Supplying Artwork

On this page we have put together some explanations of the common processes involved in producing artwork that is "Print Ready". We hope this will provide you with a good understanding and reduce the possibility for errors, allowing your job to be produced as efficient and cost effective as possible.

Supply on disc

We can accept your files on a wide range of media produced in various software programmes on both Mac and PC format.

Software

(All softwares are usually the latest version available as we update frequently)

MAC/PC


- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- PDF (high resolution for print)

- InDesign

Please ensure all artworks have 3mm bleed where necessary



Trapping

Please ensure when preparing your document that items of colours other than Black are set to knockout when they go over a Black object. General Trapping should be left to us to specify. If setting up work in QuarkXPress, please leave the trapping on Default.

Embed Fonts

Embedding fonts ensures the fonts used in the document are contained within the PDF file, and all text will be correct when we receive the file. The Embed Font tick box is usually checked by default in the PDF dialogue window. Just check to make sure. Fonts should either be outlined if incorporated in Illustrator or Freehand EPS files, or supplied with job if used in Quark.

Crop Marks And Bleed


Bleed is a term used to describe elements of artwork that touch the edge of the page and consequently extends (bleeds) beyond the trim edge. This extended edge is then trimmed off, ensuring a clean cut with no white margin. Bleed is added manually at the designing stage by hanging any pictures or graphics off the edge of the document boundaries. We recommend 3mm. By setting the bleed option in the PDF dialogue box to 3mm, this extra artwork is captured by the PDF.

Booklets should be supplied as individual pages.

Crop Marks indicate to us where the trim edge is, and can be added to your PDF. Please provide a PDF with 3mm bleed and crop marks

For Digital print orders all artwork supplied should be set up correctly for print

COMPRESSION
PDF

Compression is used to cleverly discard some data and reduce the size of the file. Ideally use no compression but this can result in very large files in some circumstances. Otherwise ZIP is perfectly suitable for just about anything. JPEG will discard some information and could decrease the quality of the photographic images.

ALL ARTWORK SUBMITTED SHOULD BE SENT WITH A PRINTED PROOF.


Proofs

Please supply a black and white (if mono) or a colour proof, output at 100% size. Work supplied over ISDN must be supported by a faxed copy of the proof with a colour proof following by first class post.

Cutter Guides

Job that are required to be die cut, should be supplied with a cutter guide. This should be set up as a spot colour that is renamed “Cutter Guide” and set to overprint.

Dummies

If the job has any folding/creasing/perforations or is a booklet. Please supply a full size made up dummy with the job. Clearly indicate the position of any fold/perforation/drill etc. should we need to create a mock up for your approval.

Should you require more specific information please do not hesitate in contacting our IT Manager.

We will always advise in advance of any extra additional work that may be necessary and any additional extra cost this may incur prior to us commencing additional work.

Consequential loss: Vantage cannot under any circumstances be held responsible for any consequential loss incurred as a result of incorrect output. Our liability is limited to supplying corrected output as quickly as possible.