What We Need for Quality Printing

In order to expedite your digital files, we have developed a road map, if you will, of the proper way a digital file should be prepared. One of the major concerns is whether or not the program being used is compatible with the type of output required. For example, a Word or PowerPoint file will not produce color separations for multiple color printing. In a perfect world all files would be produced in Quark Xpress or one of the Adobe software products. In order to generate quality-separated film or plates we need to use a digital language called Postscript. Microsoft products are beginning to incorporate this language into their Office line with some degree of success. Please use the following list of popular layout programs to aid in your project design:

Software That Works Well For High Resolution Output

Layout Programs: Quark Xpress, Pagemaker, InDesign, Microsoft Publisher

Illustration Software: Illustrator, Freehand

Photo Editing: Photoshop, Photo Paint

Software That Does Not Work For High Resolution Output

Although many of your documents are stored in these popular formats, they need to be exported to one of the above programs for high resolution printing.

These problem programs are: Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, Word.

The data contained in your files cannot be directly output from these programs for high resolution printing. Instead, the information is sent, or flowed, into another program for creating the actual output.

Also avoid files that are .JPG and .PIC

The software files above can be imported into another file type and re-output yielding a better file for us to work with.

Original or Source Files

It is very important to us that customers supply us with all original objects and fonts used to create their job. Often, image files are created improperly for postscript output. Although these files may print well to your laser printer, we could have problems during postscript conversion. If the original objects are included, and this also means all files that are embedded in the document, we can convert them to a proper format for separations. Also, when layered files have been built, it is essential to provide a copy of the original working file before it has been flattened.

Another common concern is resolution. It is important to understand that some programs are not capable of building enough image data to support high resolution, 2400 dpi, commonly used in quality print production. For example, images pulled from a normal website will only contain 72 dpi objects. When these objects are reproduced in print, they will often appear grainy or jagged to the eye. Resolution cannot be added to a native file. The resolution must be built or scanned into the object before processing. The common rule of thumb is 300 dpi for images reproduced at 100%. The larger the reproduction size, the higher dpi the native file must have. Increasing dpi by 300 per every 100% increase in reproduction size will ensure proper output. For example, an object to be reproduced at 300% of its original size should be scanned at 900 dpi.

Too much? Then just call!

If all of this sounds too confusing, don't be alarmed. Our industry has evolved dramatically over the past 10 years or so with the introduction of desktop computers. Part of our ongoing dedication to customer satisfaction is to help you through file format problems. Feel free to contact one of our expert technicians at 618.463.0747 or drop us an e-mail with your concerns. If we are producing the project in question there will be no charge for this service.

Schwartzkopf
Printing, Inc.
4121 Humbert Road
Alton, Illinois 62002

(618) 463-0747
(800) 506-6222
Fax: (618) 463-0127

info@schwprinting.com