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Questions
BEFORE you prepare the file...
- Is your 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 compression programs does the service provider support?
- What font libraries does the service provider support?
- Should the service provider or I do trapping on files?
- Should the file be prepared as printer or reader spreads?
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.
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Acceptable graphic formats
- Submit only TIF or EPS file formats regardless of platform.
- Convert color graphics files from RGB to CMYK including any nested
or embedded elements.
- Unacceptable (high risk) file formats for imagesetter output: PICT,
PAINT, RGB TIFF, RGB EPS, Quick Time, WMF, BMP.
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. If you do not save the screen information for the duotones,
be sure that the application you are using to output these images
will allow you to set the angles that you will require. Indicate the
specialty angles for the duotones on the work order.
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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 type faces I've modified from library
faces and given them a different name from the library font?
- Named all FPO images for OPI with the same names as the scanned
images?
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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 including the business AND after hours phone numbers
if appropriate
- Do I have the rights on all the copyrightable material I've used
in the file?
- Did I make a backup copy of the file and retain it?
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File preparation considerations ...
- In draw programs have I limited anchor points to the smallest number
possible to minimize RIPping problems?
- Have I incorrectly used the "Style" menu for type styles
(bold, italic, etc.), rather than correctly using the actual font
in "Font" menu?
- Have I established crop marks correctly from the page setup or preferences
and not placed them manually?
- Have I included overwork for bleeds outside of crop area?
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Some things that don't always appear as they seem
- Monitor images do not match hard proof images.
- Laser proofs of the same file do not always output the same way
on an imagesetter.
- All digital proofing devices do not output color hues and values
the same way.
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Responsibilities: File Originator
- Provide complete files that can be run within acceptable RIPping
times.
- Provide all necessary information that permits efficient running
of files.
- Provide ease of contact with originator and service provider or
printer should problems arise.
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Responsibilities: Service Provider
- Establish norms for RIPping times for various jobs as a benchmark.
- Establish costs for author's alterations done at the customer's
request.
- Establish procedures for calling customer promptly when problems
are discovered.
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What is usually 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.
- Quality control of materials to meet printing requirements.
- Final image output.
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What is not usually included in the Service provider's base
costs?
- Trapping
- Scanning and/or placement of scans into documents.
- File editing, including conversion of RGB to CMYK.
- Creating laser proofs if not supplied with file.
- Additional time associated with jobs containing incomplete or missing
elements.
- Color proofing of final film or output.
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This Preflight
Checklist is based on one originally developed through a consensus
of PINC members people who deal with electronic mechanicals on a daily
basis. ImageSetters has updated some items which are specific to our
equipment and policies. Printing Industries of Northern California
may be reached at (415) 495-8242.
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