MAGNA IV Tips & Tricks

Common errors made when preparing files.

CMYK graphicAccording to the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation, these are the most common errors made when preparing files. For future projects check your final art for the following:

 

Missing Fonts –

Missing fonts are the bane of printers. So many versions of the same typeface exist that printers can’t make font substitutions to fix type without risking a different look or causing the text to reflow. Always include the exact fonts used in your files.

No Hard Copy Proof –

This printout lets the printer see the final approved art. Check for discrepancies and clarify how you intended the layouts to look. Make the printout at 100% of finished size if possible, or indicate what percentage of final size it represents.

For digitally transmitted files, send a PDF with color mark-ups for reference.

Also, for multi-page jobs, include a mock-up to show folding and binding. One of the most common printing mistakes is backing up in the wrong direction or binding pages out of sequence.

Unlinked Graphics –

Your document shows the image, but the file is missing. It could have become unlinked when saved in a folder that differs from its original location. With missing links, graphics on the page layout document will output in low-res or cannot be output at all. Make sure all links are up to date.

Wrong Page Size –

Incorrect page setting cannot be fixed by simply scaling up. Make sure your document size is your trim size. Leave decisions such as grind-off to your printer.

Failure to Preflight

Always use the preflight or "collect for output" feature. The newer versions will help you collect all the fonts and images, search for missing items and avoid careless mistakes. They will also create a report for the printer. Be sure to double check that all files are there after you collect for output because sometimes the feature mistakes fonts.

For The Best Results:

· All PDF files must be X1A compliant
· Images must be high resolution
· Include the bleeds and crop marks
· Embed the fonts
· Send CMYK, not RGB

Unmarked Revision –

For revisions, send only the files that have changed and give them a new name. If new support files or fonts are used, include them and supply new lasers with changes clearly marked.

Inadequate Bleeds –

Some photos and graphics extend to the edge of a page. These graphics must be set up to overlap the trim margins by an 1/8 inch to avoid white along the edge.

No Color Markup –

In addition to a hard copy proof, supply a color mark-up. This way the printer can note where the color breaks, overprints, and knock outs are intended to go.

Messy Files –

Clean up your files before releasing them for output. Cluttered files not only confuse and frustrate service bureaus and printers, they compound the possibility of errors. Even an unused image (off to the side or on an unused layer) with no link can lead the printer to conclude something is missing.

Remove unnecessary artwork, delete unused colors, make sure that you have recorded spot colors and that the color names match exactly across all programs.

An oversight such as not specifying whether a color is process or match causes delays by forcing the printer to call and ask. Either that, or the RIP software will decide automatically and put the color on it’s own plate, conceivably turning a four-color job into a five-color job.

A Word About PDFs

Releasing files in PDFs (Adobe® Portable Document Format) has become increasingly popular. This format provides a degree of standardization for materials printed in multiple locations and at different printers. This print ready format preserves all the fonts, formatting, graphics and colors of any source document, independent of the application and platform used to create it. What’s more, it can easily be viewed on multiple platforms without losing quality.

CAUTION:

Keep in mind that press–ready PDFs embed data so the printer cannot make last minute changes or color adjustments to images, but must print the file as is.