3124 Thorntree Drive • Chico, CA 95973 • 530-895-1359 • 530-895-3604 fax

Here are some helpful tips on how to prepare your files for the best possible results:

Formats

InDesign • PageMaker • QuarkXpress • Publisher • Microsoft Office (Word & Excel)

When using one of the above layout programs, it is important to include all graphics and fonts used in the document. Embedding the graphics may produce a fuzzy or pixelly effect. By using the following special utilities within the applications, all graphics and fonts are packaged for your printer:

• InDesign “Preflight” - File/Preflight (When you are in the Preflight window, you will be able to check for missing fonts and graphics (links and images) by clicking on each category in the window. If there is a problem with the font or graphic, there will be an exclamation point in a yellow triangle next to the font or file. Click on the missing font or graphic to and then "find font" or "update or repair" images. Once everything is properly linked, you can then "package" it for your printer. This will create a folder with all the files and fonts your printer needs/Package.

• QuarkXpress “Collect for Output”- File/Collect for Output (if there are missing or modified links a box will appear/List Pictures (make sure everything is linked)/Update/OK/(the "Collect for Output" box will appear. Make sure the following boxes are checked under the "Collect" subheading- Layout; Linked Pictures; Embedded Pictures; Fonts)Save.

• PageMaker “Save for Service”- Utilities/Plug-ins/Save for Service Provider/Click "Preflight pub" button - you should see two green check marks on both boxes. If a red X is in one or both boxes, you will need to click on each red X to resolve/relink each missing font or graphic - then click "Package" button/Make sure to check the "Copy Fonts" box (all) and the "Update Links..." box) Save.

• Publisher “Pack and Go” - File/Pack and Go/To Commercial Printing Service/Pack and Go Wizard/Next/(select location to save file)/Next/(make sure all boxes are checked) Next/Finish.

We also accept Postscript (.ps) or PDF files (Press Quality) created using Adobe Distiller. If special utilities are not used, then an additional charge will be required.

Image Files

• Illustrator • Freehand • Corel Draw • Photoshop

COLOR
• Minimum resolution 300 dpi
• CMYK – TIFF or EPS formats
• PANTONE names for Spot colors

GRAYSCALE
• Minimum resolution 300 dpi
• TIFF or EPS formats

LINE ART
• Minimum resolution 600 dpi
(or up to 1200-2400 dpi if needed)

(Many answers to your questions on proper file preparation for commercial printing output are available in the HELP section of your application.)

• All graphic files must be provided as TIFF or EPS files at 300 dpi. Other file formats or low resolution images will require conversion or correction at an additional charge.

• Full color images and photos to be printed in 4-color process must be prepared in CMYK (NOT RGB). Spot colors should be identified as Pantone colors. Files that require changes will have an additional charge.

Supply any imported graphics that may have been used in any of these programs.

Please remember to utilize full PMS color names - especially the exact spelling throughout your documents and in any imported graphics from Illustrator or FreeHand. You may want to print out the separations for any CMYK & PMS colors. This will help you avoid any extra colors or duplicate color names in files. Files will be returned to the customer to fix or corrected by The Graphic Fox, Ink. for an additional charge.

Bleeds

If your artwork prints to the edge of your document, make sure to extend the image at least 1/8” over the edge to allow for trimming.

Fonts

Fonts should be TrueType, Type 1 or OpenType only. Do not apply a style (bold or italic) to a font - for example:

• Garamond Book with a bold style.

• Instead choose the font: Garamond Bold

You may decide to convert any fonts to paths used in either Freehand or Illustrator graphics. Please keep an original unconverted file for yourself in case you would like to make changes to the text in the future as it is difficult to change once converted.

Proofing

Please provide laser or ink jet proofs in either grayscale or color as it will appear when printed.

It is customary for The Graphic Fox to provide a digital color proof in addition to any other proof the customer requests.

Microsoft Office applications cannot be color separated within the application. If the documents are to be printed on a printing press, we must use special procedures and tools to separate these files that will require an additional charge. We will attempt to match the colors as close as possible.