Digital Files

Use only PostScript fonts. TrueType fonts do not output as consistently in this form of printing, since there is an inherent tendency for the digital RIP to use its own resident PostScript fonts as replacement for any TrueType fonts it encounters in a document while processing. Don't forget to include the printer fonts along with the screen fonts; also, it's important to include all original images with your output file.

Avoid large solid areas in your design, as they do not print well. All scans should be saved as CMYK or grayscale in TIFF format. Do not use RGB images or JPEGs.

When using graduated blends, please note that lighter ones are preferable as darker blends tend to band. Introduce noise to blends to help counter banding problems.
Make sure all your Pantone colors are converted to process CMYK.

Never hand off a disk for output with anything other than the files to be output. It can cause confusion and waste time and your money.

ALWAYS include some form of printed proof with your file; that will allow us to check that what we print looks as you intended (otherwise we may not be able to catch text reflows or color shifts). If your job is to be folded, remember to include a folded proof so we can verify that your pages are printed in the proper order (because of the pagination difference between reader's spreads and printer's spreads, discussed above).