PRESENTATION FOLDERS - Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Do you accept PDF files?
It appears that the PDF format will one day be the file format of choice. For the time being, however, there are still issues with PDF file integrity if the file is not prepared to perfection. We would rather have files as they were prepared in their native programs, such as Quark, PageMaker and saved in .eps format.

What should I send with my files?
It is helpful to have composite and color separated laser proofs of your files. It's an effective way for us to be certain that our final output matches what you are expecting to see.

Send all the fonts for your document. We have an extensive font library, but minor differences in certain fonts can cause type to reflow.

Include all the support graphics used in your document (tif and eps files). Even if the graphics are embedded in your document, we may need them.

How should I prepare my desktop publishing files?
Make sure the document is the actual size it is being printed.

• When creating multiple page booklets, layout the pages as single pages. Do not lay them out in spreads.
• Do not set your own trapping.
• All areas that bleed off the page must extend at least 1/8" (.125").
• Ask us for a digital template. We have a large library of vector art templates in eps format that you can use in your desktop publishing program. These are very helpful when working on three-dimensional items such as boxes, mailers, folders and binders.

How should I prepare my image files?
Photographs should be cropped and scanned at 300 dpi (dots per inch) at the same size you intend to place them. This will assure that edges are crisp and color is sharp. Line work should be scanned at 1200 dpi at the same size you are placing them.

Save your images as EPS or TIF files in the CMYK color space. Avoid JPEG or GIF files. These images are saved using a compression process that removes color and quality in order to decrease the file size. They are used widely on the Internet because their smaller size allows them to load quickly on your web browser. Web graphics are usually saved as RGB images at 72 dpi. This type of file will not reproduce well when printed four-color process.

CMYK vs. RGB - What's the difference?
Most graphics software will give you the option of working in either RGB or CMYK. These are called "color spaces".

RGB represents Red, Green and Blue, the three primary colors of light. This is the system by which color is displayed on a computer monitor. Adding these three primary colors of light will result in white. A combination of any two of these colors will result in the secondary colors: Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. Red, Green, and Blue can be combined in various proportions to obtain any color in the visible spectrum.

CMYK  represents the four colors of ink used when printing full color images: Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y) and Black (K). Inks are made up of pigments. When subjected to light, these pigments transmit color by absorbing some wavelengths of color and reflecting others. The range of colors that you can obtain from the CMYK color gamut is less that that of RGB. Your RGB monitor is capable of displaying 16,000,000 colors. The CMYK color model is capable of simulating 5,000 colors.

Although your monitor is RGB, you will be able to see a more accurate representation of your images if you convert them to CMYK. When we receive an RGB image, we must convert it to CMYK prior to processing your files. We use a set of standard conversion settings to accomplish this. It is possible that some of the RGB colors that are "out of the CMYK color gamut" will be modified. You will have greater control over the results if you work in the CMYK color space. This applies not only to photographic images, but also text and line illustrations.

Can I e-mail my files?
It is not uncommon to find when you combine your desktop publishing file with your images and fonts your total file size can exceed 100 MB. Graphic files can be big! Most Internet providers limit the size of e-mail attachments to a few megabytes. Smaller files are usually not a problem for email. You can always compress them using a utility such as Stuffit or Winzip.

How can I send my files?
If your files are too large for e-mail (typically over 10MB), they can also be sent on removable media CD's.

Why do I need a proof?
Proofs are valuable tools that give you the opportunity to check your job prior to printing. You can review spelling, grammar, typeface, alignment and registration, fit and trapping, color break and color. A proof can save you time and money by allowing you to catch mistakes or make changes before the job moves on to the next step in production. In addition to color proofs, we can also supply proofs as a PDF file.  While not recommended for color proofing, they are a faster mode than a physical color proof which will result in a faster turnaround time for your printed folder.

What kind of proofs will I receive?
When you place your four-color process order you will receive two proofs: an imposition proof and a contract proof.

Imposition proofs are useful for checking the accuracy of layout, the position of elements and color breaks. They are trimmed to size and if your job requires it, folded and glued.

Contract proofs are used to approve color. Once approved, the press operator uses the contract proof to match color during the print run. It constitutes a contractual obligation by the print buyer to purchase the printed materials that match the proof.

Proofs can be made either from film (analog) or made directly from your digital files (digital).

What are the differences between analog and digital proofs?

Digital proofs- Digital proofs are made directly from your desktop publishing file. This saves you the expense of film because film imaging, processing and assembly are eliminated. Since we offer computer-to-plate printing, most proofs made from your desktop publishing files will be digital.

Colorline: This is a color imposition proof. It can be printed 2-sided if necessary and is trimmed and folded to the size of the finished piece. The Colorline will allow the proofreader to check for content, typographical errors, fit, cropping, size and color breaks. This is a substitute proof for the conventional blueline proof and is not intended for color matching.

Iris: This is a full color digital contract proof. It is calibrated to our printing presses and will simulate the press sheet in both color tone and balance. It is our closest process color proof to the actual finished job.

Analog Proofs- Sometimes referred to as post-film proofs, these are made from film. Any corrections made at this point would require new film and more cost. If we were supplied film rather than desktop publishing files, these are the proofs you would receive.

Blueline: This is an imposition proof also known as a Dylux, it is made from the same assembled film that will make your printing plates. It is referred to as a blueline because each color is indicated with varying shades of blue. They are folded and trimmed to the dimensions of the finished piece.

Matchprint: This color contract proof is made from the same film that will eventually produce the images on the printing plates. It is made from the four process films, allowing the designer to verify the color balance and tonal reproduction of film positives before going to offset printing.

What is a soft proof?
Also known as a monitor proof, this is an image displayed on a video monitor to visually simulate the expected printing results. It can not be used for exact color matching since it employs the RGB color spectrum of your monitor. It is useful for reviewing content and color breaks. PDF files are often used as soft proofs.

What types of paper can I get for my print job?
We stock a wide selection of "house papers" ranging from gloss or dull finished text and cover weights to textured papers, such linen and felt. We purchase these papers in bulk quantity and are able to pass along cost savings to our customers. We occasionally update our "house paper" selections. Call one of our project coordinators for the latest selections. If you need a specific paper that we don't stock…not a problem. We can meet your paper specifications.

What paper is best for my job?
Start off by working closely with your graphic designer. They will often have suggestions for the best surface to accent the graphics on your project. Papers are manufactured in two classifications, "coated" and "uncoated".

"Coated" papers are coated with clay, white pigments and a binder. They are not as absorbent as uncoated papers and much better for printing color images. Your images will appear sharper and brighter.  An example of "coated" paper would be the cover and pages found in National Geographic magazine as well as other national publications.

"Uncoated" papers have not had a final coating applied for smoothness. They are more absorbent and tend to be more readable due to the lack of reflection. Uncoated stocks are good for forms or reply cards that the end user may need to fill in. They are not recommended where extremely fine detail or tight registration full-color printing is required.  Ball point pens and flair pens tend to smear with coated stocks.

What is C-1-S and C-2-S?
This simply refers to whether the sheet is coated one side or coated two sides.

What is the difference between 80# text and 80# cover?
Different papers have basic sheet sizes by which they are measured. For example, the basic size for text paper is 25x38; the basic size for cover paper is 20x26. Basis weight is defined as 500 sheets (or a ream) of a given paper cut to its basic size.

A 500 sheet stack of an offset sheet trimmed to 25" x 38" and weighing 80 pounds would be referred to as 80# offset. 500 sheets of heavier cover paper cut to a smaller size of 20" x 26" inches would weigh 80 lbs., thus we call it 80# cover.

Will my finished product look the same on any type of paper?
Not necessarily. Paper is the wild card in any printing job. Different paper surfaces have different properties. Some papers are whiter than others, i.e., a brightness level of 96 versus 82 and uncoated papers will absorb more ink than coated papers.

Process inks, on the other hand, are very standardized. They are subject to a set of specifications called the SWOP (Specifications for Web Offset Publications) standard. SWOP was devised to improve the quality of printing and the communication between print buyer and printer through specifications and tolerances. Each of the four colors, C-M-Y-K, has a specific density at which it should be printed regardless of the paper.

Imagine that you're producing a corporate identity package. Your letterhead is being printed on a coated sheet of bright white paper. You decide to print your business cards on an uncoated sheet of cream-colored cover stock. The logo colors probably will not match exactly from piece to piece. This is a potential problem you should consider early in the planning process.

What color inks can I choose?
You get the most value for your dollar when you order four-color process printing from us. There are times, for instance, that you need to add a fifth color to match a corporate logo. That is not a problem. There are a few ink color-matching systems out there that are popular. We can even have special match inks formulated to meet your requirements.

What types of coatings do you offer?
We offer three primary coatings to enhance and protect your printed piece. Each has individual benefits in regards to glossiness, protection and cost.

Varnishes are clear, resinous liquids applied to printed surfaces to improve the appearance of the product. They can be either matte or dull finish. Varnishes also offer a level of protection, although it is not as protective as aqueous based coatings or lamination. One advantage to varnishes is that they can be applied in spot areas to accent a particular photo or graphic on the printed sheet. Varnishes are best applied to coated stocks. Uncoated stocks will soak the varnish into the paper so it's virtually invisible.

Aqueous Coating is a clear, water-based coating that is applied over the ink to enhance shine and protect the surface. It is available in gloss, satin and matte finish. Aqueous coatings are applied to your printed sheet immediately following the inks. The sheets are sent through a heated air system that quickly dries the coating, permitting faster turnaround time and lower costs.  This process also helps to "seal" the ink to the printed surface, thereby reducing ink "rub-off".

Aqueous coatings provide excellent rub and scuff resistance. Protection that far exceeds standard varnishes. Your product will be resistant to smudges, fingerprints and scratches during shipment through to end-use.

Lamination is the process of combining your printed sheet with polyester film. Colors become brilliant and your graphics will be eye-catching. Lamination offers substantial protection against tearing and is ideal for items that are handled frequently. It will never lose its luster and can be wiped clean. This means that your product will last longer, increasing value and cost effectiveness. Lamination is available in gloss, satin and delustered finishes.  Lamination also adds a degree of "pop" or "snap" to the printing ink for a dramatic presentation.  Please be aware that lamination may change the appearance of the ink color very slightly.  Please discuss your project with us if color matching is extremely critical.

What sort of bindery services do you offer?
Our bindery offers a full range of services including cutting, folding, gluing, saddle-stitching, collating, foil stamping, embossing and shrink-wrapping. There are times when some '"hand work" is necessary for fulfillment or special projects. By offering all of these services in-house, we save our customers both time and cost.

What is the difference between self cover and plus cover?
We offer saddle-stitched booklet as either self cover or plus cover. Self cover is a booklet that uses the same paper for the cover as the inside pages. Plus cover is when a different paper is used for the cover. A plus cover booklet often uses a heavier paper to add protection to the piece.
 

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