Files Preparation

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Software

All files to be in Illustrator format (.ai, .eps)

Define Bleed

bleed

Bleed is a printing term that refers to printing that goes beyond the edge of the sheet after trimming.

The 5mm bleed in the artwork accounts for the movement and design inconsistencies. At the same time, ensure that all graphics, text and images should not be place near to the cutline. Bleed ensures that no unprinted edges occur in the final trimmed document.

Define Trim Marks

trim

Trim marks show are the little lines that sit around the edge of the document showing where the area of the bleed ends and the proper document area begins, they work alongside bleed to tell the print worker where the paper needs trimming

Outlining the Text

All text and graphics must be outlined. To prevent the error of missing objects and text when sending over the printing file.

outline-menu

To outline the text in the file:
1. Select all the text
2. From menu, choose TYPE -> Create Outlines


Results

Before outline of text

Before outline of text

After outline of text

After outline of text

Embedding of Image

1. From menu, select Images -> Embed

Colour

All files must be submitted in CMYK Mode. If submitting RGB files, please note there will be colour different between RGB and CMYK. If your files are submitted using any other colour mode, we will convert the files to CMYK mode.

Define DPI Resolution

The DPI value tends to correlate with image resolution, but is related only indirectly.

Images in artwork submitted for printing must be at least 300 dpi or higher. As a result of using lower resolution for printing, the quality of printing will be poor.

Not Recommended - 72DPI

Not Recommended – 72DPI

Recommended - 300DPI

Recommended – 300DPI

Preparing Print Files in Adobe Creative Suite Applications: Summary

Photoshop Illustrator
  • Create the file in CYMK color mode
  • Remember to include a bleed
  • Add Guides to show trim area or crop marks
  • Rasterize type
  • Name layers clearly if using spot colors and UV varnish/coating
  • Rasterize vector layers
  • Provide a layered PSD file if you have spots colors
  • Most printers will accept TIFF, EPS, PSD, and PDF files created in Photoshop
  • Create the file in CYMK color mode
  • Remember to include a bleed
  • Add Guides to show trim area or crop marks
  • Rasterize type
  • Name layers clearly if using spot colors and UV varnish/coating
  • Link files and provide a folder with linked files to the printer
  • Most printers will accept high resolution PDFs, AI, and EPS files from Illustrator