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• Pre-Flight Precautions Prevent Desktop Disaster
• FREE dowloadable Pre-Flight Software
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PreFlight
Precautions Prevent
Desktop Disasters
| Computers are everywhere today: in homes, in offices, in schools and in libraries. If you have gone to the expense to own a computer, it just makes sense to use it, right? So when you need something printed, whether it's an invoice, a business card, a brochure or a newsletter, you're tempted to create the artwork yourself. And that's fine. However, many times the inkjet or laser printers found in homes and offices don't provide the quality needed for final artwork. So what can you do? |  |
Usually, you can supply your computer files on a floppy disk or other media, and we can transform them into printed material. Simply type the information to be formatted into a word processing program. Then save it as a text file. This way, even if we don't have the program in which it was created, or our platform is different, we can still translate the file. Then we'll put the information into a page layout program, and make it look great! This option saves time and money. While you still pay for the formatting, you aren't paying for the time it would take us to type your file!
The more ambitious computer buff wants to do all the formatting and designing personally. This person has a few more things to consider. It's best to do some checking before you even begin to design! That way, you can determine how to create your file so there will be no problems after it leaves your hands. Consider platform and program compatibility first. Make sure you are using programs that we support, and that your platform is either the same as ours, or that we can convert the file.
When preparing your file, there are some other considerations to keep in mind. If you understand these things, you can prepare files that will need less troubleshooting once you pass them along.
File Preparation
Trapping
If two or more colors touch, close registration and trapping are issues to be
considered. You can set up traps electronically in many programs. A trap of at least 0.3
pt. is usually adequate. Before designing your file, please discuss this with us.
Bleeds
If your finished printed piece will have part of an image extending off the page (this
is called a bleed) the file must be prepared with enough overwork (image beyond the trim
mark) to allow ample area for trimming. The image needs to extend .125 inch beyond the cut
mark for a bleed.
Image Area
When printing an 1 1 x 17 inch sheet many presses require a margin along each I 1 inch
side that contains no image. A half inch margin on each edge is usually more than
adequate. If you want to get closer to the edge, check with us first.
Complexity
The more complex your file (i.e. the more blends, colors and graphics included) the
more difficult it will be to print or imageset. For instance, importing one or more
graphics into an Illustrator file to create an Encapsulated Post Script (EPS) file which
is imported into a Quark file unnecessarily increases the time needed to process that
Quark file. Try to create files with only one level of imported files, and remember, if a
simpler approach will do, use it!
Post Script Files
If you are using an application that is not compatible with ours, or you are worried
about supplying all the pieces you can supply your file as an EPS file Most layout
programs have an option to save a page in this format. Be sure all the screens are set to
the desired lpi (lines per inch) before you save, because an EPS file cannot be altered
afterwards. Sixty lpi may be fine for your laser printer, but for high resolution output a
greater lpi is desirable. Verify the screen lpi with us before you save your file.
PreFlight Checklist
When you have finished your file, it's important to supply all the pieces necessary to produce the result you expect. Because of the many checks and re-checks a pilot must make before takeoff, the electronic prepress industry has dubbed this process preflighting the file. It is helpful to have a checklist so you don't inadvertently miss an important step.
Is the software and hardware compatible?
Find out which platforms are supported, and what programs are available.
Floppy disks, SyQuest cartridges and Bernoulli cartridges are all possible means of transporting your files. You may wish to modem them directly, or send them over a service like America Online.
Supply all fonts, both printer and screen, that you are using in the file on your disk or cartridge.
Include all graphic EPS or TIFF files that have been imported into your file on the disk. Be sure to include any fonts you have used in EPS files also, unless you have used the create outline or convert to paths feature in your drawing application.
Supply a composite printout (color or black & white) of each page in your file.
If the file will be printed in more than one color, also supply a printout of each color separation. Indicate the color to be used on each separation.
Include a printed list of all files and fonts you are supplying. Make sure to indicate the file or files to be printed. It is best not to have any unnecessary files on your disk. Too much clutter is confusing.
Come get a free Pre-Filght software for either Mac or IBM. These are full working Demo Versions. If you're interested, e-mail us and we'll give you more info on how to get them.
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3031 West Burbank Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 840-8013 • (818) 842-5167 • Fax (818) 840-8014
E-mail: info@burbankprint.com
