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ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS

These procedures help ensure proper printing of your files. Laser separations allow us and you to catch incorrect colors, font problems, etc. These procedures protect both of us from the common problems that cause late and incorrect orders.

OUR REQUIREMENTS
One-Color
A laser printout showing position

Two or More Colors
A composite laser printout showing position
Laser printouts of each separation
Laser separations allow us and you to catch incorrect colors, font problems, etc. The only exception to providing hard copy separations is if you choose to pay for a proof.

SOFTWARE
Folder Express® utilizes a Mac OSX operating system
Acceptable Programs:   QuarkXPress, Illustrator, FreeHand, Photoshop, InDesign
Unacceptable Programs:   Any Microsoft program
Corel Draw – export as Illustrator. (Orders requiring spot colors must be sent as spot colors).
Note: Pagemaker files are only sometimes able to work in a Mac OSX environment. Please use an alternate program if possible.

Artwork Set-up

Color:

• RGB IMAGES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
• MAKE SURE ALL COLORS ARE CORRECT – Print separations and check printouts before sending your files.
• Image Resolution: 300 dpi or higher. Remember: Pixel-based images lose resolution when their size is increased.
• Use the same color names in all files. When using multiple programs, ensure that color names are consistent – the slightest difference will cause the colors to separate incorrectly.
• Color Matching: We cannot guarantee color matching to customer-supplied proofs. Folder Express® will run industry standard ink densities on the press for both PMS® colors and four color process. If your project requires an exception to this, it must be clarified and approved before production begins.

Fonts:

• Convert fonts to outlines/paths whenever possible.
• Postscript (Type 1) and Truetype fonts only.
• Bold & Italic – ensure that your printer font has these styles built in before you use bold and/or italic from your program’s style menu.
• Send all font files associated with the fonts you are using (i.e., all screen and printer font files).

Documents:

• Set up artwork in a page layout program (QuarkXPress or InDesign) whenever possible.
• Set up files to size. If you don’t, send positioning information.
• Include at least 1/8" bleed when necessary.
• Use our templates – download them at www.folderexpress.com.

Files:

• Send all files being used – fonts, graphics, etc.
• Commands such as “Collect for Output” (QuarkXPress) and “Package” (InDesign) gather all needed links and fonts.
• Send ONLY the files we need.
• Duotones and Monotones “Embedded” in Illustrator will translate as CMYK inages.
• *You may send your art file via: disk, e-mail, ready to scan, repeat order or requiring typesetting.

PDF’s:

• Make them the correct size (i.e., not 81/2" x 11").
• Embed all fonts.
• Use correct colors.
• We cannot make alterations to PDF files.
• Be sure to have 1/8" bleed in artwork for all sides on which copy is to bleed.

TEMPLATES
To ensure proper size and positioning of copy, we encourage you to access our templates. Following are instructions on how to download templates from our site.

1. In your browser, click here after you have read this section.
2. Click the download "All Platforms" link.
3. Choose the location to save the file and save.

Incorrect files will delay your production until we can either fix the problem (indefinite delay which may incur extra costs) or you provide us with correct files.