File Setup Guidelines & Tips

File setup guidelines and tips

• High resolution PDF files are recommended for most accurate reproduction.
• Include a list of files, corresponding sizes and quantities to print.
• Setup files at size if possible, otherwise at 25% or 50% and indicate what percentage you have used.
• Always include a hardcopy proof, flattened low res pdf proof or jpeg proof of each file to be printed. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of your output without a proof.
• Call out any critical PMS colors on your hardcopy proof. There may be an additional charge to match these colors. Foto 1 will provide a pantone color chart free of charge so that you can double check color rendition.
• Do not use the stylize pallet (Bold, Italicize) – it will not reliably render in your output – instead use the correct font ie Helvetica Italic Bold.
• Matching a color laser proof will incur a color matching charge and given the difference in printer gamuts may not be 100% accurate.
• If unsure about image quality request a color proof. Foto 1 will provide color proofs at either no charge or a nominal charge.

Scan/file resolutions should be

• Up to 16x20: 200dpi
• 16x20 to 30x40: 150dpi
• 30x40-48x96: 100dpi
• over 48x96: 50-75 dpi

Special Notes

• Files for Lightjet/photographic output should be setup as RGB, files for other types of output should be setup as CMYK.
• Bleeds – include a .2” bleed on all prints over 11”x17”
• Include designer’s contact information so that we can quickly resolve any file setup issues.
• If you submit native files (see supported programs):
• If possible, outline fonts otherwise:
• Supply all fonts
• If using Mac postscript fonts, supply both printer and screen fonts.
• If using Truetype fonts, there is a single ttf file for the font.
• If possible use the Collect Output feature of the program.
• Do not embed images in Illustrator.
• Include any linked images.
• Remove any extraneous graphics from the file.

Supported Programs/File types

MAC
PDF files (see our PDF creation guidelines)
EPS files (outline fonts for best results)
TIFF/JPG/Photoshop files
QuarkXpress thru 6.0
Adobe Creative Suite 2.0 (includes Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
Adobe Pagemaker 7.0
Microsoft PowerPoint, Word

PC
PDF Files (see our PDF creation guidelines)
EPS files (outline fonts for best results)
TIFF/JPG/Photoshop files
Adobe Creative Suite 2.0 (includes Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
CorelDraw 11
Adobe Pagemaker 7.0
Microsoft PowerPoint, Word