We support the following graphic design software programs (free 30 day trials of these programs can be downloaded from www.adobe.com):

• Adobe Illustrator

• Adobe Indesign

• Adobe Photoshop

If you are not using one of these design programs please review Item #4 "Sending Us Your Artwork" for instructions on which file format to send us.

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• Your supplied artwork files are expected to be supplied in final form, which means they are ready-to-print without the requirement for changes or modifications.
• You must supply your designs on Precision Disc design templates. We cannot accept templates from other manufacturers.
• Remember - you are creating artwork for commercial printing which has different rules than designing for the internet.

The Basics:

• Design page properties must be set to CMYK colour mode and 300dpi - never RGB colour mode.
• If you are using bitmap graphics, imagery or photos they should be created at 300dpi and in CMYK colour mode.
• Saving your bitmap images and photos as .TIF (or .TIFF) files will produce higher quality images than .JPG, .GIF, .PNG or .BMP.
• If you are designing using transparencies, gradients, drop-shadows or anything other than 100% solid colour, the tonal range must be between 15% and 85%. Tones outside that range may not print.
• Always allow 1/8" (3mm) of bleed past the finished edges of the design. Download more information about 'bleed'.
• Don't crowd the finished edge of the design with text and imagery. We recommend leaving a minimum gutter distance of 1/8" (3mm) to 1/4" (6mm). Download more information about 'gutter'. 
• Artwork files for stapled booklets are to be supplied in printer-spread format. 
• Delete all images, text and/or layers that are not required in the design.
• Indicate whether your CD/DVD disc design requires a white flood/backprint.
• If you are designing your CD or DVD disc for "silkscreen printing" please review this silkscreen print design tutorial.
• When you've completed your design don't delete the template - please leave it in the design for our visual reference but ensure it is on its own design layer. Never flatten the design template into the artwork.

Text:

• Minimum recommended type size for positive print: 5 points.
• Minimum recommended type size for reversed print: 6 points
• IF USING PHOTOSHOP: Because text and line-art tends to be pixelated when included in bitmape images, we hight recommend that Photoshop be used to proces images but not for typesetting or creating line-art. For best results it is preferable to save your images in Photoshop as .TIF (or .TIFF) files and then complete your design with typesetting and line-art in a program such as Illustrator or Indesign.

Convert Your Text To Outlines/Paths:

To avoid compatibility issues caused by different computer platforms and font types, we require the following:

• All fonts to be converted to outlines/paths.

• If using Photoshop you must 'rasterize' all text layers.   

If you do provide your own font files separately please review Item #4 "Sending Us Your Artwork" for instructions.

Linked or Placed Images:

• If you are 'linking' or 'placing' your images into your design page make sure you supply those source files in a separate folder. Please name the folder appropriately so it can be clearly identified.

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Your supplied artwork files are deemed to be received in final form, which means they are ready-to-print without the requirement for changes or modifications. Precision Disc provides three proofing options as noted below.

Proof Option "A" - Electronic Proofs

• This is Precision Disc's default proofing option.
• One round of electronic proofs are included in your quoted price.
• Design files are reviewed and electronic proofs (normally in .PDF file format) are e-mailed to you.
• Electronic proofs are for confirmation and warranty of the physical layout only - they are not for colour reference and do not provide colour warranty. If colour accuracy is a concern we recommend you choose Proof Option "B".
• A clearly worded written approval is required (approval via e-mail is accepted).

Proof Option "B" - Hard-Copy Printed Proofs

• This proofing option must be specifically requested.
• There is a fee for hard-copy printed proofs - please contact your Account Representative for pricing.
• Electronic proofs must be approved prior to the supply of hard-copy proofs.
• Hard-copy printed proofs are for confirmation and warranty of the physical layout and colour accuracy.
• Up to 5%-10% colour variation between hard-copy printed proofs and the finished product may be unavoidable due to tolerances inherent with offset printing processes.
• Colour adjustments of hard-copy proofs may not be possible. In the event colour adjustments are possible, the time and re-proofing are charged for (unless the re-proofing was due to our error in proof generation).
• A clearly worded written approval is required (approval via e-mail is accepted).

Proof Option "C" - Pre-Approved Artwork Files

• This proofing option must be specifically requested.
• Client supplies pre-approved artwork files, by-passing review and proofs.
• No proofs supplied. No layout or colour warranty offered.

Viewing Your Proofs

The purpose of the proofs is to give you one last chance to review your design for overall accuracy and completeness of the design components before it goes to print. Any errors or omissions that you do not correct in the proofing stage will be present in the finished product. View your .PDF proofs with Adobe Acrobat and ensure the
“Overprint Preview” function is turned on.

Proof Approvals

• It is the sole responsibility of the client to review all details of the supplied proof which includes (but is not limited to) layout/design, page sequencing, dimensions, spelling and punctuation.
• In order to proceed with production the client must submit a clearly worded written approval of the proofs in person, via fax or e-mail. A verbal approval cannot be accepted.
• By providing an approval in writing, the client indemnifies and holds Precision Disc free from responsibility and liability for any errors or omissions in the proof that are not found and corrected by the client. Furthermore, the client acknowledges that the reworking and/or reprinting of materials due to client error is at the sole expense of the client. Such costs will be formally quoted in writing and must be approved by the client in writing before any additional work can take place.

Artwork Revisions, Changes and Re-Proofing Charges

As noted in Section #2 and the beginning of Section #3, your supplied artwork files are expected to be supplied in final form, which means they are ready-to-print without the requirement for changes or modifications. 

• If revisions to existing files are required, or if new artwork files are required after proofs have been generated, the proofing process must begin again. Due to the extra work involved an additional proofing charge will be required for each additional round of proofs (except in instances where the required change to the proof is due to our error in generating the proof).
   
  - Re-proofing of a single CD or DVD disc: $10 per additional round of proofs.
  - Re-proofing of printed inserts/packaging: $15 per additional round of proofs.
  - Re-proofing of posters/merchandise items: $10 per additional round of proofs.

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As noted in Section #1, we support specific graphic design software programs. Please supply your artwork files in the following formats:

• Adobe Illustrator: Supply .AI files.

• Adobe Indesign: Supply .INDD files.

• Adobe Photoshop: Supply .PSD files

• All other design programs (including Quark): Supply .EPS files

Don't supply us with multiple versions of the same artwork files - just one version of each design file is all that is required.

When Your Design Is Finished

• Leave the design template in the design for our visual reference but ensure it is on its own design layer. Never flatten the design template into the artwork.

• Convert all text to outlines/paths. If using Photoshop please rasterize all text layers.

• If you are designing using linked/placed images please supply those images in a separate folder.

• Place all of your relevant design files and folders into one folder. Name the folder with your Job Number and your Project Title.

• MAC USERS: Use 'Stuffit" to compress your design folder. Name this file with your Job Number and your Project Title.

• PC USERS: Use 'Zip' or 'Winzip' to compress your design folder. Name this file with your Job Number and your Project Title.

• Submit your design file on CDR with your other order assets or upload it to our FTP dropbox. If you are sending a CDR please ensure the disc is clearly marked with your Job Number and the title "Artwork Files". Never supply your artwork files on the same disc as your Master content files.

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Colour Accuracy

As noted in Section #3, electronic proofs are never to be used for evaluation of colour. This is because computer monitors don’t represent color values accurately (learn more).

• Your order will go to print based on the colour values as supplied in your artwork's imagery.
• If color correctness is a concern we recommend you request hard-copy printed proofs for final approval and warranty of layout and colour.
• Note: Due to variations inherent with offset printing processes, a color variation of up to 5-10% between the printed-paper proofs and the final printed product may be unavoidable and this is considered to be within acceptable industry tolerances.
• If the colouration of your hard-copy printed proofs is not to your satisfaction there may be nothing we can do about it from a standpoint of printing. In many instances the only way to alter colouration will be for you to revise your artwork and resubmit it to us. In this event, re-proofing charges will apply.

Client Supplied Colour Samples

Client-supplied printed colour samples can be accepted for some products but not all. Please contact us to discuss your particular project.

• Even if we can accept your colour sample it may not be possible for our printers to “match” the colouration on your supplied sample - but we will come as close as our printing equipment will allow. This is because the printing equipment, calibration, inks and substrates used to print your sample are different than what we will use to print your order. 

• Because we cannot guarantee a match to your supplied sample we require you to order hard-copy proofs for sign-off.

• If the colouration of your hard-copy printed proofs is not to your satisfaction there may be nothing we can do about it from a standpoint of printing. In many instances the only way to alter colouration will be for you to revise your artwork and resubmit it to us. In this event, re-proofing charges will apply.

Ready-By-Date

IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that you do not (A) schedule the release of your product, (B) book a product release event, or (C) schedule a trip or tour prior to receiving your product.

Every effort will be made to fill orders within the timeline quoted at the outset of the project, however, quoted ready-by-dates are to be considered estimates only and are not guaranteed. Though uncommon, due to the inherent nature of custom manufacturing delays can occur and Precision Disc Manufacturing Corp. assumes no responsibility for any damages growing out of or owing to any delays.
   

	Don't let artwork issues delay your order - learn the 6 simple mistakes that cause over 75% of artwork related delays and problems [download].
	Don't let artwork issues delay your order - learn how to properly sequence your stapled booklet into printer spreads [download].

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Silkscreen Printed Discs

• Graphic Design Tutorials for Silkscreen Printed discs:
  Tutorial # 1: How to create your design with colour separations.
  Tutorial # 2: Hazards of designing using less than 100% solid colour.
  Tutorial # 3: Designing without a white flood (aka: white backprint).
• Tonal range for Silkscreen Printing at less than 100% solid colour is between 15 and 85% of solid.
Silkscreen Printed gradients, transparencies, drop shadows and screens in your design will not have the consistent and smooth appearance that you see on your computer monitor. Please read Tutorial #2 for instructions and examples on designing using less than 100% solid colour.
• For spot colour silkscreen printing - best results come from line-art graphics and
  text. Bitmap images tend to be jagged in appearance and don't print well so Photoshop is not recommended for Silkscreen designs.
• For spot colour silkscreen printing you must specify Pantone Matching 
  System (PMS) Solid-Coated colour numbers. The PMS designation is “C”.  

Supplying Your Own Film For Silkscreen Printed Discs

We do not recommend that clients supply their own film unless they are very
experienced in designing artwork for commercial print. Please note: When film is
supplied the job will go to print as per the film supplied and no proofs are
generated for approval.

IMPORTANT: If supplying film, you must use our design templates. We cannot accept film that has been ripped using other templates.

Film Specs For Silkscreen Printed Discs (PMS/Spot or CMYK):

• Positive, emulsion up, round dot, output resolution 2400 dpi, line screen 100 LPI
• Film angles: Yellow: 0 / Magenta: 75 / Cyan: 15 / Black: 45
• Film must be free of pinholes, contamination, creases, scratches, etc.
• All layers must be labeled with the job number, project name and date.
• All layers must be labeled with the appropriate PMS colour # or CMYK value.
• All layers must be labeled with the type of product being printed on 
  (CDROM, DVD5, etc.)

Film Specs For CMYK Offset Printing:

• Negative, emulsion down, round dot, output resolution of 2400dpi, line screen 
  200 LPI
• Film angles: Yellow: 0 / Magenta: 75 / Cyan: 15 / Black: 45
• Film must be free of pinholes, contamination, creases, scratches, etc.
• All layers must be labeled with the job number, project name and date.
• All layers must be labeled with the appropriate CMYK value.
• All layers must be labeled with the type of product being printed on (CDROM, DVD5, etc.)

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