Preparing Files

High quality and accurate printing begins with accurate file preparation. We have simple standard print specifications for your use, along with expert advice for your project from our prepress/design department. Please call if you have any questions regarding your file preparation.

When you supply your artwork files on disk or CD or make arrangements to present your files via email, please supply ONLY the job you want printed. Include all screen and printer fonts, any graphics or logos, and crop marks. Label your disk or CD with the file names and supply a printed proof with crop marks and color separations.

We accept digital artwork created in the following programs:

Adobe InDesign CS2 or older
Adobe Illustrator CS2 or older
Adobe Photoshop CS2 or older
Quark Xpress 6.5 or older

Adobe Illustrator
When providing artwork in Illustrator, please indicate colors as spot colors (Pantone). Include any fonts or imbedded graphics that go with the job, or convert your fonts to outline before saving. Include crop marks. Please call with any questions.

Adobe Photoshop
Unless you are providing a digital photography file, please save your Photoshop files in bitmap format, not grayscale. Include crop marks on your artwork—600 dpi minimum. Please call with any questions.

Quark Xpress or InDesign
Please provide artwork one-up, with crop marks, and spot colors. Include any fonts or graphics that go with the job. If the graphics part of your job is not your “thing,” or if your current artwork is in some form other than those described above, do not despair. More than likely, we will be able to in some way get to your end result -- even if it means that we will need to re-create your artwork. All of this can be determined with a consultation with our graphics department. Our highly trained staff will determine the best way to accomplish your job in the most effective, economical manner.

Of course, we are able to create electronic files by scanning your hard copy -- just bring the hard copy in for a consultation with our graphics experts.

Tips for creating Print Ready PDFs
Most people don't realize that there are many helpful applications out there to enable easy PDF creation! PDFs are an excellent way to export content you may build in Microsoft Word, Publisher, or really any program that has a printing feature!

The Acrobat Distiller
Adobe Systems has an application called Adobe Acrobat. You may find this for purchase at Adobe's website. On top of being able to view and edit PDFs with this software, it is also bundled with an application called the Acrobat Distiller, that is essentially a "printer" that, when you send your document to print, you may select the Distiller and choose where to save your newly created PDF.

Alternatives
There are other third party software companies that sell or give away PDF creation tools. One we recommend (and use) is called PrimoPDF. This is a free install that works like the Acrobat Distiller without the large price tag.