Color File Setup Guide
GET IT RIGHT AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
Our job is to make your job easier. That’s why we’ve set up these guidelines to keep our production process smooth and seamless for you. Just follow the tips below to get your order fast and affordably.
Please review the guidelines below before placing your order. If questions arise, just call 312-266-8228 or email us for assistance at color@cushingco.com.
ALWAYS INCLUDE YOUR SUPPORT FILES, LINKED GRAPHICS AND FONTS
For best results be sure to send all linked files including all TIFF and EPS files for artwork placed in your document as well as all printer and screen fonts. Convert all RGB defined colors and files to CMYK for four color process production.
Spot colors should be defined with actual PMS numbers rather than generic names such as “red” or “blue”. In Windows based applications, please use EMF instead of WMF file. Text should be converted to paths, curves, or outlines (vector art) when possible. Be sure to include both printer and screen font files for all PostScript fonts used in the document (TrueType fonts contain both screen and printer information in a single file), as well as any linked images.
Avoid manually changing the style of a font. If you need bold or italicized fonts, use fonts that contain in the name of the style you desire (i.e. Arial Bold, Arial Italic, and Arial Narrow).
EPS images containing text, even ones embedded, must either be converted to outlines or paths and resaved. If converting is not an option, you must include the fonts with your file. This is one of the most common oversights that we see.
PREFERRED APPLICATIONS
Design Applications
- QuarkXpress 7 * – Include all placed images, logos, fonts and other elements
- Illustrator CS4 * – Convert all text to outlines
- Photoshop CS4 – Include all layers, paths and channels
- InDesign CS4 – Include all placed images, logos, fonts and other elements
- Acrobat PDF – Please send along with your design file
- CorelDraw 12 – Export your file to a TIFF file as well as send the original Corel file
- PageMaker 7.0 – Call ahead to discuss your project. These files can be harder to image
- Freehand - Call ahead to discuss your project. These files can be harder to image
* These applications have features that make it easier to match colors!
Acceptable Raster Image File Formats
- TIFF
- Photoshop PSD
- EPS
MICROSOFT OFFICE
Many clients use Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher) for their projects because they are familiar with the software. Or because they don’t have access to professional design applications like Illustrator or InDesign. We do accept Microsoft files as we realize it may be your only option. We will do our best to make sure you get the desired results. However we will need some help and support from you. Proof copies are a necessity with Microsoft files. Another option is to send a PDF proof when sending Microsoft Office files.
A FINAL NOTE
Please print the PDF for more suggestions. We are happy to discuss your project requirements, material selections and production turn times with you in advance. Please feel free to call us anytime at 312.266.8228.
