TIPS: Layout & Graphics Tools

(Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Quark, Pagemaker)

Fonts

For Adobe Illustrator files: Either outline the fonts or send them.
For EPS and Vector Graphics files: Include the fonts you used when you send the graphics files.
For all other files: Send both the screen and printer fonts for your project.

Layout and Graphics

Include any linked graphics files placed in the layout file. Be sure you don't rename the artwork files after you have placed them in your layout or the links will be broken!
Avoid using “hairline” as the line width in a line drawing. Define the specific width of the line (at least .5 points) in the page layout file.
Use geometric tools in your graphics program to draw boxes and frames rather than to build them from individual lines. What looks good on-screen and prints well on your laser printer may overlap or be crooked when printed in high resolution.
If your project has a bleed, pull all colors and images that bleed off the sheet .125” beyond the page boundaries. Then be sure to tell us you want a bleed and include crop marks on your page layout.
If your project is set up to be trimmed, be sure that the crop marks that define the final trim size are set to “Registration” color.
If your job is not designed to “bleed off” the edge of the paper, allow at least .25 inches of gripper margin around all edges of your layout.

Files and Disks

When you name the files, be sure to include the correct file extension (e.g., Quark.qxd) so we know what type of file you are sending.
You can send your files to us on Zip disk, floppy disk, or CD.
Only Use Stuffit!, WinZip, or other compacting utility if you need to reduce the file size to fit on a disk or to send it via email.
Make sure there are no extra files on the disk (to avoid confusion — and so we only print what you want!).

Getting Your Files and Documents to Zip

If your file is smaller than 10MB, send it as an attachment to an email to: dwain@zipcopyshop.com. We have a 10MB size restriction on emails with attachments.
If your documents are saved on a disk or CD, give us a call and we'll pick it up. Or, if you want to get out of the office for a bit, bring it in yourself.
Be sure to include a printout (at 100% of the final output) with the colors, bindery, and folding information clearly marked.

See Also: What to Send, How to Send, Graphics Tips, and Layout Tips

Perplexed? Give us a call at (952) 920-2113 – we’re happy to help.