J.R. Landry & Co., Ltd.:  Tip of the Month

Most customer-supplied artwork is in the form of an electronic file of your printed piece. This is frequently created using desktop publishing programs such as Microsoft Publisher, Quark Express or Adobe PageMaker. One of the biggest issues in the processing of electronic files is that they are all too often not "print ready." To help avoid electronic files that can't be processed, follow the checklist below:

1. Include all the fonts that are used in the piece. We may not be able to see or use your selected fonts if they are not included in the file.

2. Include the final page count, including the cover. Making sure the page count is included will remove any room for error on page numbers.

3. Include all unique colors (PMS Colors), and the spot colors' names and/or numbers. Include those numbers in an email or in the file. 

4. Include all linked images on your printed piece. 

5. Include the names of the application used (including version number). For instance, if you used Adobe PageMaker 6.5, please include that information in the file sent. 

6. Include the Layout File names. When sending a file with many linked items, it can be confusing to pick out the correct one. 

7. Page size should be the same as the final printed size unless allowing for bleeds. Bleeds are used if you need your printed piece to have color to the edge of the page.

8. Bleeds should be at least 1/8" over the final finished size. 

9. Make sure your files are saved in CMYK format. It will frequently be created in RGB so that you can view it on your computer monitor. CMYK is the full color process build system that commercial printers use to create the high quality, vibrant colors by using offset printing presses. 

10. Make sure your project is saved in 300 dpi. Many times pictures that you took off the Internet or pictures that you have scanned will not be 300 dpi. The 300 dpi is the minimum image resolution that is recommended to deliver clear and vibrant pictures. Pictures that are less than 300 dpi will be fuzzy and unclear. 

11. Layout files should be in Printers Spreads, not reader's spreads. For instance, take a stapled book lay it out flat and then take the staples out. Here you will see a set of 11 x 17 sheets, take the top page or cover, you will the see that the cover page, also has the back cover page on it.

12. Make sure the project is set up in proper trapping. Trapping consists of placing the pictures together correctly. If you do not it can cause inconsistent or fuzzy pictures.