File Preparation For Spot Printing

• The preferred platform is Macintosh.
• The preferred software is Illustrator, though any major graphics program is acceptable.
• The original working files are needed. PDF files are acceptable only for type and linework, most graphics with screens should be sent with the complete working files.
• The higher the resolution, the better for process color work. 300 dpi should be the minimum for the art at final size. Enlarging an image reduces its resolution.
• Send all line work as vector-based files.
• Outline all type, send fonts-both printer and screen fonts.
• Label all spot colors with their PMS numbers for accuracy, even if the art is sent as four color process. One of the advantages of flexographic printing is being able to print spot colors as the pure, uncompromised color, and large areas of a single color will usually be printed as a separate color.
• If there is an existing proof which needs to be matched, please provide it as a target for us to match. The images will need to be edited to reduce the contamination caused by dot gain on the flexographic printing press, and if we have a "target", we will work to make sure the printed version gets as close as possible.