ART SPECS
SPECS FOR PROFESSIONAL PRINTING SERVICES
Here at Blue Dog Graphics we want to make your digital printing project go as smoothly as possible. That’s why we’ve collected these specifications for submissions for printing services.
ACCEPTABLE PROGRAMS:
- Adobe InDesign
- QuarkXPress
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
Be sure to collect all files for output before submitting them to us.
ARTWORK SET-UP AND COLOR:
MAKE SURE ALL COLORS ARE CORRECT –
Print separations and check printouts before sending your files.
IMAGE RESOLUTION:
All images must be at least 300 dpi or higher. Remember: Pixel-based images lose resolution when their size is increased. DO NOT UP THE RESOLUTION IN PHOTOSHOP. THIS PRACTICE ONLY DECREASES THE QUALITY OF THE IMAGE(S).
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. Blue Dog Graphics 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.
Use Postscript 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:
Whenever possible, set up all artwork in a page layout program
(QuarkXPress or InDesign).
Set up files to size. If you do not, send positioning information.
Include at least 1/8″ bleed when necessary.
SEND ALL FILES BEING USED – FONTS, IMAGES, ETC.
Commands such as “Collect for Output” (QuarkXPress) and “Package” (InDesign) gather all needed links and fonts.
Send ONLY the files we need.
PDF’s:
Make them the correct size (i.e., not 8 1/2″ 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.
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.