How do I make a press ready PDF?
IF .pdf "doesn't process well" then many printing companies will encounter "unknown post-script error" or "unable to produce plate separations" and unable to process files. THEN review PDF distilling process: Print/Save .ps file first, then make PDF in Adobe Acrobat Distiller using default "press optimized/high resolution" preference settings (avoid exporting/making PDF direct from InDesign, Quark, etc.). Note: "Dot Gain" compensation not necessary...there are preference settings in Acrobat Distiller and native programs (Quark, InDesign, etc.) that change 100% black to print approximately 90-95% screen of black to compensate for ink "bleeding" on uncoated papers. This is not recommended for printing brochures.
Verify files are setup in CMYK?
IF job is to print in full color/CMYK process: Before sending "press-ready files", be sure that all photos are in CMYK (not RGB) and swatches have CMYK values (no SPOT/Pantone info). THEN convert all files and swatches to CMYK: any swatches used in Illustrator, Quark or InDesign should have CMYK values, and any "spot" boxes should NOT be checked (be sure to have non-global, CMYK info. spec'd)
Note: Spot/Pantone plate separations for 1-color, 2-color + 3-color jobs: please be sure that all swatches have identical "spot" info spec'd, including swatch name and color/value (i.e. Pantone 541 CV spelled out consistently in swatches.... not PMS 541 CVC from Illustrator + Pantone 541c in Quark--our systems are not always able to "merge swatches", depending on source)
How do you setup fine lines and light screens for printing?
If a line is too fine or color is applied to "fill" instead of "stroke/line", it may disappear. We recommend a minimum stroke/line value of 0.25 pt thickness (not hairline) to ensure that it "holds" on press.
If any image area is too light, it may "disappear" (color is "filled" with screen value of under 3%). We recommend a minimum screen/fill value of 5% of any 1 color ink to ensure it holds on press.
How to make sure the correct fonts show up on your brochure artwork?
IF font problems encountered: Font may be incorrectly made "bold" or "italic" using "B" and "I" buttons in Quark/InDesign. This font may not be available on as a screen preview, and "printer font" needed may not exist OR font is actually damaged/corrupt (the more fonts are copied & shared, the more they get damaged)
THEN replace font & resend files: If original, purchased font cannot be provided to us (complete, Mac-compatible screen & printer font family in a folder), then we can "replace" corrupt or incomplete font with similar font from our stock of fonts (we just need something to reference to help us match your font)
