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How to best prepare your files for transfer depends on who you are transferring the files to, and for what purpose. Generally, it is best to contact the people you are sending the files to and ask what would be best for them.

Generally, there are three ways of transferring artwork files that are most accepted by the industry:

For Source Files, we've listed the software applications we support and procedures to get everything ready for submission. Unless you are a graphics professional, this method is your best bet for achieving the highest quality results. If your software application is not supported, you'll have to use one of the other two methods of submitting your work but caution is advised especially for full colour printing.

For Postscript, we've included a brief description of what Postscript is as well as instructions for generating one from most programs on most systems.

Acrobat is similar to Postscript in that to generate one you essentially print your document to a printer that generates a file rather than an actual printed output.

Each of these methods is discussed in detail below. If you have any further questions, contact us for more information.

All image files should be 300dpi or greater. All text should be standard typefaces (Times, Courier, Swiss, Arial, Helvetica), converted to curves (see below), or the font file included (see below).

The following list indicates the most common applications for generating artwork and how to prepare artwork for submission using those applications.

QuarkXPress

Complete the document, spell check it, and proof-read the entire document to ensure no errors have been made. Method #1 - Collect for Output The Collect for Output command (File>Collect for Output) copies the document and all source files used to make up the document into a single folder. It's best if you create a new folder for generating the output for less confusion later. It then generates a report describing the file and it's associated components. If you wish to check that all is in order without copying the files, check the Report Only box. If the Missing/Modified Pictures dialog box is displayed while collecting, the associated images must be updated or located before submission. The entire contents of the directory should be submitted for processing. It may be convenient to use PkZip or another compression program (see our links page) to package all files into one and reduce the size. Method #2 - Generate an EPS File Save Quark Document as EPS (File>Save Page as EPS). Select a folder and a filename for the resulting EPS file and leave the Save as Type selector to EPS files. If only a single page is to be submitted, enter that page number in the Page field to specify which page to output otherwise leave it blank. Enter 100% in the Scale field to ensure a reduced version is not being generated. Enter a value in the Bleed field to include extra blank space around the printed image as required (usually .25" is enough). For the Format selection, choose the appropriate colour model:   • Color - generates a colour EPS file (Photocopy or Digital Media).   • B&W - generates a black and white (grayscale) EPS file (Photocopy or Digital Media).   • DCS - generates a pre-separated process colour EPS file (Full colour offset printing).   • DCS 2.0 - generates a pre-separated EPS that includes process and spot colours (Full colour + spot colour offset printing). Choose TIFF from the Preview drop-down list to include a thumbnail image for quickly previewing the contents of the file. If file size is a concern you may want to skip including a thumbnail to reduce the size of the generated EPS file. Select Clean 8-Bit for the Data option Ensure that Include Images is selected for the OPI setting to ensure that all placed images are included in the generated file.   Back to Index

Adobe Illustrator

Create your artwork in Illustrator (File>New) by setting Color Mode to CMYK and Art board width and height to the desired final output size (including additional space for bleeds, if required.) 1) Convert all fonts to outlines Select the text you wish to convert (ie Select_All). Then choose Type > Create Outlines 2) Rasterize any gradients and transparent objects (at 300 dpi) (**it is very important you do this) To change the output resolution of rasterized objects: a) Choose File > Document Setup. b) Choose Printing & Exporting from the pop-up menu. c) Set the rasterization resolution of all objects or gradient mesh objects as follows:   - Enter a value in the Rasterization Resolution text box, to set an output resolution in dots per inch (dpi) for all objects to be rasterized (except for gradient mesh objects).   - Enter a separate value in the Mesh text box to set an output resolution for gradient mesh objects. d) Click OK. 2) Embed all placed objects 3) The bottom bar contains links to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and a Contact Us page. Convert all fonts to outlines 1) Convert all fonts to outlines Select the type you want to convert. Then choose Type > Create Outlines. 2) Rasterize any gradients (at 300 dpi) and transparent objects (**it is very important you do this) To change the output resolution of rasterized objects: a) Choose File > Document Setup. b) Choose Printing & Exporting from the pop-up menu. c) Set the rasterization resolution of all objects or gradient mesh objects as follows:   - Enter a value in the Rasterization Resolution text box, to set an output resolution in dots per inch (dpi) for all objects to be rasterized (except for gradient mesh objects).   - Enter a separate value in the Mesh text box to set an output resolution for gradient mesh objects. d) Click OK. 3) Embed all placed objects The Place command places files from other applications into Illustrator. To place files created by other applications: a) Choose File > Place. b) Locate and select the file you want to place. c) To embed the artwork in the Illustrator file, deselect the Link option in the Place dialog box. d) Click Place. 4) save file as an EPS with Include Document Fonts selected.   Back to Index

Adobe Photoshop

When creating artwork in Photoshop (File>New), be sure that 1) Resolution is set to 300ppi (pixel per inch) with width and height set the desired final output size and 2) Mode is set to CMYK Color. Opening EPS files When opening EPS files in Photoshop, make sure that: 1) Resolution is set to 300ppi (pixel per inch) with width and height set the desired final output size; 2) the Mode is set to CMYK Color; and 3) anti-aliasing is turned OFF. Setting Type & Drawing Objects When setting type or drawing objects and shapes from within Photoshop, 1) set anti-aliasing to NONE, and 2) resolution to 300 ppi at the desired printed output size (Image>Image Size). Convert to CMYK All files must be CMYK. If your art was not created in or converted to CMYK, do so now (Image>Mode>CMYK Color) Save Files as: Save file as Photoshop (.PSD) Adobe Photo Shop- "Save As" the following file types: .TIFF .EPS .JPEG .PSD (CMYK Mode). All scans or bitmap images should be at least 300 PPI. Do not flatten layers, **Make sure that your resolution is at least 300 dpi.   Back to Index

Corel Draw

Remember to convert all fonts to curves. 1) Select all text (Edit>Select All>Text) and 2) Convert to curves (Arrange>Convert toCurves). By doing this you have eliminated any possibility of font conflict. Export as an EPS (File>Export) select export text as curves.   Back to Index

Page Maker

Convert Text to Paths. All text within files must be converted to paths with the stroke set to zero to eliminate the need for fonts. (Edit>Select>All then go to Text>Convert to Paths) Save Document as EPS with placed images included: 1) File>Print. 2) Select the page to output. 3) Select Option>Write Postscript to File. 4) Select the "EPS" button. 5) Set the "Download Font:" to "PostScript and TrueType". 6) Press the "Save as" button, a) name file b) set destination c) press the "OK" button. d) Press the "Save" button.   Back to Index

Freehand

Convert all fonts to paths and save the file as an eps.   Back to Index

Adobe Acrobat

Setting as follows: 1) Compression is set to off 2) Convert to RGB NOT checked, and 3) Fonts are set to embed all.   Back to Index

Other Programs

Word Processing, PowerPoint, Excel, and many other common office applications are intended for output on local laser or ink jet printers and do not have the capabilities for commercial press preparation. While material generated by these applications can still be printed, additional steps are required in order to make the printed results match the original as closely as possible. The simplest and most reliable method of preparing this material for print is to generate a Postscript™ file and have a prepress professional set it up according to the requirements of the specific equipment generating the output. While you could try this step yourself, the risk of error is high, and at the cost of printing, is not worth taking. Prepress is more of a technology than an art and requires years of experience to master. The steps required to generate the Postscript™ file(s) are given in the next section. Please ensure that all materials required by the prepress operator are included in the submitted file(s).   Back to Index

The name "PostScript" is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated. Unless otherwise stated, all instances of the name PostScript in this text refer to the PostScript language as defined by Adobe Systems Incorporated.

PostScript is a worldwide printing and imaging standard. PostScript gives you the power to create and print visually rich documents with total precision. The PostScript printing technology is a scalable printing architecture. It can be easily integrated into a wide range of devices and technologies while maintaining the high quality and performance you expect. If you have a printing device equipped with Adobe PostScript, there are no limits on your use of color, text, graphics, and images. Adobe PostScript translates your great ideas into print — exactly as you intended

PostScript is a programming language optimized for printing graphics and text (whether on paper, film, or CRT is immaterial). The main purpose of PostScript was to provide a convenient language in which to describe images in a device independent manner. This device independence means that the image is described without reference to any specific device features (e.g. printer resolution) so that the same description could be used on any PostScript printer (say, a LaserWriter or a Linotron) without modification.

Encapsulated PostScript (EPS)

Encapsulated PostScript is a standard format defined by Adobe for importing and exporting PostScript files across different environments. The purpose of the EPS file is to be included as a sub-section of a larger PostScript page description file. The EPS file may contain any combination of text, illustration, and images. An EPS file is similar to a PostScript file with some restrictions.

EPS files may optionally contain an image for preview so that systems unable render PostScript directly can display a low resolution image of the completed page. There are three preview formats: Mac(PICT), IBM(tiff), and a platform independent preview called EPSI.

An EPS file must conform to the Adobe Document Structuring Conventions (DSC). At a minimum, it must include a header comment, '%!PS-Adobe-3.0 EPSF-3.0', and a bounding box comment, '%%BoundingBox: llx lly urx ury' describing the world coordinates of the imaged page.

(Although the EPSF version is not officially required, many programs will reject EPS files not containing it.)

Creating a Postscript File

In order to submit your file electronically, it must be converted to printable PostScript format. You create a printable PostScript file by selecting a PostScript printer from the printer dialog box and printing the document to a file instead of printing to the printer itself. Almost every application that runs on a PC displays a “print to file” option on the printer dialog box. 1. Select Print from your application 2. Select a PostScript Printer from the printer drop down selection box To verify that the selected printer is PostScript, click on “Properties”. If you have selected a PostScript printer the properties box displays a “PostScript” tab. Windows 2000 does not have a PostScript tab. Instead click “Properties” and then “Advanced”. If the printer is Postscript, a little blue ps will appear beside the printer name. If the printer is not a PostScript printer, check to see if some other printer defined on your system is PostScript. If there is none, follow the instructions below to add one to your system. 3. In the print dialog box verify the "Print to File" box is checked, click “OK” to start the print process. This will produce a printable PostScript file. A dialog box will appear requesting a file name. Navigate to the drive and folder where you wish to save the file. Then, in the “File name” dialog box, type a name for your printed PostScript file, such as myfile.prn and click OK. You have now created a printable PostScript file.   Back to Index

Installing a Postscript File

If none of the printers currently defined on your system are PostScript, it is an easy matter to add one, even though you do not have the actual printer. You must open the Printer Dialog Box to begin the process. Depending on your version of Windows, locating the dialog box varies a little. Double click on the “My Computer” icon on your desktop to open it, and from the folders presented, double click “Printers” to open the Printers Folder. or In Windows ME and later version, press the Start Menu, Settings, Control Panel, select "Printers" to open the Printer dialog box. From this point, the process of adding a printer is the same, double click the "Add Printer" icon and follow the instructions below. 1. The “Add Printer Wizard” will appear. Click “Next” to continue the process. 3. Click “Local Printer” on this dialog box, then click “Next”. 4. From the list of “Manufacturers” select any PostScript printer. For this example we will use Linotronic, because and most of their printers are PostScript. From the list of “Printers” select any model printer. For this example we will use Linotronic 530. Click “Next”. 5. Under “Available Ports” click “FILE”, because this printer is not attached to any port on your computer. Click “Next”. 6. Printer name can remain as generated, or rename for easy identification, for example "PostScript Printer". When asked if you want to make this the default printer on your system, choose “No”. Click “Next”. 7. When asked if you want to print a test page, select “No”. Click "Finish". 8. Your PostScript printer is now defined, and can be used to print your document to a file. Refer back to the steps above to review how to do this.   Back to Index

Our typeface selection has been built up over the years to include many thousands of the most common true-type and postscript fonts. As there are new fonts being introduced almost daily it is however, impossible for us to guarantee that we have the identical typeface that you are using to generate your documents.

To ensure your files will be output correctly, please include a copy of all fonts used in your files, including any fonts used in any linked EPS files. Also include all screen, printer, postscript, and true type. (Converting fonts to curves or outlines is highly recommended.)

Font substitution and/or artwork conversion because of missing fonts or incorrectly formatted images may compromise the final printed piece. When printing at high resolution, true type fonts are unreliable. The most dependable way to maintain the integrity of the document to be printed is to convert the text to paths, curves or outlines (depending on which application you use).

Saving Typefaces

1. Go to the desktop, and double click on "My Computer" a) Select the drive where the typefaces are to be saved (destination drive). Create a new directory if required. b) Keep this window open. 2. Press the Start Menu, Settings, Control Panel, select "Fonts" to open the Fonts dialog box. 3. Select the required typeface. Hold the Ctrl key to select multiple files if desired. 4. Using the right mouse button, drag and drop the selected files into the destination directory. a) a pop-up menu appears b) select copy file   Back to Index

Tips on Typeface Success

1. All type should be easily read and of a dark density. 2. To maintain quality, black line copy should be a minimum 6-pt sans serif medium font. 3. Fine lines and rules should be restricted to one colour. 4. Specify rule width to maintain consistency. The use of "hairline" rules should be avoided. 5. Reverse lettering should be used within a minimum of screens. 6. Type may be reversed out of screens, PMS areas, or separations. 7. To maintain quality, reverse type should be a minimum 8-pt sans serif bold face font. 8. Overprints should be limited to light PMS areas or screens, or light areas of separations. 9. Set 100% black text to overprint screens, PMS areas, or separations. 10. To maintain quality, overprint type should be a minimum 6-pt sans serif bold face font. 11. Type should extend no closer than 1/4" of trim.