We have several methods of proofing: hard copy viewed in person or over a fax, or PDF files sent
to your computer. Each method has instructions for replying. Please follow these guidelines to help
keep your project on schedule. When you have viewed your proof, always reply back even when
it is OK, so we can verify your receipt and continue with production of your project.

Bleeds: One of the special characteristics of printing is running an image off the cut edge of the
page. This creates an interesting design and allows full use of the paper. This technique is called “bleed.”
In order for it to print properly, the graphic file must have additional image beyond the dimension of
the layout at least 1/8” on all edges that the image bleeds. If you have created a file using this
technique, please be sure your image has enough area to bleed and you have created a file or PDF
with the bleeds opened to 1/8.”

Fonts: There are sooo many of them!! But each one has a unique name and design property.
They are also copyrighted by the designer/manufacturer. If you are submitting a file, be sure to collect
the fonts and enclose with the file, or embed the fonts on PDFs. As a printer we are allowed to use them
only on your job and then we delete them from our system. And even though your font may be in the
Helvetica family, it may not match our fonts, so if we are required to substitute fonts, some layout
elements may change, such as paragraph lengths, wraparounds, headlines, etc.

Creating PDFs: One of the best ways to send us your file is in Portable Document Format, or
PDF. This format carries all the needed components of your file: the fonts, graphics and design, while
eliminating the need for us to have every software version created. The PDF file streamlines the printing
process because they are complete, compact, portable, reliable and editable —IF THE FILE AND THE
PDF IS CREATED PROPERLY.

Following are the suggested steps for producing a high-resolution PDF file. Every software version 

has slightly different options. If you have any questions, please call us to help evaluate the settings 

on your computer.

1.	Preflight your file before making the PDF file to be sure it includes: The correct set of colors, no RGB images or extra colors. Convert all images to CMYK in a 4-color process print job. If you are using spot color (i.e. PMS red and blue) be sure there are no additional colors like cyan and magenta. Check your file by printing separations of your file to test it for the correct count of colors. Include all document fonts. Maintain links to placed graphics and images. Be sure the file contains only high-resolution image data (no 72 dpi or GIF images). Check that it prints at correct paper size with bleed and page marks designated.
2.	If you are creating a full color PDF, your first dialog box might start like this: Layout: name your project. Uncheck Hyperlinks, and OPI.
3.	Go to Job Options, check “embed all fonts” under Font Options. Compression: choose “high.” Resolution: choose 300 dpi. Check “Compress text and line art.”
4.	Go to Output, type: Composite. Print Colors: CMYK. Registration: off. Bleed: (yes if your document is designed to bleed). Type: Symmetric. Amount: 0.125” (1/8”)
5.	Send your file via email as an attachment, or upload to our FTP site. You may also burn a CD and send that to us. And send us the hard copy too!

Standard sizes: Really, there is a lot more variability in print sizes available that we could all use
to our advantage. But if you must know a few of the standards, here they are:     
    
     Postcards: 6x4”, 8.5x5.5”, 11x6”
     Letterheads: 5.5x8.5”, 8.5x11”
     Envelopes: standard #10 9.5x4.125”, #9 8.85x3.85”, A2 5.75x4.35”, 

     A6 6.5x4.75”
     Notecards: 5.5x8.5”, 6x9”
     Book pages: 5.5x8.5”, 6x9”, 8.5x11”
     Posters or artprints: 5x7”, 8x10”, 8.5x11”, 9x12” 11x14”, 12x18”

Paper: Lots of options here. Paper finishes come and go, paper colors fall in and out of fashion. Weights of paper can be very confusing. If you have a sample book dated pre-2001, you may as well throw it out, since many mills have consolidated and warehouses are limiting offerings. Call us for a consultation on what would work best for your project. We love to suggest a paper that would suit your project the best, and still fit your budget.