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Before You Begin
Designing
◦ 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.
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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).
If you are not using one of these design programs
please review "When
Your Design Is Finished" for
instructions on which file format to send us.
◦ Adobe Illustrator
◦ Adobe Indesign
◦ Adobe Photoshop
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Design Templates
◦
You designs must be supplied on Precision Disc
design templates.
We cannot accept templates from other
manufacturers.
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Basic Design Rules
◦ 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 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.
◦ 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 our
silkscreen
printing tips and
tutorials.
◦ 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.
◦
Learn the six simple design mistakes that cause over
75% of artwork related delays and problems.
[download
.pdf]
◦
Learn how to properly sequence your stapled booklet
into printer spreads.
[download
.pdf]
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- 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.
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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 "When
Your Design Is Finished" for
instructions.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Artwork FTP Dropbox
You can upload
your artwork to our
Artwork FTP
Dropbox. Please follow the
instructions.
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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).
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Artwork Revisions, Changes and Re-Proofing Charges
As noted in the section
titled
Before You Begin Designing, 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.
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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.
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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 acceptyour 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.
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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."
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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
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Film angles: Yellow: 0 / Magenta: 75 / Cyan: 15 /
Black: 45
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Film must be free of pinholes, contamination, creases,
scratches, etc.
◦
Al layers must be labelled with the job number,
project name and date.
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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.)
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