1. The document size should represent the final trim size of the document. This page size will be used to automatically set trim and registration marks. Be aware of folding panels. Do your work at 100% size of the printed piece and allow for proper margining where you want it to fold.
2. Graphics used in the document should always be linked to (not stored in) the publication. This reduces the file size, allows for faster saves and reduces the chance of the graphics getting corrupted. Remember to supply a high-resolution copy of the linked images that will replace the low-res version when imaged. Mark all images as "live" or "FPO" (for position only) on the supplied hard copy. Do not place an EPS graphic within another EPS graphic. PostScript errors are almost guaranteed to happen when this is done.
3. Images should always be edited in their original application and not in the page layout program. Editing images in the page layout program (e.g., scaling, rotating, and cropping) significantly slows and possibly prevents the output of the document. See Image Overview (Bitmap versus Vector).
4. When styling fonts in your document, it is best to choose built-in font styles, those listed in the font submenu (Helvetica bold, Helvetica italic, etc.) instead of using the machine styled versions of fonts. Using machine style fonts may cause problems if you do not have the actual styled version of that font installed and they will not create the proper kerning (letter spacing) for that font.
5. Unused colors should always be removed from your document prior to imaging, reducing the possibility of unwanted and costly film plates. Convert all colors to spot or CMYK before output. Be sure to keep color names consistent across applications. In ANY program, when importing color images, name all colors used in documents EXACTLY as they are named in the placed graphics. Slight differences in color names will produce separate negatives. Be sure objects are not colored as Registration. Although objects appear as black on the monitor, they will print on every plate.
6. Eliminating unused pages and unneeded images from the pasteboard can reduce output time as well as prevent the possibility of PostScript errors. If an image on the pasteboard is corrupt or missing a font, it will prevent your document from being output.
7. Bleeds are areas where an object extends beyond the edge of the printed page. Make sure items needing to print to the edge of the paper extend or "bleed" 1/8" beyond the edge of the page to accommodate for variances in the printed piece.
8. Composite and color separated (if applicable) laser proofs with registration marks, trim marks and document information must be provided with all jobs to ensure our output matches your expectations. Providing a hard copy, to size proof of the final version of the file, eliminates many opportunities for misunderstandings. If last minute changes preclude producing a new, up-to-date proof, be sure to mark all changes clearly on the hard-copy proof.
9. Prepare a package with all the elements needed to image your files. This package should include your document, all linked images, all fonts used (screen and printer) and most importantly, a specification sheet with information about your files. Adobe PageMaker's "Collect for Service Provider" and QuarkXpress' "Collect for Output" are nice features that automatically organize most elements needed into one complete package with an extensive report about your file(s). It is very important to supply a copy of the fonts used in your document.
10. PostScript fonts have both a "screen font" for proper display on your monitor AND a "printer font" that is used to create smooth type on a printer, especially on an imagesetter. Always send both! It is very important to include all screen and printer fonts used in your document, as well as those used in your linked image files. A complete listing of all PostScript fonts used to create a document should accompany the document for output. Be sure that the fonts in EPS files are included also. We have an extensive font library, but to ensure your files print as expected it is safest to supply a copy. Please check your font licensing agreement before doing so.