FILE PREPARATION FOR PRESS
Follow these guidelines to ensure files you send us for printing are properly prepared.
SUPPORTED SOFTWARE
Preferably, files for printing should be sent to us in high-resolution Adobe Acrobat PDF format with all fonts embedded. However, we do support a wide range of Macintosh-based software. Primarily, this includes the suite of software from Adobe (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) and QuarkXpress. If sending layout files for InDesign or QuarkXpress, you must include all fonts and graphics used in your designs. Use the Collect/Package features of these software programs to ensure all the appropriate files are packaged for delivery to us.
If the file you want to print is created in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher or Microsoft Powerpoint, please save the file as a high resolution pdf. Opening files created with different versions of this software will usually cause the layout to change, fonts to be missing and sometimes even missing text.
DOCUMENT SPECS
Use the settings in InDesign to specify the exact document size and the required bleeds (see below). The page size should match the final trim size of the document. Avoid manually adding bleeds or crop-marks. Provide each component of your project as an individual file (e.g. one file for your letterhead, one for your business card, one for your brochure); do not combine distinct projects into one file. Where different components of one project require different document sizes, please provide these components in separate files (e.g. the inside pages of a book; and the book’s front & back cover, and spine).
When creating a file for a saddle stitch book please set it up as single pages and in chronological order not in reader spreads (See below). Once the project is approved our imposing software will put the book together in the proper order. It’s always best to include page numbers when possible.
When creating a file for a saddle stitch book please set it up as single pages and in chronological order not in reader spreads (See below). Once the project is approved our imposing software will put the book together in the proper order. It’s always best to include page numbers when possible.
READER SPREADS
Reader spreads show consecutive pages in two page spreads. They are in the correct order for someone to read the document but not to print.
BLEEDS
Bleed refers to printing that goes off the edge of the paper (i.e. beyond where the page will be trimmed). The bleed will be cut off during finishing, allowing any graphics or images to extend to the edge of the sheet without any un-printed area. Generally, you should allow 1/8″ for the bleed on all edges of your printed piece. For example, to allow for an 8-1/2″ x 11″ final trim size on a document, the effective “bleed” size of the document is 8-3/4″ x 11-1/4″ before any trimming takes place.
COLOUR MODE FOR IMAGES
For full-colour offset printing, images must be in CMYK colour mode. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, the four colours that are used in full-colour printing. This means that all RGB (Red/Green/Blue) colour mode photos must be converted to CMYK colour mode. Photos left in RGB mode may result in poor colour reproduction, or additional charges if we need to convert the files.
IMAGE FILE FORMATS + RESOLUTION
Images should generally be saved in TIF/TIFF or JPG/JPEG formats. Avoid overly high levels of compression, as this can introduce blurring or pixelation into the images, resulting in overall degradation of image quality.
We use a line screen of 150 to 175 lines per inch (lpi) for offset printing (i.e. on the press) and digital copying. Generally, the resolution of your images (pixels per inch — ppi) should be two times the line screen value, i.e. 300ppi to 350ppi at final resolution. This will ensure your images and graphics print clearly, without pixelation.
We use a line screen of 150 to 175 lines per inch (lpi) for offset printing (i.e. on the press) and digital copying. Generally, the resolution of your images (pixels per inch — ppi) should be two times the line screen value, i.e. 300ppi to 350ppi at final resolution. This will ensure your images and graphics print clearly, without pixelation.
DELIVERY OF FILES
PDFs of 15MB or smaller can generally be delivered to us via email. Projects consisting of multiple files should be placed in a ZIP archive before transferring them to us via DropBox.
PRINTING TERMINOLOGY
Accordion Fold
The art of folding paper by bending each fold in the opposite direction of the previous fold,
creating a pleated or accordion effect.
The art of folding paper by bending each fold in the opposite direction of the previous fold,
creating a pleated or accordion effect.
Bleed
In printing, bleed is printing that goes beyond the edge of where the sheet will be trimmed.
Minimum required is 1/8 of an inch.
In printing, bleed is printing that goes beyond the edge of where the sheet will be trimmed.
Minimum required is 1/8 of an inch.
Coil Bind
A type of binding where plastic coil is spiraled through holes drilled along the binding side of a
document.
A type of binding where plastic coil is spiraled through holes drilled along the binding side of a
document.
Crop Marks
Small printed lines around the edges of a printed piece indicating where it is to be cut out of the
sheet. Sometimes referred to a cut marks.
Small printed lines around the edges of a printed piece indicating where it is to be cut out of the
sheet. Sometimes referred to a cut marks.
Die Cutting
The process of cutting paper into a shape/design with a custom steel rule die (much like a cookie
cutter) to create the desired pattern.
The process of cutting paper into a shape/design with a custom steel rule die (much like a cookie
cutter) to create the desired pattern.
Embossing
The molding and reshaping of paper by the use of a special metal die and heat, counter dies and
pressure, that produce a raised image on the paper surface.
The molding and reshaping of paper by the use of a special metal die and heat, counter dies and
pressure, that produce a raised image on the paper surface.
Foil
The metal sheet that is applied to paper using the foil stamping process. Frequently gold or silver
coloured, but available in many colours.
The metal sheet that is applied to paper using the foil stamping process. Frequently gold or silver
coloured, but available in many colours.
Gate Fold
A three or four-panel fold where the two outside panels fold inward to meet in the centre. In an
open gate fold, there are three panels, the bottom of which is twice the size of the folded panels.
In a closed gate fold, there are four panels of roughly equal size where the outer panels are
folded inward together.
Indicia
An image and/or text pre-printed on mailing envelopes in place of a stamp.
Lamination
Applying thin transparent plastic sheets to both sides of a sheet of paper using heat. It is
effective in providing scuff resistance, waterproofing and extended use. It is available in gloss,
matte and soft touch.
A three or four-panel fold where the two outside panels fold inward to meet in the centre. In an
open gate fold, there are three panels, the bottom of which is twice the size of the folded panels.
In a closed gate fold, there are four panels of roughly equal size where the outer panels are
folded inward together.
Indicia
An image and/or text pre-printed on mailing envelopes in place of a stamp.
Lamination
Applying thin transparent plastic sheets to both sides of a sheet of paper using heat. It is
effective in providing scuff resistance, waterproofing and extended use. It is available in gloss,
matte and soft touch.
Letter Fold
Uses two parallel folds to create six panels of roughly the same size – three panels on each side
of the paper. The outer panels are folded toward each other so that they overlap.
Uses two parallel folds to create six panels of roughly the same size – three panels on each side
of the paper. The outer panels are folded toward each other so that they overlap.
Make-Ready
Paper that is used in the press set-up process before the printing run actually starts. Or the
process of setting up press or bindery equipment to produce a specific product, including setting
paper size, ink density, image alignment, fold sizes, etc., in preparation for the actual
production run.
Paper that is used in the press set-up process before the printing run actually starts. Or the
process of setting up press or bindery equipment to produce a specific product, including setting
paper size, ink density, image alignment, fold sizes, etc., in preparation for the actual
production run.
NCR Paper (Carbonless forms)
Paper that is chemically treated to transfer the impression from the first page to the subsequent
pages. NCR paper comes in a few colours (white, canary, pink, blue, green, goldenrod) but the standard sequence is white, canary, pink, goldenrod with the exception of a 5 part form, the standard colour sequence is white, green, canary, pink, goldenrod. We can create any custom colour sequence you require.
Paper that is chemically treated to transfer the impression from the first page to the subsequent
pages. NCR paper comes in a few colours (white, canary, pink, blue, green, goldenrod) but the standard sequence is white, canary, pink, goldenrod with the exception of a 5 part form, the standard colour sequence is white, green, canary, pink, goldenrod. We can create any custom colour sequence you require.
Offset Printing
The most commonly used printing method, where the printed material does not receive ink directly
from a printing plate but from an intermediary blanket that receives the ink from the plate and
then transfers it to the paper.
Pantone
A colour matching system used by professional printers.
Preflight
In printing, preflight is the process of confirming that the digital files required for the
printing process are all present, valid, correctly formatted, and of the desired type.
The most commonly used printing method, where the printed material does not receive ink directly
from a printing plate but from an intermediary blanket that receives the ink from the plate and
then transfers it to the paper.
Pantone
A colour matching system used by professional printers.
Preflight
In printing, preflight is the process of confirming that the digital files required for the
printing process are all present, valid, correctly formatted, and of the desired type.
Process Printing
A system where a colour image is separated into different colour values (cyan, magenta, yellow and
black or CMYK) by the use of filters and screens with a software program and then transferred to
printing plates and printed on a printing press, reproducing the original colour image.
A system where a colour image is separated into different colour values (cyan, magenta, yellow and
black or CMYK) by the use of filters and screens with a software program and then transferred to
printing plates and printed on a printing press, reproducing the original colour image.
Saddle Stitch
The binding of booklets or other printed materials by stapling the pages on the folded spine.
Scoring
To crease paper with a metal rule for the purpose of making a clean fold.
The binding of booklets or other printed materials by stapling the pages on the folded spine.
Scoring
To crease paper with a metal rule for the purpose of making a clean fold.
Self Cover
A cover that is the same paper stock as the internal sheets.
Variable Data Printing
Is a form of on-demand printing in which elements (such as text, graphics, photographs, etc) can be
changed from one printed piece to the next, without stopping or slowing down, using information
from a database. For example, a set of personalized letters, each with the same basic layout, can
be printed with a different name and address on each letter.
A cover that is the same paper stock as the internal sheets.
Variable Data Printing
Is a form of on-demand printing in which elements (such as text, graphics, photographs, etc) can be
changed from one printed piece to the next, without stopping or slowing down, using information
from a database. For example, a set of personalized letters, each with the same basic layout, can
be printed with a different name and address on each letter.
Varnish
A clear coating added to printed material for improved scuff resistance. Also used as a design
element. (Matte and gloss options available)
A clear coating added to printed material for improved scuff resistance. Also used as a design
element. (Matte and gloss options available)
UV Coating
UV coating, or ultraviolet coating, is a very glossy, shiny liquid coating applied to a printed paper surface and cured on a printing press or special machine using ultraviolet light. The coating
hardens, or cures when it is exposed to the ultra violet radiation.
UV coating, or ultraviolet coating, is a very glossy, shiny liquid coating applied to a printed paper surface and cured on a printing press or special machine using ultraviolet light. The coating
hardens, or cures when it is exposed to the ultra violet radiation.