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INFORMATION

Artwork Submission

PDF format:

We accept Adobe PDF format files - this is the best method for Pagemaker, Microsoft Word or Publisher files. However it is imperative that you set these up correctly and at the right resolution for print quality.The basic setting in Distiller is 'press optimised' but there are other settings to be aware of, plus imported pictures must also be set up carefully as they cannot be 'fixed' easily later in production if you get it wrong. If you are not sure about the settings required for pdf's do not risk it on a 'rush' job. We would be happy to provide press test proofs at a small extra cost to check your setups first.

Document Sizes

Imposition and Bleed:Produce your artwork at quarter of the final size required, as it can be enlarged up to 400% with no loss of quality. eg A4 (210 x 297mm) can be enlarged to A0 (840 x 1,189mm). For enlargements above 400% please call for artwork setup advice.

Imported Photos and Graphic Files:

Photos should always be CMYK, 300dpi placed at 100% size in your document (which should be quarter of the final size) and saved in .TIF format. Always create a true path in Photoshop and save it as a clipping path (with a flatness of about 3) before exporting as .EPS. Remember to limit the amount of points in your 'path' as too many will also cause problems. Logos and vector based graphics (Illustrator, Freehand, Coreldraw) should always be saved in EPS format, preferably as editable versions, and always with a preview when it is an option. Unless absolutely unavoidable we do not advise creating multi-page documents in these programs as extra work is required to impose them for print. Also never embed large photographic images within them as the file sizes and subsequent processing times will be excessive. Never enlarge photos more than a few percent,and if you have to reduce more than 30%,resize in Photoshop to save time and disk space. Files that are excessively large will affect your deadline and may incur extra costs for 'processing time' Colour and Colour Matching: Make sure all colours in your document are specified as CMYK. If you have used spot colours in the design process you must convert them to CMYK before saving.This includes imported .EPS graphics from Illustrator and Freehand and duotone photos. Please remember that Pantone colours cannot be accurately reproduced in CMYK, so if it is important that you match a Pantone colour then request a Colour Proof - see below.

Test Prints:

For complete colour accuracy as well as an opportunity for final checking of image quality we offer large format proofs for £15.00+VAT printed on your choice of media with correct laminate (if required). This can be either an A3 reduced size complete print or a 900mm x 150mm approx. portion extracted from your design at final print size. If you are at all uncertain about colour or image quality it is the only accurate way of being certain of what the final print will look like.

Fonts:

Where ever possible please convert fonts to paths or embed the font in a PDF document.

Accepted Media:

We can accept files saved by CD/DVD or transfer via email or ftp, broadband internet. When sending work via the internet always put files in a folder with your 'company' and the current 'date' as the name.Then fax your order or jobsheet (and proof) as a confirmation, as we do not book in or process any work until we have received written instructions. We will then contact you with ftp address and password for your first order.

We will need to convert native Quark files to a format the plotter understand We can use Quark files up to version 4.0. Macintosh Format Only