Minuteman Press of Duluth

For the best results when submitting your files for commercial printing, it is best to conform to some industry – standard parameters. You can be assured your printing project will turn out as you expect if you make sure these things are included in your file.

1. When beginning your document, choose the correct color space. For color output on a digital or offset press use “CMYK”. For 1-color output (black) choose “GRAYSCALE”. A grayscale document can be printed offset with any color ink and most home/office users of graphics software achieve better results using this space instead of attempting spot color monotone documents. Many software programs default to the RGB (screen) color space. This can result in unwanted color shifts, especially in flesh tones and large blocks of color.

“Spot” colors are used for one or more colored documents using the Pantone Matching System. Professional graphics software as well as some aftermarket programs (Publisher, Broderbund) allow PMS colors to be assigned. Refer to your manual on online help for your program for best results.

2. Use HIGH RESOLUTION images. All raster (.jpg, .tif, .psd and others) images must be 300 dpi, in the size that is placed in the document. The reason most images taken from the internet do not print well is that your computer screen only requires 72 dpi images. Images that are low-resolution are usually blurry, pixilated or “trash” appears along edges. Any image you choose needs to be in the same color space as your document.

For most logos and charts, vector images are preferred. These are line images with no pixels. They are infinitely scalable without a loss in print quality. Some formats for vector files are; .ai, .eps, .wmf and .cdr.

3. Include bleeds and gutters in your document. This is probably the most confusing concept for most people. A bleed occurs when an image on a block of color goes to the edge of the page. In a perfect world, all sheets from a package of paper would be exactly the same size and none of it would slip in any direction. However, this is our world and these things do occur. To ensure that no white edge shows after your paper is cut you must extend your image on design element one-eighth inch (.125″) past the edge of the paper.

Xerox 1000 Digital Press

Since most commercial printers use larger sheets than home printers, most jobs are printed with 2 or more of each document on the sheet and cut after it is done, we must also provide a gutter to be sure no design elements are cut off in the finishing process. You must keep design elements and words about one- eighth inch (.125″) from the edge of the page. The area inside this margin is called the line area.

This is just some of the requirements for documents submitted to commercial printers. Some printers have additional specifications. The best way to avoid charges for fixing your document before printing is to contact your printer BEFORE designing your project.

There are many sources to explain color space, resolution, raster, vector, bleeds and gutters, online or in your software manuals. Providing these elements in your projects will avoid surprises when you see your proof and costly charges when the printer must correct your document.

Click here to visit our website

Contact Steve or Vivian at Minuteman Press of Duluth @ 770-476-0922 or by email: fullserviceprinting@minutemanpress.com