PREPRESS HELP PAGES
Here are some useful tips and information on how to set up your files for trouble free output. Please contact us if you need any further help. We look forward to working with you on your next publication.
Adobe InDesign
Make sure your version of InDesign is 1.5 or
greater.
We strongly suggest that you review your program reference guides in conjunction with any instructions you may receive on our site. Look for information under Printing, Printing to disk (PostScript), Preparing files for a service bureau or service provider, Preparing documents for High Resolution Imagesetting.
Before working with and creating PostScript print-to-disk (PTD) or Acrobat PDF files it is imperative that you be familiar with your applications, how to print, and have a good general working knowledge of your computer and its operating system.
Preflight and Package Native Files If you are sending native files, you must insure that your job is produced correctly and all associated files included and updated. This includes verifying all graphics links, typefaces, and page elements. Most of these functions will occur when you use the Package option.
- With your document opened within InDesign, select Package under the File menu. In the Preflight dialog box, click Package.
- If a dialog box appears alerting you to possible problems, do one of the following: > Click View Info to open the Preflight dialog box where you can correct problems or get further information. When you're satisfied with the document, begin the packaging process again. > Click Continue to begin packaging.
- Fill in the printing instructions. The filename you type is the name of the report that accompanies all other packaging files. This report, which is saved in the default text editor format, includes the information in the Printing Instructions dialog box; a list of all used fonts, links, and inks required to print the document; and print settings. The report is stored in the same folder as the other packaging files.
- Click Continue, and then specify a location in which to save all packaging files.
- Select the following. > Copy Fonts, this copies all necessary font files, not the entire font family. > Copy Linked Graphics Files, this copies linked graphics files. Linked text files are always copied. > Update Graphic Links, this changes graphic links (not text links) to the package folder location. If you want to relink text files, you must do so manually and check whether the formatting retains the appropriate view inside the document. > Include Fonts and Links from Hidden Layers, this will package the objects located on hidden layers. > View Report, which opens the printing instructions report in a text editor immediately after packaging. To edit the printing instructions before completing the packaging process, click the Instructions button.
- Click Package.
- Always check your packaging by printing some test files before sending
Printing PostScript print-to-disk files If you are sending PostScript files you need to make sure that all your fonts and linked graphics are properly prepared. This should not be a problem if you have already printed proofs. You can additionally verify your file by running the Package function under the File menu. Here you will verify all is ok with your document and click the Cancel button. You may also desire to save your results to disk for future reference, in this case click the Report button and save your report.
- You must insure that you have a valid PostScript printer driver (check our web site for more detail on the latest printer drivers). Be sure to select the correct PostScript printer driver before continuing.
- Be sure the correct PPD (PostScript Printer Description file) is installed in your computer (check our web site for more detail on the latest PPDs).
Macintosh Page Setup The following will provide information for Mac users, read through even if you are using a Windows machine to get a general idea of what must be done. The Windows specific instructions will follow this section.
- First you need to set up the correct page size for output. Choose Print Setup... from the File menu and select the correct PPD (Agfa Accuset 800) from the Name menu.
- Select Custom from the page size. Be sure the scale is set correctly (usually 100%).
- Select Custom Page Default from the pull down menu.
- Set your Paper Size, follow the settings above (with the exception of the highlighted numbers, width/height). Remember you will have to take into account crop and registration marks, so when you set your paper width and height be sure to add approximately 1 inch in each dimension (more for bleeds). Click OK.
Windows Page Setup The following will provide information for setting up Windows pages.
- Choose Print under the file menu. Select the correct Printer in the Name pull down menu. Choose the correct Paper size, you will most likely need to set up a custom size to take into account crop and register marks.
- Click on the Properties button. Select the paper tab and make sure a custom page size is selected and click on the Custom button.
- Set your Paper Size, follow the settings above (with the exception of the highlighted numbers, width/height). Set the size and select Transverse if available. Remember you will have to take into account crop and registration marks, so when you set your paper width and height be sure to add approximately 1 inch in each dimension (more for bleeds). Click OK.
- Click on the Graphics Tab choose the resolution (remember 2400 dpi is subject to additional surcharges). Be sure this number will match your line screen request (specific line screen resolutions must be paired with certain dpi values, contact us for more info). NEVER select Negative or Mirror. Click on the PostScript tab and select Postscript Optimize for Portability. Click OK.
Some of the next options may or may not exist on your computer (it depends on the platform and your system setup), if you don't find them (or an equivalent option) you can ignore the instruction relating to that option.
- Now Select Print... from the File menu. Again be sure the correct printer is selected, and now be sure that File is set in the Destination menu (Print to file in Windows).
- Select General. Be sure to leave all options unchecked, and copies set to 1.
- Now select Printer Specific Options (the last one in the menu). DO NOT CHANGE unless you have been given specific instructions.
- Select the next Printer Specific Options selection. Choose the resolution (remember 2400 dpi is subject to additional surcharges). Be sure this number will match your line screen request (specific line screen resolutions must be paired with certain dpi values, contact us for more info).
- Select Cover Pages, make sure it's set to None.
- Select Layout. If available, select Transverse. Don't change anything else. Do not attempt to do any kind of imposition from this menu (2up, etc.).
- Select Error Handling. Set to No Special Reporting. NEVER set to Print Report
- Select PostScript Settings. Your settings should match the ones below. PostScript Job, language level 2 (or 1), binary data, include ALL fonts.
- Select Trapping. Turn on and enable for your document only if you are outputting separations. Consult your printer for details.
- Select Page Marks. Select the appropriate Printer Marks. We recommend selecting All Printer's Marks. Make sure to set your bleed in the Bleed box. Be very careful of the figures in the lower right hand corner, they will let you know (as well as the depiction of the page) whether your Page Setup... (or Print/Properties in Windows) has been set up correctly. If elements appear outside the page you will see this on the page as well as see Red and Negative numbers in the area highlighted below. If this happens you will have to correct your settings in the Custom section of the Page Setup (or Print/Properties in Windows). In that case you will be required to cancel out of Print and return to Page Setup (or Print/Properties in Windows), Click Save Settings if this is the case so that you don't have to repeat your setup. In Page Setup (or Print/Properties in Windows), remember to add approximately 1 inch to trim size for crop and reg marks, and more if there are bleeds.
- Select Graphics. Match your settings with the screen shot below. Generally you want to include ALL image data, omitting nothing. Avoid setting any "proof" options.
- Select Scale and Fit. Set your scale to 100% and DO NOT select Tiling.
- Select Color. Here you will choose whether you are outputting separations, screening options, and specific colors. The settings in this dialog will depend on the kind of job you are sending, select as required. DO NOT alter the frequency/angle settings independent of the Screening settings, unless instructed to do otherwise. Make sure you eliminate unused or unneeded colors otherwise you may be charged for unnecessary plates.
- Select Advanced Page Control. Here you will set the page ranges for output. Enter the necessary values.
- Now you should click Save to save your publication as a PostScript print-to-disk file.
Copyright © 1994 Marrakech Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 24, 2001