Preparing Electronic Files

Preflight - The term preflight is used to describe the process we use to determine if a job is prepared in a manner that is compatible with our production procedures. We confirm that all fonts and support files are present. We examine your support files to determine file format, resolution, color mode, etc. In general we try to anticipate any production roadblocks we many encounter and upon identifying problem areas, try to provide appropriate solutions.

Hardcopy - We require accurate full size laser printed proofs of your document in order to know how you want your printed job to look. The proofs should match your electronic file exactly so we can compare the proof to the film as a quality control measure. Images should be marked High resolution or Low resolution. Color break your proof to indicate folds, die cuts, foil stamping, and embossing, if required.

Fonts - Please supply all bit map (screen) and outline (printer) fonts used in your document files, including those used in support files. We are requesting these fonts strictly for the purpose of processing your job. We will not add these fonts to our system and will need you to supply them with each job. When specifying fonts, use an actual typeface avoiding the use of application level style attributes such as bold, italic outline, shadow, etc. Although it may print to a desktop laser printer, when it reaches our high-resolution image setter the information can not be converted properly, resulting in the infamous courier substitution shown here.

Support Files - All linked (TIFF and/or EPS) placed in your document must be included with your job. The original graphic is needed for high resolution output and/or editing. Free Hand users should also include the native (non EPS) application file. Make sure to update your document if you modify any of your support files after placing them. Color- When specifying colors it is important to differentiate between Spot colors and Process Match colors. Spot Colors are custom mixed combinations of colored inks such as Pantone or Toyo, and are independent of Process Color. Process Match Colors are simulations of Spot color inks using combinations of the four Process inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. When defining Process match colors always use the CMYK color model. Avoid the use of the predetermined default color of Red, Green, and Blue(RGB).

Trapping - The responsibility to set traps is a work flow decision that should be discussed and established early in the production cycle. We do not require you to do trapping but files must be prepared in a manner compatible with our trapping software.

Bleeding - When adding bleeds you should extend them at least 1/8" past the sheet's cut edge, but not more than ¼" on all sides that bleed

Assemble for Output - Be sure that your files are organized from the start of the project to reduce the chances of forgetting files required to properly image set your job. Provide only the files needed for processing your job. If you send files that you do not intend for us to use in processing your job, place them all in a folder named "DO NOT USE" to avoid any confusion. Remove any unnecessary objects from the pasteboard area (outside the page limits) of your document. Remove any unused color form the palette.

Sending Files through E-mail

When you send a file electronically, you are sending a data file. Generally you can attach any file to your e-mail message and it will reach the person you are sending it to, in the original format that you sent in.

Compression - Some files you may want to compress before sending. Compressing the file will take up less memory on your computer. Some email programs will compress automatically. If you are not sure about yours, you can compress the file before you attach it to the e-mail. To compress a file you need to obtain a compression program. The following are some suggested ways of finding a compression program for both the Personal Computer and the Macintosh Computer.

Personal Computers - Some of the most commonly used programs for compressing files are Pkzip and WinZip. Both programs compress files in a zip disk format. If you would like to download a shareware version of Pkzip and WinZip, you can click here shareware.com and go immediately to the web site. A second thing you can do is to go to any search engine and type in Pkzip or WinZip and there will be many different versions to download.

Macintoshes - If you are using a Macintoshes the most common program for compressing files is a program called Stuffit Deluxe. This program can also be obtained from shareware.com.

Sending Files - To send a file click on the following (mail@laneprint.com) then look for send attachment on your e-mail program. Generally all e-mail systems will allow you to send attachments so browse around until you find it. If you wish, you may write a message in the text box where you can give the instructions for the file that you are sending.

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