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Top Ten Problems in File Prep
If you’re a designer, or you have decided to self-publish your book, there is a lot to consider before your book can be printed.
So, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten problems that occur when a printing company receives your files so you can void them.
Below is a list of the top ten problems encountered in electronic prepress production. By following this checklist, you can avoid many of these problems.
- Fonts not embedded in PDF or missing in application files.
When you create a PDF file of your book document you need to make sure you embed your fonts in the PDF file. This ensures that even if the person who opens the document does not have the font you used on their computer that they are able to view and print the file with the font you used.
If you send us applications files (Quark, InDesign, etc) we will need to fonts to print your job correctly.
- Incomplete or corrupt files.
Check your job before you send it to us. Check to see if it will open correctly and has all the pages, images, etc.
- Colors that are not converted from RGB to four-color CMYK mode.
You might design in RGB, proof in RGB, preview in RGB, however, we print in CMYK format. It is very rare that a computer monitor will display accurately the colors chosen in your layout. Our digital presses will convert RGB to CYMK, your images may print black and white or with inaccurate color if you neglect to convert images.
- Inadequate bleeds.
A bleed is any area on a printed sheet where ink extends to the cut edge. One problem of inadequate bleeds is that an image that you expect to extend to the edge will show a tiny white line on the trimmed edge. It leads to an unpolished, unfinished look that you want to avoid. We require at least 1/8 (.1250) bleed.
- Placed images resolution too low or too high (always use 300 DPI).
A scan resolution that is too low results in a low-quality image. A resolution that is too high increases the file size and printing time, without increasing the image's quality. Also, because the resolution is too low (72-100 dpi), images downloaded from the internet do not print clearly
- B&W images saved in RGB or CMYK instead of Grayscale.
They will print with some color if not saved as grayscale.
- Images delivered in wrong file format (JPG, GIF). Use TIFF, PSD.
JPG/GIF are great for photographic images on the web, because it compresses the file (makes it smaller). Not ideal for printing, because every time you save it, you lose more color and detail.
Tiff/PSD (Photoshop) is the best image for printing without loss of color or detail.
- Missing images in applications.
Will either print blank or a low resolution image in its place.
- Wrong applications use for complex page layouts (Word, Powerpoint) Use publishing programs like Indesign, Quark or Pagemaker.
MS Word is great for word processing at your desk, when you can print to your printer. Limitations in software make it difficult to do proper, efficient layout. Any MS Word files presented for offset printing will have to be converted to pdf.
MS PowerPoint is great for creating slides/transparencies for a presentation. Limitations in the software prevent this from being an efficient layout program. Any PowerPoint files presented for offset printing will have to be converted to pdf .
- Not supplying a Hard Copy Proof
This helps use spot potential problems. Please supply final color or B&W laser printouts with your digital files. Printouts should be at actual size (100%). If the image area in the page file exceeds the size of a laser or inkjet print, output the laser at a reduced percentage, but clearly note the amount of reduction.
Provided by NetPublications, Inc. www.netpub.net
NetPublications, Incorporated is an award-winning on-demand printing, publishing and fulfillment company with 25 years of experience in the book and manual business. We are an independently owned facility, headquartered in Poughkeepsie, New York.
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