Prepress FAQ
We use Agfa's Apogee Series3 system which uses a PDF based, "digital film" workflow that minimizes postscript errors and provides consistent output from proof to plate. We also utilize Agfa's Xcalibur Computer-To-Plate solution that ensures quality printing plates every time.
Preparing your files for printing can be very challenging. Our Frequently Asked Questions should make your job easier.
Common Prepress Questions
- What file formats do you accept?
- Which type of fonts do you prefer?
- What type of removeable disks do you take?
- What settings do I use when distilling PDF files?
What file formats do you accept?
We accept the following application files:
- QuarkXpress
- InDesign
- PageMaker
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Acrobat
- Freehand
- CorelDraw
We can accept other file formats under certain circumstances. Please contact us and we'll be happy to discuss it with you.
Which type of fonts do you prefer - True Type or Postscript Type 1?
Type 1 fonts are the choice of professional graphic designers because they offer the best compatiblity with postscript RIPS and generally render better than True Type-based fonts at high resolutions. True Type fonts are easier to work with than Type 1 fonts because they involve fewer files and are generally more affordable.
If given the choice, it's better to use Type 1 fonts because the RIP used to turn your artwork into high-resolution printing plates uses postscript and you will usually experience fewer problems. Some True Type fonts were not created with high-resolution printing in mind and therefore may not render correctly.
What type of removable disks to you take?
We can accept Zip 100Mb, CD-R, DVD-R, and old fashioned 3.5” floppy disks.
We don't recommend using CD-RW (rewritable) disks because the files are sometimes difficult to read on another computer.
What settings do I use when distilling PDF files?
There are many ways to generate a PDF file, but in general you want to make a "Press" ready PDF by setting the following options:
- Include/embed all fonts and no subsetting
- No image compression
- Make sure your colors are not being converted to RGB
