| File Preparation Tips...
 We ask that you take a few minutes and carefully read through this information. It is intended to help ensure that your files are created and saved in a way that is compatible with our systems. This will help us provide prompt, quality service and reduce the chances of any error or delay. Please call if you have any questions or concerns.
GENERAL ORDER INFORMATION REQUIRED
Please ensure that the following information is included in the text portion of your e-mail or on the accompanying order form if you are sending a disk:
- Company Name
- Account Number
- Contact name
- Order information: quantity stock, ink colours, special instructions as required
- Purchase Order Number
- File information: platform used (Mac or PC) program used, file format, trapping (yes or no), compression method if one was used
MEDIA
We will accept the following media:
- 3 ½ inch diskette
- Zip Disk
- CD-ROM
COMPRESSION
To save time and space the following compression utilities are supported:
- Stuffit (Mac only)
- Zip (PC only)
IMAGES
Convert all files from RGB to CMYK. When converting RGB to CMYK in Adobe Photoshop, use medium GCR. For best results, we suggest you limit black ink to 95% coverage, and total ink to 340% coverage.
SAVE FILES AS FOLLOWS
- Provide halftone images as an EPS.
- Do not use PICT files.
SCAN FILES AS FOLLOWS
- Scan line work at 800 dpi or higher for optimum quality.
- Provide live colour bitmap images at scan resolutions of 300 dpi. (Output is at 150 lpi.)
- Place all scans at 100%. By performing enlargements in your layout program, you could compromise the quality of the graphic. Reductions will use more memory.
- Rotate, scale and crop images before importing them to your document.
PAGE LAYOUT
The maximum final size is 13 x 17.5 inches. However, a final size of 11 x 17 allows for the most efficient use of paper. When colours are touching, a 0.25 pt (2 pixel or .02 inches) trap must be used on all files.
COLOUR MIX
- Must be in CMYK.
- Output a laser copy of all colour plates to ensure accurate colour breaks and H and J's alignment. (note: we use the H and J default settings).
- Add 60% cyan to large solid black areas. This will help achieve a richer black. Note: If the black area has white text, then the background must be only black.
Software Specific Issues
COREL DRAW - PC or MAC
For 8½ x 11 (or larger) and ALL Customer Supplied Stock documents, we require the native Corel Draw file (with text coverted to curves). Because of grouping orders, we require that all pieces smaller than 8½ x 11, be provided as an EPS file for "Corel" Versions 6, 7 and 8. When creating an EPS file, ensure that the document is created with an 8 bit colour header, "text as curves", and an export resolution of 300 dpi. Previous versions can be provided in their native Corel format.
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP - PC or MAC
Save the file in CMYK mode in an EPS format. The image resolution must be a minimum of 600 dpi. Create blend or gradients in photoshop by adding a gaussian noise of two. This will help to reduce banding. Avoid saving screening information or transfer functions with Adobe Photoshop images.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR - PC or MAC
Ensure that all text is converted to outlines and that the file is saved in EPS format. If you are using an imported graphic in your Illustrator document, include the imported graphic file. Ensure that the document resolution is a minimum of 300 dpi.
FREEHAND - PC or MAC
Ensure that all text is converted to paths and that the file is exported in an EPS format. If you are using an imported graphic in you Freehand document, include the imported graphic file. Ensure that the document resolution is a minimum of 300 dpi.
QUARKXPRESS - PC or MAC
Save the files as a QuarkXPress document. Always ensure that no font styles have been applied using the measurement palette. If you are using a graphic in your QuarkXpress document, ensure that the graphic file is included. Set picture box background colour to white or zero percent whenever possible.
FONTS
The fonts that are offered in our catalogues have been chosen because of their popularity and business-like style. We realize that you may prefer fonts that are not available through International Artcrafts Co. Ltd. Our current policy is as follows: It is your responsibility to provide all screen display and printer extension fonts each time an order is submitted. After each order is processed through the department, we discard any transmitted fonts.
Remember these document specifications...
- Always use default H and J settings when possible. Clearly state on order form if the H and J's have been edited.
- Always send multiple orders as individual files.
- Business cards are created with a standard margin of ¼ of an inch. A minimum margin of 1/8 of an inch can be requested.
- All bleeds must extend 1/16 of an inch beyond the edge of the finished product.
- Only "frame" a border if you want a framed border.
- Do not include crop marks or lines indicating scoring, folding or cutting on your digital file. Indicate this on the mockup or output copy that you provide.
- Ensure that all of your disks and files are clearly labeled.
These policies and procedures are intended to save you time and money. Our desire is to ensure that we can help you give the best possible service to your client. You can thus help us by providing usable "camera ready''' files. this will avoid costly "extra charges" and ensure that production delays are kept to a minimum.
Every File Must Include:
- The Document
- Order Form
- The Graphics
- The Fonts
- A Paper Proof (separated and composite)
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