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.
Corel Draw For a PDF Version Click Here
As of this publication, we only accept Corel Draw 8 compatible files. If you are unable to save your
documents as version 8 compatible, you will have to create a PostScript print-to-disk (PTD) or Adobe Acrobat PDF (for prepress) file.
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 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. Corel Draw 9 has the ability to automatically preflight your file, consult your program guides. Some types of Corel Draw files CANNOT be submitted as native
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 preflight options in Corel Draw 9.
- Click Print, click Properties to adjust your printer's settings such as page size, orientation and other printer features. Remember to add additional area for crop and register marks. Consult our Adobe InDesign instructions for proper Windows and Mac Page Setup.
- 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), select Use PPD option.
- Enable Print to File, choose the For Mac option from the Print To File pull down menu. Be sure to set your file to separate, if necessary.
- Select the page range, if necessary.
- Be sure your copies are set correctly (usually one copy).
- Click on the Layout tab, position image "as in document." DO NOT fit to page (this will distort your image or cause image to change size). NEVER select "Print Tiled Pages." Set bleed as necessary. NEVER set any imposition (use 1up only).
- Select Separations tab, click Print separations to print out the separations. Select trapping and select Convert spot colors to CMYK when necessary (you will be charged for any extra plates).
- Click Use advanced settings and click the Advanced... button.
- Choose the resolution and line screen (remember 2400 dpi is subject to additional surcharges). Be sure AGFA Balanced Screening is selected, pick a angle/frequency pairing, but do not change individual plates angle/frequency (specific line screen resolutions must be paired with certain dpi values, contact us for more info). Click OK.
- Click Prepress tab, NEVER select Negative or Mirror. Select crop/fold and registration marks as necessary, we recommend you select all marks (as indicated above).
- Click PostScript tab, select Level 2 Compatibility and Conform to DSC. Select to download all fonts and convert True Type to Type 1. For the remaining PostScript options, use default settings.
- Click the Misc tab, disable ALL proofing options. Select Output color bitmaps as CMYK (for 4 color seps). Do not select Rasterize entire page or Bitmap downsampling.
- The Issue tab produces a report of possible print problems. Issues can vary in severity from no-severity, low-severity, medium-severity to high-severity. You can specify which issues are checked or not checked from Preflight Settings or by choosing 'Don't check for this issue in the future'. Each Issue is described, and applicable solutions are then suggested on how to resolve the issue.
- You can now click on Print/Save to create your PostScript file, or you can click on Print Preview to proof your job on screen before creating the file.
Copyright © 1994 Marrakech Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 24, 2001