Note: The production assets you supply to us are deemed to be in final form. This means you have checked them thoroughly and confirm they are ready-to-manufacture without the need for modifications.

• 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.
• Remember, you are creating artwork for commercial printing which has different rules than designing for the internet.
   

Design Software
 
We support the following graphic design software programs (free fully functioning 30 day trials of these programs can be downloaded from www.adobe.com): Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign and Adobe Photoshop.

If you are not using one of these design programs please review the when your design is finished section for instructions on which file format to send us.
  

Design Templates
 
You designs must be supplied on Precision Disc design templates. We cannot accept templates from other manufacturers.

Basic Design Rules

Learn the six simple design mistakes that cause over 75% of artwork related delays and problems. [DOWNLOAD .PDF]

• Your design page properties should be set to CMYK colour mode and 300dpi before you begin designing.
• The specific CMYK colour profile should be US Web Coated (SWOP) - which stands for 'Specifications for Web
  Offset Publications'.
• If you are using bitmap graphics, imagery or photos they should be created at 300dpi and in CMYK colour mode.
• Saving bitmap images and photos as .TIF (or .TIFF) files will produce higher quality images than .JPG, .GIF, .PNG, .BMP.
• If you are designing using transparencies, gradients, drop-shadows or anything less than 100% solid colour, the tonal
  range must be between 15% and 85%. Tones outside that range my not print properly.
• New! When creating a solid black background or black graphics for CMYK printing please do not exceed the following colour values: C:25 M:25 Y:5 K:100. Supplying higher values than those noted may cause adhesion issues with the ink.   
• Always allow 1/8" (3mm) of bleed past the finished edges of your 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 the design tips on our Resources page.
• 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 negative print: 6 points.
• IF USING PHOTOSHOP: Because text and line-art tends to be pixelated when included in bitmap images, we highly
  recommend that Photoshop be used to process images but not for typesetting or creating line-art. For best results it is
  preferable to save your images in Photoshop as a .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 or 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 provide your own font files separately please review the when your design is finished section 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 (eg: Linked Files) so it can be clearly identified.
 

Barcode
 
If you require a barcode for your order we can either supply you with the barcode graphic (in .eps file format) for you to include in your artwork, or we can add the barcode to your artwork during the pre-press process. If you want us to add the barcode you must provide clear instructions on exactly where you want it placed.
 
Join our VIP Program (it's free to join) to get a barcode for your order at no extra charge... otherwise a barcode is $15.00
 
Sizing: Allow approximately 0.5" x 1.5" for the barcode (12mm x 40mm).
 
Important: The actual ownership of the code is not transferred to you because the 'prefix' of the barcode is registered to our company. To own your own barcode means you have to have it registered in your name and that will likely cost you several hundred dollars, so our free barcode works very well for many of our clients.
 
Keep in mind that there may be some situations where you will need to own your own barcode - for example, some major retailers require proof of barcode ownership. In a situation like that you would need to have your own barcode.

When Your Design Is Finished

• If you created your design using Adobe Illustrator: Supply .AI files.
• If you created your design using Adobe Indesign: Supply .INDD files.
• If you created your design using 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's required.
   
• 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.
• Place all of your relevant design files and folders into one project folder. Name the project folder with your Job Number and
  your Project Title.
   
• MAC USERS: Use "Stuffit" to compress your project folder (and font files if applicable). Make sure this compressed file is
  named with your Job Number and Project Title.
• PC USERS: Use "Zip" or "Winzip" to compress your project folder (and font files if applicable). Make sure this
  compressed file is named with your Job Number and Project Title.
• Submit your design on CDR with your other order assets or you can upload it to our Artwork 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.
   

Artwork FTP Dropbox
 
You can upload your artwork to our Artwork FTP Dropbox. Please follow the instructions.

Proof Option "A" - Electronic Proofs (.PDF)

• 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% to 10% colour variation between hard-copy printed proofs and the finished product may be unavoidable due to
  tolerances inherent with offset printing.
• 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 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 written proofs, via fax or
  email. A verbal approval cannot be accepted.
• By providing an approval in writing, the client and 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 the before you begin designing section, 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 electronic proofs.
• Re-proofing of printing inserts/packaging: $15 per additional round of electronic proofs.
• Re-proofing of posters/merchandise items: $10 per additional round of electronic proofs.

Colour Accuracy
 
As stated in Proof Option "A", electronic proofs are never to be used for evaluation of colour. This is because computer monitors don't represent colour values accurately.

• Your order will go to print based on the colour values as supplied in your artwork's imagery.
• If colour 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 colour variation of up to 5% to 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
  the 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 yor 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 and confirming that it meets with your approval.
 
As stated in Precision Disc's Terms Of Business, "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."
 

Silkscreen Film
 
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 labelled with the job number, project name and date.
• All layers must be labelled with the appropriate PMS colour number of CMYK value.
• All layers must be labelled 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 labelled with the job number, project name and date.
• All layers must be labelled with the appropriate CMYK value.
• All layers must be labelled with the type of product being printed on (CDROM, DVD5, etc.)