Datasheet

653
Book IX
Chapter 1
Prepping Graphics
for Print
Working with a Service Bureau
✓ When saving Photoshop images for print purposes, stick to TIFF, EPS,
native PSD, or PDF file formats. If you’re unsure of the proper format to
use for a specific job, ask your offset printer or service bureau.
✓ Make sure that you use the proper color mode. For example, use CMYK
for color separations and RGB for slide output.
✓ Create vector shapes and paths efficiently. Use the fewest number of
anchor points possible to create the path and delete any unnecessary or
stray points. Leave your flatness setting blank. Photoshop uses the
default setting for the output device, which is usually a safe bet.
✓ Limit the number of typefaces. Downloading takes time. Limiting the
number of typefaces also makes your document look more sophisticated
and polished.
✓ Make sure that all scanning is at the appropriate dpi. For more on reso-
lution, see Book II, Chapter 1.
✓ If your image is to bleed (extend to the edge of the printed page), take
that into account when creating your image. Note that you need to
allow for
1
⁄8 to
1
⁄4 of an inch on any side that will bleed to allow for slip-
pages when the paper is cut.
✓ Always specify colors from a Pantone color swatch chart and then
select the color, whether process or spot, in Photoshop. Never trust the
way colors look onscreen because of calibration deficiencies and differ-
ences between RGB and CMYK color models.
✓ Make spot color names consistent. Make sure that the Photoshop spot
color names exactly match those of any programs to which you are
importing your image, such as an illustration or page layout program.
Otherwise, you may get an additional color separation.
✓ Print and provide laser or inkjet prints of your file, both separations (if
warranted), and a composite print. Print all prints with printer marks —
crop marks, registration marks, labels, and so on.
✓ Provide all fonts used in your file. Provide both screen and PostScript
printer fonts, if applicable.
✓ Choose File➪Save As for your final save to squeeze down to the small-
est file size.
✓ Organize your files into folders. For example, put the image files
together in one folder, all the fonts in another, and so on.
✓ Communicate any trapping needs to your service bureau or offset
printer. Trapping is also known as spreading and choking, where you create
slight overlaps where your colors meet to avoid registration problems on
the printing press. For color separations, indicate whether you created the
trapping yourself or if you want the service bureau/offset printer to do it.
43_608210-bk09ch01.indd 65343_608210-bk09ch01.indd 653 4/29/10 8:20 PM4/29/10 8:20 PM