PreFlight Checklist

Is the software and hardware compatible?

Find out which platform(s) are supported such as MAC or PC and what programs are available such as Quark or Pagemaker.

How can files be accepted?

Floppy disks, SyQuest cartridges and Zip cartridges are all possible means of transporting your files. Others maybe available as well so you may want to call us to verify.

Are all the fonts on the disk ?

Supply all fonts that you are using in the file on you disk or cartridge.

Are there any graphics used ?

Include all graphic EPS or TIFF files that have been imported into your file on the disk. Be sure to include any fonts that you may have used in EPS files also.

Have you included a printout?

Supply a composite printout (color or black and white) of each page in your file.

Have you included color separations ?

If the file will be printed in more than one color, also supply a printout of each color separation. Indicate the colot to be used on each separtation.

Is there a list of all files ?

Include a printed list of all files and fonts that you are supplying. Make sure to indicate the file or files to be printed. Its best not to have any extra files on your disk, to much clutter is confusing

Will the image bleed?

If your finished piece will have part of the image extending off the page ( this is called a bleed) the file must be prepared with enough overwork ( image beyond the trim marks) to allow ample area for trimming.

Screened Colors:

Using screened colors is a way to make your piece look like it has been printed in multiple colors without driving the cost up. We have book which displays screen values 20%-80% for Pantone colors.

Separations:

For multiple color jobs, we recommend printing separations to verify the proper colors. Also, use these separations to review overprints, knockouts and trapping. Contact us for a tip sheet on printing separations.

Resolution:

Our "rule of thumb" is to scan your photo images at 300 dpi at 100% the finished size. This will provide you with the correct resolution to generate a 150 line screen. If you need help with enhancing your images, we use a program called Intellihance from Extensis to enhance your photos.

Line Art:

It is always best to create line art in an illustration program (Illustrator, Freehand, Corel Draw) and save it as an EPS (encapsulated postscript). If this can not be done, line art should be scanned at 1200 dpi at 100% its finished size. Often a 600 dpi scan will be sufficient and will cut down your file size. Ghosting: Ghosting is common in projects that contain large solids. Watch for reversed type in solids and large blocks of ink which repeat inside of 8 inches. For example, a 3" block of ink, a 2" gap and another 3" block of ink can cause ghosting. Ask us for more details.

Adobe Acrobat PDF Settings:

PDF files (portable document file) have improved workflow between us and our customers.

Benefits include:

Eliminate font handling errors (fonts are embedded in your files)

Embedded links (don't worry about missing graphics) Smaller file sizes for transferring

Online screen proofing. PDF settings for color documents and black & white documents are available to download.

These instructions are PDF reader files and require Acrobat Reader 4.0. A free version of this program may be downloaded from Adobe's web site or contact us at (203) 746-2700 for your free copy.

Note: We still recommend that for offset printing orders, you provide us with the native file. This allows us to review your trapping, overprinting, screen settings and layout.

To get the free reader from Adobe