As many of you know, commercial printing has its own set of rules when it comes to setting up and working with electronic files, which is quite different than preparing files for the Internet. How you set up your files in the beginning makes all the difference in how your project will flow through the prepesss process. Model Graphics has a passion for ensuring each project and every client enjoys the full benefit of our organization. Following these easy guidelines will help us serve you.
If you have any questions regarding file preparation or type of application, contact our Prep Department. If you require design assistance, our award winning Solutions Graphics Department stands ready to create great label designs for you.
prep@mgmi.com
1-800-878-8700
SOFTWARE AND FILE TYPES
These programs and file types are compatible with Model Graphics prepress equipment. We are always willing to test different files for compatibility, so if you don't see your program listed below, contact your Account Representative to set up a test.
Software Programs- Macintosh and PC
• QuarkXpress documents
• Adobe InDesign documents (currently CS2)
• Adobe Illustrator (currently CS2, .ai)
• Adobe Photoshop (currently CS2, .psd)
• Macromedia Freehand (currently MX11.0)
File Types- Macintosh and PC (Graphics and Scans)
• EPS (Encapsulated PostScript-vector and pixel based)
• TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
• JPEG (Joint Photogenic Experts Group-compressed)
• DCS/DCS2 (Desktop Color Separations)
We do not print files from low-end publishing programs such as Microsoft Publisher.
Files or images taken from the Internet are low resolution and will not reproduce well for printing. Images for print production must be a minimum of 300 dpi. Copyright laws mandate permission must be obtained before reproducing any image, especially images taken from the Internet. It is the designer's responsibility to obtain this permission before using these files.
SUBMIT FILES
Checklist
• Composite and color separated lasers at 100%. If sending by Internet, FAX lasers or supply PDF file.
• All materials needed for scanning, or materials to be used to reference color or printing stock. Your Model Graphics representative can assist in stock selection, adhesive and coating options best suited for your application.
• A directory of all content to be printed.
• A disk with all screen and printer fonts, main document and live graphics including nested graphics. FTP and emails are also acceptable for file submission.
• Do not include FPO (For Position Only) images on the disk unless clearly marked FPO.
Helpful Hints
• Provide screen and printer fonts Postscript, TrueType or OpenType.
• Special text effects such as outlines and shadows should be created in drawing programs such as Illustrator to avoid trapping problems and for the best reproduction.
• Include fonts from EPS files. Turn text into outlines or paths when possible.
• Set up color palette correctly and test the color break of your document by printing color separations.
• Avoid nesting graphics within other graphics.
• Include the unflattened PSD files for Photshop files.
• Each file should have a different name. Revised files should receive a new name to avoid confusion.
• FPO files and special instructions should be clearly marked on final lasers.
• Final lasers should be submitted with the disk.
• Files containing RGB mode will not print well on Flexo or digital presses, and must be converted to CMYK.
• Barcodes require very specific printing, including the “quiet zone”, check digits and start-stop characters. They can only be reproduced in one color, never in process.
• When in doubt, contact your Model Graphics Sales representative. We are experts in file prep, and are eager to assist.
PREPARING FILES FOR FTP TRANSFER
Files for FTP transfer should be encoded. You will need to use a compression program such as Stuffit Deluxe or WinZIP. Set your preferences in your compression program to encode when files are stuffed. Compression and encoding are two different functions.
We recommend StuffitDeluxe or the shareware version, DropStuff to encode your files. Compressing your files will speed the transfer time dramatically.
Contact your Model Sales Representative to receive your password and access to Model Graphics FTP site.
