:
For best print quality, photos and graphics should be at least 300 dpi. If you scan an image, it should be scanned as close as possible to the finished size. Resolutions lower than 300 dpi may print fuzzy and look pixelated.

Save files in CMYK or Grayscale mode as .tif or .eps (we can also take .jpeg or .gif). However, images taken off the internet are not recommended for print. The internet emphasizes speed, so the graphics are very low resolution (usually 72dpi). Printing emphasizes quality, so the graphics need to be finer. What looks good on your computer screen will not look the same when printed. If you provide low quality graphics, they cannot be printed with high quality results. Also, if you link a graphic directly from the internet without saving it to your hard drive first, we will not be able to properly print out your piece. The bottom line is:  ALWAYS provide us with your supporting graphics.

Setting Up Your File:
Make your document size the final printed size. If your page is going to be 8 1/2 x 11 when finished, set up your document at 8 1/2 x 11. If there is bleed (color that goes to the edges of the piece), please extend your art 1/8 inch over the edges of the document. That allows it to trim correctly. Also, keep any text or graphics at least 1/8 inch away from the edges of the page.

If your finished piece is going to fold, please print it out and fold it to see if the panels are set up as the correct size. Send us the folded sample with your disk or CD.

PDFs
Art submitted in PDF format must be prepress quality only (2400 dpi). We can walk you through this if you are unsure as to how to set it. If you send us a PDF file, we won't be able to make changes in text, etc. You'll have to send a new pdf every time you make a change. So, please proofread carefully before you send a pdf, and make sure the file is set up correctly.

PDF Requirements for Docutech & Print Jobs
All pdfs are not created equal. To avoid problems and extra charges we recommend using Acrobat Distiller when creating a pdf for ImagePlus. If you do not own Acrobat Distiller we advise you to send native files, including all supporting fonts and graphics, and we can make your pdf here. Pdfs should be made to trim size, or if bleed is needed (add an eighth inch to each side) and no marks, ie: an 8.5 x 11 inch document with bleed would be saved as an 8.75x11.25 pdf. Black text should be black only (not a mixture of colors or registration). Files created in Photoshop should be CMYK, Grayscale or Duotone only (No RGB files) and saved as either a TIF or EPS format. Logos supplied from Illustrator should have the document mode set to CMYK not RGB. All fonts need to be embedded in the pdf, Type 1 fonts work the best. Password protection in the PDF must not be used, all security settings must be turned off. It is always wise to send a hard copy along with your PDF for comparison, either included with the disc or faxed to us.

For PC: Right Click on Settings and save target as to your desktop.
For Mac: Hold Control key and Click on Settings, save link as to your desktop.
(Settings)  Click here to download ImagePlus Acrobat Distiller settings

To load Distiller options:
1.  In Acrobat Distiller, under the settings menu Add/Load Distiller Settings.
2.  Select the ImagePlus.joboptions.
3.  Click OK.
Be sure to have this setting selected in the default settings drop down in your Acrobat Distiller window.

Any questions please feel free to call us at 414-727-5200 and ask for Desktop.

Fonts
Always include the fonts used within your document. Not including fonts can cause font substitutions and unwanted reflow of text.

Don't use the "B" and "I" buttons on the measurement palette when you're bolding or italicizing fonts. Use the actual font name, like "Helvetica Bold" or "Helvetica Bold Italic." Using the "B" and "I" buttons can also cause unwanted reflow of text and often won't even show up in the final, printed piece.

Digital Cameras
Many standard digital cameras don't produce high quality, high-resolution images. If you use one, set it to the highest quality setting you can. Remember, the goal is 300 dpi.

The Final Word
Just like you, we want your pieces to print with the best quality possible. If you follow these guidelines, it will go a long way to achieving that goal.