Design for Print - Preparing the file for the Printer

When the final design has been approved by the client and all the production work hs been completed, it is time to send the job out to the printer. The last thing you want is for an error to get through which means that everyone can point to you.

Image Checklist:

• All images must be CMYK-TIFF or CMYK-EPS format
• NO RGB, GIF, JPEG, BMP or PSD
• no redundant alpha channels
• No clipping paths except where they are really needed
• Bleed of 3mm
• If the images are linked rather than embedded, make sure you send the images to the printer as separate files

Text Checklist:

• Make sure printer has all the fonts needed
• Check for no surprise fonts you did not intend to use which can confuse and hold up print production

General Checklist:

• Check that any graphic elements you created are not outlined or filled with RGB.
• Check that any swatches you have added are specified as process rather then spot colour, otherwise they will want to output as a separate sheet.

(Getting it right in print - Mark Gatter)