1. Make sure the images are hi-resolution.
  2. Many images start out as RGB. Convert linked and embedded images to CMYK for printing.
  3. Slug – Useful to denote “inside cover” or final page size. Helpful when PDFs get emailed around.
  4. Clipping path – white halos are for angels. Try bringing stubborn images and their backgrounds into Photoshop, and then re-link.
  5. Pull bleed art outside of the trim, 1/8-1/4”; avoids a “smaller” job.
  6. When using vector art, outline before importing into your document or saving as an EPS.
  7. Check the specs. PMS+CMYK can get to 10 colors fast.
  8. Copy is lost in gutter or off the trim. Design or oops?
  9. Is this okay, do you have the hi-res and license?
  10. When fitting, line spacing can get, well, creative.
  11. Spell check – then read. Spell check doesn’t catch all.
  12. Should the light source be consistent for all shadows and other effects?
  13. Type style – do you have the font? Did you open another’s document and ignore the warning? View your file at 150%, style mishaps jump out.
  14. Are your layers where you want them?
  15. Does the image have a border? Should it?

    General File Construction Tips
    • Build your pages to the final trim size. Use the bleed set-up function.
    • For complex or die-cut projects, we are happy to help you set up your document; we’ll also create template files for you.
    • Please don’t create your own impositions.
    • Use the Package, Collect for Output, Save for Service Provider or your program's similar function. Layered Photoshop files are often needed, so send those too.
    • Compress all files going over the web.
    • Mac: Stuffit using the built-in Create Archive of... in the Finder (right-click or Control-click on a file) Macintosh font files must be compressed first.
    • PCs: use WinZIP.

    Note for users of some non-Macintosh servers and Type 1 Mac fonts: Dragging the font files to your computer may render the font files useless. If the font file size is zero KB (or a very small number) the font is likely unusable.

    Your font management application can tell you how to move fonts off of your server.