Preparing Artwork
Print Ready PDF's
Sebright use a state-of-the-art computer to plate pdf based workflow system. As the majority of artwork created is transported in pdf format from computer to computer, this system is perfectly suited to most of our clients. It provides a quick and easy way to produce accurate proofs within short timescales.
Files
We can accept your artwork in a variety of native formats, from industry-standard design packages to basic Microsoft Office applications. We have a full range of up-to-date software to ensure compatibility with any application the client may be using.
Software list:
- Adobe InDesign Creative Suite 4 (Mac/PC)
- Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 4 (Mac/PC)
- Adobe Illustrator Creative Suite 4 (Mac/PC)
- QuarkXPress 8 (Mac)
- Adobe Acrobat 9 (Mac/PC)
- Corel Draw 13 (PC)
- Microsoft Office Suite 2007
Once the layout and design of a job is complete, you’ll need to decide how to hand over your files. We usually prefer a single PDF but can work with all of the above source files.
Either way, you’ll want to run though a preflight checklist.
Preflight Checklist
- Ensure that all graphics and images are in their final size and correct resolution, 100% at 300 dpi.
- Rotate, scale and edit images and graphics prior to placing them in page layout applications.
- Image file formats should be EPS,TIFF or JPEG and verify that all source files are linked properly.
- All spot colours should be designated as spot colors and not as CMYK recipes.
- Spell check your document.
- Remove any trapping (allow us to apply trapping).
- Check for transparency and either flatten or notify the printer so they can flatten the file. All bleeds should generally be set to 3 mm.
- Gather all source files: fonts, graphics, images and layout documents, if requested. Use the ‘Package’ feature in InDesign or the ‘Collect for Output’ in QuarkXPress.
- Perform a visual preflight using overprint preview, colour separations preview and transparency flattener preview.
- Prepare a mock-up to give the printer as a finished sample.
Trapping
For best results, trapping should be applied by Sebright and not you. Trapping settings made in the application are not included in the PostScript when printing with the Composite mode.
Avoid instances where trapping to gradients or images is required (the change in color may not reproduce well).
Bleeds
Include 3 mm bleed for all areas that extend off the page when trimming is required.
Imposition
If you plan to bind a document, leave ample room for the gutter. Apart from that, we will do all imposition work.
Quarkexpress Prepare to Print
Use the ‘Usage’ feature in the ‘Utilities’ menu of QuarkXPress to review that all fonts, graphics and images are linked correctly in the file.
Collect for Output
Use the ‘Collect for Output’ feature in QuarkXPress to gather all fonts, graphics and images used in the job. This will ensure that all elements are collected when the job is delivered to us. Note, however, that you will need to gather fonts from imported EPS or PDF pictures manually unless they are already imbedded into the EPS or PDF file.
InDesign Prepare to Print
Preflighting
Use the ‘Preflight’ feature under the File menu to make sure all fonts, graphics and image links are present.
Packaging
Use the ‘Package’ feature under the File menu to collect all fonts, graphics and images used in the job. This will ensure that all elements are collected when the job is delivered to Sebright.
Exporting PDF Files
When exporting files from InDesign or QuarkXPress, you can apply many of the same Acrobat Distiller recommendations mentioned previously.
InDesign - Export PDF
The PDF options for InDesign are fairly similar to those in Acrobat Distiller. If there is a custom set saved from Distiller, it will be selectable from the PDF Export dialog box. Follow the settings previously discussed.
There is one additional group of settings, ‘Marks and Bleeds’, that can be set to your preference.
Quarkexpress - Export PDF
In QuarkXPress be sure to click on the ‘Options’ button to access all of the available controls over PDF settings.
You will want to check the options under the Job Options and the Output tab. Take special care to ensure the Color ‘Output Type’ is set to ‘Composite’and that ‘Print Colors’ is set to ‘As Is’.
Note that blends made with PANTONE® colors in Quark 6, will print as RGB when the ‘Print Colors’ selection is set to ‘As Is’. To preserve PANTONE Blends ‘gradients’, set Print Colors to ‘Device N’. Using ‘Device N’ will, however, convert any RGB text, objects and images to CMYK.