Consideration for prepping files for professional print production are rooted in using the right software application for the job.

Image Manipulation:

• Adobe Photoshop
• CMYK Files in TIFF or EPS format work best.

Vector Format Graphics:

• Adobe Illustrator
• Freehand
• CMYK Files [or properly identified PMS Spot Colors] are important for accurate results. Converting “Text” to “Outlines” is recommended to reduce errors.

Page Layout:

• QuarkXpress
• Adobe InDesign
• Designed for project layout and publishing, these software applications are industry standards.
• AVOID: type in Photoshop, page layouts in Illustrator, and image manipulation in Quark.

Create images, graphics and layouts at actual size to maintain image quality and control. You page layout document should be created at “Trim” size, with bleeds at 1/8” beyond page size.

Control fonts and linked images; always include your font files as well as any linked images and placed graphics, otherwise your job will be delayed while we help you locate the necessary items. Note: QuarkXpress ‘Collect for Output’ will not assemble files from a network server.

Communicate your plans before you have spent hours building your project. Don’t be afraid of asking questions or getting an Essence Printing opinion on improving your results.

Perhaps the most user friendly format for printing firms is PDF [Portable Document Format].