STEP 4
Submitting Your Artwork
Important - Before You Begin:
To keep your project on schedule and reduce delay, please insure that:
• Your artwork files conform to the specifications as noted below.
• Your artwork files be supplied in final form - ie: ready to print without revisions.
• Your artwork files be supplied on proper templates.
You can send your finished files to us on CD-R, DVD-R or upload to our FTP Site.
PLATFORM / SOFTWARE:
To avoid compatibility issues caused by different computer platforms, different graphic design programs and different font types, we suggest
that:
Your artwork files have all text converted to outlines/paths. Your files are supplied in .EPS or high-resolution .PDF format. We
recommend the use of Adobe design programs, many have a free 30 day trial and can be downloaded from www.adobe.com
GENERAL DESIGN RULES:
• Your design page properties be set to 300dpi (dots per inch).
• Your design page be set to the CMYK colour mode (not RGB).
• All bitmaps should be 300dpi and supplied in either CMYK or Greyscale as applicable.
• Processing/saving your bitmap images as .TIF files will produce better results than .JPG or .GIF
• Acceptable tonal range for gradients/screens is between 15% and 85% - tones outside that range may not print.
• Always allow at least 1/8” (3mm) of bleed past the finished edges of the design template.
• Don’t crowd the finished edge of your design with text and imagery unless it actually bleeds off the edge of the design. We recommend leaving a
minimum gap of 1/4" (6mm) space.
• Artwork files for stapled booklets are to be supplied in printer-spread format. Contact us if you do not know printer-spread page
sequencing.
• Delete all images, text and/or layers that are not required in the design.
• Name each design file logically so they can be easily identified (eg: traycard_cover.eps).
• CD/DVD full-color disc artwork requires a white flood/backprint. This will be added by our graphics department prior to printing.
• Text: Minimum recommended type size for positive print: 5 points. Minimum recommended type size for reversed print: 6 points. IF USING
PHOTOSHOP: Because text tends to be pixelated when included in bitmap images, we highly recommend that Photoshop be used to process images
but not for typesetting. For best results it is preferable to export images from Photoshop as .TIF files and then typeset in a program such as
Illustrator.
• PDF Settings: 1.3 (Acrobat 4) compatible. Set options to Press Optimized. Set transparency flattener to High
Resolution.
When Your Design Is Finished
• Leave the design template in the design for our visual reference but ensure it is on its own layer. Never flatten the design template into
the artwork.
• Convert all text to outlines/paths (rasterize all text layers if using Photoshop).
• Save/export your design files as .EPS or high-resolution .PDF
• Place all of your relevant design files/folders into one folder. Name the folder with your Job Number and Project Name.
• MAC Users - Use Stuffit to compress your design folder. Name this file with your Job Number and Project Name.
• PC Users – Use Winzip to compress your design folder. Name this file with your Job Number and Project Name.
• Submit your design file on CD-R, DVD-R or upload to our FTP Site.
PRE-PRESS & PROOFS:
Your supplied artwork files are expected to be ready-to-print without any changes or modifications being required. The artwork is reviewed to
ensure it is sized appropriately and that there are no obvious omissions such as lack of bleed or missing fonts. We'll generate
an electronic artwork proof and forward it via email for your review.
THE PURPOSE OF THE PROOF is to give you one last chance to review the design for overall accuracy and completeness of the design
components before it goes to print.
The proof is not for color reference (via computer monitor). The finished product will reflect the color values as supplied on your original
files (plus or minus industry-standard printing tolerances.) After your approval of the electronic proof, we'll then produce an actual
production sample for your final review. This will be what your finish product will look and sound like. It may be perfect or may not look like
whay you expected. This is why we send you this proof. Many times your files will print differently from one printer to the next. All printing is
done on a 6-color HP Indigo Digital Offset press. This is the latest, state-of-the-art in digital printing.
Most other companies will laser, inkjet or use photocopy machines to produce the printed materials.
After proofs have been generated and sent to you, should there be a need for revisions or for new artwork files to be forwarded to us the
Pre-Press and Proof process begins again. Please contact your Project Consultant for additional information.
Proof Approvals:
Your have the responsibility to review all details of the supplied proof, which includes (but is not
limited to) layout/design, dimensions, spelling and punctuation. National Media Services not responsible for any errors that you do not correct.
In order to proceed with production, you must submit written approval of the proofs via fax or e-mail. A verbal approval cannot be accepted.
After receipt of written approvals to proceed with production, National Media Services indemnified and held free from responsibility and
liability for any errors or omissions in the proofs that are subsequently found. You also acknowledges that the reworking and/or reprinting
of materials due to your error is at your sole expense. Such costs will be formally quoted in writing and must be approved by you, in writing
before any additional work can take place.
| 
