Production Specifications for Digital Images

Revised Jan 2001

Most of our customers do not need to concern themselves with these technical specs. However, if you are interested in supplying us with camera ready copy digital files, this information may help guide your graphic designer. 

Please follow these guidelines when sending computer created designs, images and layouts. Jobs submitted on disk are output as received. Changes or corrections will be billed at an hourly rate of $85/hr. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at (703) 941-7766.

SIZE/LAYOUT:

MEDIA:

(Macintosh files may be compressed if you include the expander application or save the file itself as a self expanding application)

APPLICATIONS:

Create document to actual size of post card.

IMAGES:

• Scan or image should be either in EPS or TIFF file format.

If image is placed in a layout program, all linked files must be included on disk. This includes fonts and artwork. Ideal format for logo artwork is EPS.

COLORS:

• FRONT: All colors of type or other elements should be process (CMYK)

• BACK: Any colors other than black used on back must be PMS or SPOT color

• If you have large areas of black, use process black =40% Cyan, 30% Magenta, 20% Yellow, 100% Black.

FONTS:

• We recommend the use of Type 1 postscript fonts. Include both the screen font (font suitcase or bitmap font) and all PostScript printer fonts for all faces used in your document and any linked artwork. Do not use TrueType fonts

• Do not apply keyboard commands for italics or bold in page layout programs (use actual bold or italic fonts when needed)

• All fonts must be included on disk, including those used in any linked artwork. (Fonts suitcase and Printer Fonts)

• All logos and other eps files must be included on disk.

TRAPPING:

All submitted layouts and art must be trapped where different areas of color meet. Imported art should be trapped in the application used to create it. Set up your traps using the same process CMYK or Pantone® colors that will be used in printing and indicate these with your order.

• Set all black copy to overprint

• If trapping is needed, use these specifications:

Color: 0.152 pt. Color Copy (10pt and smaller) 0.1 pt.

Background Colors 0.304 pt.

PRINTED SAMPLE FOR COLOR MATCHING:

Include a printed sample of your layout as a guide and color samples of images or artwork for color matching. These items are important for verifying that the final product closely matches the designer‘s conception. If requested, we will provide a color proof for judging color reproduction.

MAILING REQUIREMENTS:

If your postcard is to be used as a mailer, you should contact your post office for approval of your backside layout. The post office has many regulations due to zip+4 bar codes and their readers. If Postcard Promotions will be handling the mailing for you, we can review your back side camera ready to insure it will comply with postal regulations.

NOTES ON LINKED ARTWORK:

Designs created in vector based drawing programs like Illustrator should be saved in EPS format (with preview) and included with the layout. We support the following applications.

Others may deliver unpredictable results.

• Adobe Illustrator 6.0

• Adobe Dimensions 2.0

• Macromedia (formerly Aldus) FreeHand 7.0

NOTES ON SCANNED IMAGES:

Scanned color images and artwork must be saved in CMYK or RGB* TIFF format and included with the layout. Save black and white line art in bitmap TIFF format. Scale and rotate images as needed before placing them in the layout.

The resolution of scanned images is critical for good reproduction. The following guide shows recommended minimum resolutions for photos and line art at 100% size. Adjust the resolution accordingly if you scale the image.

Resolution at Resolution at Type of Art 150 line screen is 225-300 and Line Art is 1000-1400 dpi

GENERAL NOTES:

When sending in all linked files, be sure the names are identical to the actual files linked to your document. If you make changes in the name or size of a logo, etc., be sure to relink in your document. This will prevent surprises when we update to your files before sending to film.

Always include a printed sample of your document(s) and color samples of images or artwork for color matching. This is of the utmost importance in verifying that the final product will closely match your expectations of the printed piece.

ALL DOCUMENTS should be created actual size regardless of the product ordered. We recommend that unless an item spreads across more than one panel it should be kept 3/16" away from folds for readability.

CATALOGS/CATALOG SHEETS

Catalogs should be created page 1 (front cover) through end (back cover) when body and cover is printing on same stock. If cover and body pages print on different stock, the front, inside front, inside back, and back cover should be on a separate document. The document(s) should be actual size (ie: 8.5x11 catalog should be created as an 8.5x11 - readers spread, facing pages is preferred format.) Bleeds can be applied at a minus position and should be 1/8" and no less than 1/16". All scans should be at actual size and rotated in application used for scanning and color correcting. The scans should then be brought into your document application at 100%. Be sure to include all linked files for your document.

BROCHURES:

Create your document actual size (ie: 9x16 brochure should be created as a 9x16 document.) Apply 1/8" bleed and no less than 1/16" where applicable. All scans should be at actual size and rotated in application used for scanning and color correcting. The scans should then be brought into your document application at 100%. Be sure to include all linked files for your document. Consider your folding requirements and take into con-sideration the extra trimming to allow for your folding needs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call before completing your document. The folding is a very important element and must be accurate for your finished product.