The fifth problem of image output

Five, 12 output preparation points

The following are 12 output preparation points that will help designers prepare output files for smooth output.

1. Set the file so that the page size of the electronic file matches the page size of the print.

2. Unless the font is very complicated or finely detailed, turn any text in the EPS file into a path before you enter it into the layout software.

3. Scan or get images as large as possible at the final output size and the appropriate resolution (larger ones are not necessarily good).

4. Rotate, mirror, or invert the image in the software that created the image, rather than in the typesetting software.

5. Remove extra paths and channels before storing the last picture to simplify the file.

6. If the image is to be color-separated, the color is defined using the CMYK mode, and if it is not, it is defined as a spot color.

7. Store pictures in uncompressed TIFF or EPS format.

8. Print test separations on a laser printer to ensure that you don't have extra separations or unwanted spot colors.

9. Use QuarkXPress Collect for Output or Adobe PageMaker's Prepare for Service Bureau widget to ensure that you know which fonts are included and send the fonts along with your files to the output center.

10. Leave traps and layouts to the output center unless you have previously discussed and reached a tacit agreement.

11. When sending documents to the output center, clearly indicate on the disk which file is required, and include a proof sheet marked with a cut and a bleeding mark, preferably printed (100%) in the final output size.

12. Once you get a copy of the sample from the output center, check to find out what went wrong.