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TOP TEN LIST OF COMMON MISTAKES ON FILES

FONT ISSUES

All fonts not provided including screen and printer fonts. Fonts provided should be Postscript; Truetype fonts can cause problems, just because they work on a your printer does not mean that they will  work on a high resolution output device, wrap-around or re-rag of type is possible.

IMAGE ISSUES

Low resolution is the most common problem, 300 dpi is the best. Images should be provided as EPS or TIFF format. RGB, JPG, GIF do not work. Alpha channels should be removed, do not apply LZW compression. It helps to provide layered PSDfiles in case additional work is needed.

PROGRAM USED IS INAPPROPRIATE

For multi-page documents, it is best to use a page-layout program such as InDesign or Quark Xpress. Projects with text work best in these programs. Illustrator or Photoshop files tend to cause problems  with output for brochures, catalogs, or text-type reading material.

COLOR MANAGEMENT NOT ADDRESSED

Do not assume that the color you are seeing on your monitor or printer reflects what will print on press. Showing the client your color print and telling them this is the color it will be is asking for trouble. Inkjet printers have a different color gamut from a printing press. The correct color needs to be shown by the printing company.

DOCUMENT SIZE INCORRECT

The document size you create should be the exact trim size of your finished piece.

BLEEDS NOT ADDED

One eighth of an inch should be added beyond the trim size of the document.

HARD COPY NOT PROVIDED

Giving the printer a copy of the project at full size is best. This makes it easier to spot potential  problems. It also allows the printer to see folding, trim, etc. The print should be of the final version,  after all changes have been made.

SPOT COLORS INCLUDED

All colors should be as they will print. If they are cmyk, make them cmyk. If it is a spot pmscolor,  make it a spot pmscolor. Delete non-printing colors from the palette.

IMAGE SIZE INCORRECT

It is common to enlarge or reduce a placed image. If the source image is enlarged more than 15 or 20% it will negatively affect the resolution causing pixellation. The source image should be at  100% of the print size and have only the printing image, not a lot of extra image around it.

DIELINES MISSING

When making a diecut piece such as a presentation folder or a converted envelope the dieline must be included with your file. If it is not, it will need to be made at an additional cost. Ask your printer if they have standard die lines on file.

Compiled by: David Mayes