File Formats: PDF Press Ready
To set up prepress files, convert images to CMYK color mode, ensure a minimum 300 dpi resolution, add a bleed (extra space) to the edges, and include crop marks for trimming. Properly embed or outline fonts, check for safe zones for important text, flatten transparencies, and save the final file in a printer-recommended format, typically a high-resolution PDF, ensuring everything is sized correctly.
File Preparation Checklist
- Resolution: Make sure all your images have a resolution of at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) to prevent pixelation in print.
- Color Mode: Convert your document's colors from RGB to CMYK, as CMYK is the native color mode for most printing presses.
- Bleed: Add an extra 1/8" (3mm) of image area around the trim edge to account for cutting.
- Safe Zone: Keep important text and graphics at least 1/8" away from the trim edge to ensure they aren't cut off.
- Fonts: Embed all fonts or convert them to outlines to ensure they appear correctly, regardless of whether the we has the fonts installed.
- Crop Marks: Include crop marks to indicate the final trim size of your project.
- Flatten Transparencies: Flatten any transparency effects to avoid potential issues during printing.
- File Format: Save your final file as a high-resolution PDF using the printer's recommended settings.
- Proof-read: Carefully proofread the file for any spelling or grammatical errors and perform a color proof.
- Imposition: If it's a multi-page document, ensure it is set up for imposition, which arranges pages for efficient printing. Always check with our customer service representative for our file specifications and preferences, as requirements can vary by project.
