Supplying electronic files to us

Fonts

Supply all fonts, both printer and screen, that you’re using in the file on your disk. Missing or substituted fonts may cause text reflow. Some programs allow you to apply styles (italic, bold,) to a plain font. These stylized fonts don’t always print properly. Use the font family rather than 'forcing' a style if possible. Fonts used in EPS files need to be included.

Graphics

Include all graphic EPS or TIFF files that have been imported into your file on your disk. As a general rule, bitmap line art should be a resolution of at least 600-1200 dpi. B&W, grayscale images and photos should be 300 dpi and CMYK images at 300 dpi. RGB files tend to be low resolution (72 dpi) and depending on size will not print well. RGB files converted to CMYK for full color printing is preferred. The Internet is full of great images that look colorful on your monitor but are low resolution (72 dpi) and do not translate to printed material with clarity. To decrease bitmapping on graphics, graphics should not be over enlarged in your file. Generally 10%-20% over original size is preferred.

Bleeds and pages

Include at least a 1/8" bleed for elements extending off the page. Don’t scale your pages. They should be built at 100% to the actual trim size.

Photos inside boxes

Many programs have a “mask” command or similar command that traps photos inside boxes so the photo does not extend outside the box area. This feature should always be used as problems manually cropped to the box can not always be seen. Also make sure the photo is larger than the box area so no white area exists inside the box. Photos generally should be masked to a created box and not a text box. Text wrapping on boxes should be used only when needed.

Include print outs

Include laser print outs of all pages. Laser print outs should be at 100%. It’s a good idea to include a set of color- separated laser prints.

Organize files

Include a printed list of all files and fonts you are supplying. Make sure to indicate the files to be printed. It’s best not to have any unnecessary files on your disk. Too much clutter is confusing.

Additional Help

Please contact our Prepress Department, (406) 243-2205, for additional questions or concerns about your print job.

Software programs we use: