Spot & CMYK colors
If your job is printing as full color process, be sure to convert any spot colors to CMYK. This is especially important in illustration programs such as Illustrator and Freehand. Never use RGB, HSL or any other non-standard color models. Delete any unused colors. A file that you view in RGB mode may look somewhat different when converted to CMYK mode. Conversion to CMYK is NECESSARY prior to printing.
Hard Copy
Hard copy (laser proofs) must be supplied with your job. They should be printed at 100% (actual size) if possible. If not, they should be marked as to the percentage at which they are provided.
Fonts & Text Components
Postscript fonts have two components: 1) the screen font, and 2) the printer font. Each part is necessary to image your file. Be sure to send both your printer and screen fonts with your job, including fonts used in illustration programs.
Please do not use menustyle fonts. Many software programs allow you the option of highlighting a word and applying italics, bold, outline or shadow to the type characters. Do not do this when preparing files for print. You must use the actual font that you want to print.
Graphic Components
Be sure to send all graphic components that are in your job. This includes "Nested Files" that are found within EPS files.
Please do not stylize graphics in QuarkXPress or any layout program (such as negative, contrast, posterize, ghosting, etc.). These should be done in the native application, as should any colorizing, especially when using Adobe Pagemaker.
Make sure all line-art, grayscale and four-color files are scanned at the appropriate size and dot value. Line-art should have a resolution of no less than 600 dpi. Grayscale and four-color should have a resolution of 300 dpi. Try to scan your images so they can be placed in the document at 100%. If your images are to be scanned by Jacob North, please indicate page, cropping and scaling on each image.
Proper File Format
Save scans as TIFF files whenever possible, and use Photoshop to save your scans. Photoshop writes cleaner TIFF files than programs that come with scanners. Do not save as RGB. Save your images in CMYK, or convert them before sending them to us. Save EPS files as a single file, not as a DCS file. Do not use JPEG compression or LZW compression on TIFF files. Do not include the transfer function or halftone screen.
Bleeds
Any element that extends to the final trim edge needs bleed extended to at least 0.125" for conventional print and 0.0625 for digital print. Do not include the bleed when setting up your document size. Bleed should be opened up past the edge of the document. All critical elements must be at least 3/16" from the trim edge.
Trapping
When creating your document, pay close attention to trapping. Do not depend on an application's default setting to trap properly. Jacob North cannot be responsible for improperly trapped documents.
Document Layout
Remember to always set up your document to final trim size. Please do not send single page documents for multiple page jobs.
Sending in Your Files
All files, disks/CD’s must be clearly labeled and accompanied by a directory printout (don’t forget your hardcopy too!).