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Printco Graphics
FTP Preflight Checklist

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This preflight checklist will help you avoid printing and finishing delays. Failure to include all items necessary for Printco to properly prepare your digital files can result in both time delays and create additional costs. Using this comprehensive checklist can save time, money and frustration.

FILE PREP:

Printing Setup
Check placement of crop marks and bleed allowances.
(1/8” for bleeds is the typical allowance)

Font Styles
Use only the actual fonts for bold, italic and other font styles.
(Using a regular font, and denoting it as “bold” or “italic” can cause font issues. I.e.: Helevetica, Helevetica bold, Helevetical italic)

RIP
Avoid problems that keep files from printing by cropping images before placing them in the document, simplifying blends, and avoiding nested graphics.

Trapping
Find out in advance who will perform the trapping on the files and submit accordingly.

Imposition Find out in advance whether the file should be submitted in reader spreads or printer spreads.

Extraneous File Elements Remove references to unused fonts and colors. Remove non-printing items from the pasteboard.

FILE SUBMISSIONS:

Compatible software/versions
Use a digital format preferred and accepted by your printer. Verify software version and platform, PostScript or PDF requirements.

Fonts
Send both the screen and printer fonts for Type 1 fonts. Send the same format (Type 1, TrueType, OpenType) as used in the document. Send all the fonts used, including fonts in EPS graphics. (or convert fonts in graphics to outlines before placing in page layout)

Graphics
Send all graphics used in the format required by the service provider and at the proper resolution for the output device. Convert graphics from RGB to CMYK. Supply original source files for graphics.
If providing images for scanning, mark them for cropping and include required size and placement information.
Include FPO placeholders (For Placement Only).

Media/Transfer Protocol
Label disks with your name, business name, address, phone number, and any job number supplied by the service provider.
You may send files on CD or DVD, or use our FTP file upload.
Include only the most current version of the document to be printed and no unneeded or alternate versions of text files, fonts or image on the disk.

Backup Copy
Never send your only copy. Make backups. Keep copies of all application files, fonts, images, Postscript and PDF files.

HARD COPY

Job Sheets
When sending CDs/DVDs, please include a cover sheet with the following information:
your name, company name, address, phone number, job number, directories and file names and a description of everything on the disk, the name and version of software used, font names, printing instructions, and your expected delivery date.

Proofs
Include a composite laser or color proof printed after all changes and corrections have been made. Check proofs to ensure they accurately reflect the graphics, fonts, bleeds and include crop marks if required. Note on proof if it is not a 100% size representative of final product. Label all proofs with your contact information.

Color Separation Proofs
Check that all colors separate properly. Indicate on separation proofs which color/plate it is. Label all proofs with your contact information.

Dummy
It is always helpful if you are submitting a complicated file to include a dummy indicating the folds, diecuts, spot varnish/UV placement. This ensures accurate finishing.

PRINTCO CORRECTIONS

Printco charges to convert RGB images to CMYK images, output proofs, create bleeds and other corrections. Refer to this preflight checklist before submitting files to Printco in order to avoid printing and finishing delays and added expenses.

Preflight software helps to automate the preflight process. However, it should not substitute the checklist above for files and submission. Printco uses Markz Preflight Software to ensure the quality of files being submitted. While we are not endorsing this software, we do find it to meet our customers needs very well. Printco will Preflight your product for:
  • Bleeds
  • Panel Sizes
  • Color break
  • Color Mode Converssons
  • Resolution of Images
  • Fonts
  • Die Strike Issues
  • Varnishes, UV, Aqueous: flood vs. spot location
  • … and more
We do not proofread your files.
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Printco Graphics
(402) 593-1080 • (888) 593-1080
14112 Industrial Road, Omaha, NE 68144
© 2011, Printco Graphics
On time. On budget. Every time.