File Preparation Checklist

Supplied by:
Printing Industries of Northern California
665 Third Street San Francisco, CA 94107

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU PREPARE THE FILE

• Is the service provider's hardware and software (including versions) compatible with yours?

• Does the output that can be provided meet your needs?

• What different types of media can the service provider support?

• What modem protocols does the service provider support if files are transmitted?

• What font libraries does the service provider support?

• Should the service provider or I do the trapping on files?

• Should the file be prepared as printer or reader spreads?

FILE PREPARATION CONSIDERATIONS...

• In draw programs, have I limited anchor points to the smallest number possible to minimize RIPing problems?

• Have I incorrectly used the "Style" menu for type styles (bold, italic, etc.), rather that correctly using the actual font in "Font" menu?

• Established crop marks correctly from the page setup or preferences and not placed them manually?

• Included overwork for bleeds outside the crop area?

PROOFS

• Supply a composite proof (either laser or color) of the FINAL file provided for output.

• For color jobs, in addition to a composite proof, also supply separated laser proofs of each color and indicate color identification on each sheet created by the application.

SOME THINGS THAT DON'T ALWAYS APPEAR AS THEY SEEM:

• Laser proofs of the same file do not always output the same way on an imagesetter.

• Monitor images do not match hard proof images.

• All digital proofing devices do not output color hues and values the same way.

ACCEPTABLE GRAPHIC FORMATS

• Submit only TIFF or EPS file formats regardless of platform.

• Convert color graphics files from RGB to CMYK including any nested or embedded elements. Unacceptable file formats for imagesetter output: PICT, PAINT, RGB TIFF, RGB EPS, QUICKTIME, SINGLE FILE CMYK EPS.

• Note: Embedding unacceptable formats in an OK format does not make the resulting file OK.

• Also, duotones and files with clipping paths must be supplied as EPS.

AM I SURE THE FILE FOR OUTPUT IS COMPLETE AND CORRECT? HAVE I...

• Included all the application files and source files including EPS files?

• Included all display and printer fonts used in the file?

• Removed any extraneous versions of files from the medium that don't pertain to the job being output?

• Included complete fonts for typefaces I've modified from library faces and given them a different name from the library font?

• Named all FPO images for APR with the same names as the scanned images?

HAVE I FORGOTTEN ANYTHING?

• The service provider's job sheet with the submitted file showing:
- applications used (including version number)?
- file names
- directories
- fonts used
- due date
- contact name
- business AND after-hours phone numbers
• Do I have the rights on all copyrightable material used in the file?

• Did I make a backup copy of the file and retain it?

Responsibilities: File Originator

• Provide complete files that can be run within acceptable RIPing times.

• Provide all necessary information that permits efficient running of files.

• Provide ease of contact with originator and service provider or printer should any problems arise.

Responsibilities: Service Provider

• Establish norms for RIPing times for various jobs as a benchmark.

• Establish costs for author's alterations done at the customer's request.

• Establish a set of procedures for calling customer promptly when problems are discovered.

What is Included in the Service Provider's Base Costs?

• Installing fonts listed on order form and included with the job.

• Setting up applications to run customer file based on client supplied information.

• Cursory file examination (look for obvious problems that show up when file is viewed on the monitor).

• Quality control to meet printing specifications.

• Final image output.

• Redo due to vendor error.