Lots of information flowing in and it’s been great because I’m learning about the software I use in a completely different way. It’s amazing the features of InDesign that are used strictly for PrePress, but make a huge difference when the designer sets up their files correctly.
Expected turnaround time is less than a day when a file is sent and ready for production, but there are so many factors that come into play that set back the job. Biggest problem is file set up. When making ANY sort of graphic where black is overlaying on top of another color designer need to turn off the overprint feature. It changes dramatically what your black looks like. Remember there’s 100% true black and then rich black which is created with CMY that can cause blur lines. And no RGB black please.
Make sure your font files are there or set as outlines. Missing fonts and links set back jobs. If you are working on jobs and moving things to your paste board make sure the final file is clear of all these files not needed for you job. When the file loads at the print shop it will search for all those missing files. I had one job that had 114 missing links. The spinning wheel of death was my friend.
When sending files always include the original plus the PDF. PDF can be exported or printed out of design programs. It’s important to make sure your PDF is flattened. Transparencies are tough to work with.
Pitstop is a plug-in for Acrobat that allows manipulations to be made to some of the design elements of PDFs. Yesterday spent time taking out crop marks of a graphic that were in the bleed area.
The software Apogee is now called PrePress, but they prefer to use the older terms. Creep is shingling, the space that gets bigger or smaller in publications, such as magazines or books when lots of pages get folded down it becomes thicker and things shift. Very important for me to remember when I want to make those bigger shiny books in the future! Special formulas are created to account for creep, they are entered manually and it’s always good to make a visual check.
If you’re creating a 2 color process file then remember to just turn on those two colors! Often times images are four color and if you haven’t converted them then there will be missing parts of your image.
When using your Pantone palette remember what are you printing in? If those colors will be converted to CMYK then there is a big possibility that color will look very different. Make sure you like the conversion to process.
The guys are really letting me have it now. Information is flying at me I can’t keep notes fast enough and all the aggression towards designers who don’t care about their final work is unleashing as well. It’s very eye opening. I never would have thought about simple steps that make everyone’s life easier. Everyone has told me they would love to have a better relationship with the designer. Great communication makes for great projects and everyone will want to work on them.
Much more to come!
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