Properly preparing a computer file for printing can be very intimidating.  It is much more than just creating an document, adding an image and choosing a font.  It requires some technical knowledge to do this correctly.

Here are some tips that may assist you in preparing your files:

• Programs: 
Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Works are programs that are NOT capable of printing to high-end out put devices.  If you must use any of these programs you must convert your documents to PDF formats and they will only be printed in one color or 4color process.  If you convert to JPG files the quality will not be as good.
We can print from Quark Xpress, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Photoshop:  is NOT a page layout program.  This is an excellent image editing software but it is bitmap or raster based.

• Colors:  You must define your colors correctly in your document in order for us to separate the job with the appropriate color breaks. 
For one color or spot color jobs –colors must be defined as such for
Four color process jobs colors must be defined as CMYK.

• Page Layout: Page layout programs we work with are
Illustrator & Quark Xpress.

• PDF:  All pdf files must have embedded fonts and all images that are on the file must be either CMYK for 4-color printing or spot color identified if it is to be a 1 color job.

• Fonts:  If not using a PDF file you must either convert all your text to outlines, if using Illustrator, or include the fonts your are using if working off a Mac when submitting  your files.

• Bleeds:  Jobs with bleeds must have color or image to bleed extended 1/8” minimum beyond the final document size.

• Hairline Rules:  When using a hairline you must do it as a .25 point line.

• Linked Graphics:  Always include all linked graphic files used in your job.   All applications need this to refer back to when printing to a high resolution device.

• Proofing – Always proof your job before submitting it for printing. When submitting always provide a laser or inkjet proof of the document for comparison of what is to be produced.