Portable document format (PDF). PDF is used to share documents in a manner independent of the original application software. Each PDF file encapsulates a complete description of a fixed-layout that includes the text, fonts, images, and vector graphics which compose the document.
Digital Requirements for exporting Print Ready Files:
- Any linked images, type/text or other files must be embedded in the pdf.
- Adobe Illustrator / InDesign: all text must be converted to outlines (CS3 or less).
- Adobe Photoshop / Corel Paint: original image needs to be 300ppi but if there’s fonts in or with the image then the resolution needs to be at 600ppi for 300dpi printing & the text rasterized (CS3, Corel 12 or less).
- Corel Draw: all text must be converted to curves (Corel 12 or less).
- Each order must be created as one PDF. (e.g. – 1 sided equals one page, 2 sided equals one pdf file, consisting of two pages. Both pages must be the same size.)
PPI (pixel per inch) is the resolution of an image which also affects the print size of the image.
Example #1: to print a 5” x 8” image / picture for 300 ppi (industry standards).
You multiply 5” x 300 ppi =1500 ppi / 8” x 300 ppi = 2400 ppi.
Conclusion: image resolution needs to be 1500 x 2400 ppi for printing at 300 ppi.
Example #2: your image is 1500 ppi x 2400 ppi.
You divide 1500 ppi by 300 ppi = 5” / 2400 ppi by 300 ppi = 8”
Conclusion: your image resolution is correct for a 5” x 8” quality print
Creating an image with resolution higher than the standard will not improve the quality of print. You will only end up with very large files. Creating an image with resolution lower than the standard will jeopardize the quality of the finished job. Increasing the PPI with a computer program generally has mixed results and doesn’t always work. Photo programs use bitmap fonts so all type needs to be rastersized & the file created at 600ppi for the fonts to print clearly.
Safe Margins in Samples - image
- 1st use 100% black (K) if only one color
- 100% magenta (M) for the 2nd
- & Cyan (C) for the 3rd
- send one PDF proof that has the color or colors combined
- plus separate files for each individual color.
By only sending black (K) or black & magenta (M) files if two colors, you need mention what the color(s) are really meant to be? E.g. Black (K) could = black ink or any PMS ink color, so Magenta (M) would be the 2nd PMS ink color. Ink color(s) are manually mixed & added to the press rollers, unlike 4 color digital / 4 color offset printing.
Compliments of: Tri-City Printing Inc.
www.tri-cityprinting.ca info@tri-cityprinting.ca
#1-2559 Shaughnessy Street Port Coquitlam, B.C. V3C 3G3