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Graphic Design Software
▪
Design software that
we support.
Graphic Design Specifications
▪
Basic design rules.
Proofs and Approvals
▪
Types of proofs.
▪
Viewing proofs.
▪
Proof approvals.
▪
Revisions, changes
and re-proofing charges
Sending Us Your Artwork
▪
What file type to
send us.
▪
Delivering your
design files.
Important
Information You Should Know
▪
Colour accuracy.
▪
Client-supplied
colour samples.
▪
Your ready-by date.
▪
Silkscreen Printing
101
Graphic Design Software
We support the following design software programs - free 30 day
trials of these programs can be downloaded from
www.adobe.com
for both PC and Mac.
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Adobe Illustrator
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Adobe Indesign
-
Adobe Photoshop
If you
are not using one of these design programs please review Item # 4
"Sending Us Your Artwork" for instruction on which file format to
send us.
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Design Specifications
Before You Begin Designing:
-
Your
supplied artwork files are expected to be in final form, which
means they are ready-to-print without the requirement for
changes or modifications.
-
You
must supply your designs on CDwest.ca 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% of solid colour. Tones outside that range
may not reproduce properly.
-
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 to
print in the finished design.
-
Indicate whether your CD/DVD disc design requires a white flood/backprint.
-
If
you are designing your CD or DVD discs for "silkscreen printing"
please review our silkscreen print design tutorials #1 and #2.
Text:
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Minimum recommended type size for positive print: 5 points.
-
Minimum recommended type size for reversed/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 .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:
If you
do provide your own font files separately please review
Item # 4
"Sending Us Your Artwork" for instructions.
Linked Or Placed Images:
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Proofs & Approvals
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. CDwest.ca 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.
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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 can be made, the machine 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 email
is accepted).
Proof Option "C" - Pre-Approved Artwork Files
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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, pages 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 CDwest.ca
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 electronic proofs.
- Re-proofing of printed inserts/packaging: $15 per additional
round of electronic proofs.
- Re-proofing of posters/merchandise items: $10 per additional
round of electronic proofs.
- Re-proofing of hard-copy proofs: Contact your Account
Representative for confirmation of pricing.
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Sending Us Your Artwork
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
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Adobe Indesign: Supply .INDD files
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Adobe Photoshop: Supply .PSD files
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All
other design programs (including Quark): Supply .EPS files
Please
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.
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Convert all text to outlines/paths. If using Photoshop please
rasterize all text layers.
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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.
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MAC USERS: Use 'Stuffit" to compress your design folder.
Name this file with your Job Number and Project Title.
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PC USERS: Use 'Zip' or 'Winzip' to compress your design
folder. Name this file with your Job Number and Project Title.
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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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Important
Information You Should Know
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 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 approval and warranty of layout and
colour.
-
Note: Due to variations inherent with offset printing processes,
a colour 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 your 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 you 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.
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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 sometimes 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]
Silkscreen Printed Discs
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The
biggest stumbling block for Silkscreen Printed discs is
understanding how to design with colour separations.
Please
read this tutorial for instructions on colour separations.
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Unless you are experienced with designing for Silkscreen Print
you should refrain from using anything less than 100% solid
colour in your design. 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 this tutorial for instructions and
examples on designing using less than 100% solid colour.
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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.
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Tonal range for Silkscreen Printing at less than 100% solid
colour is between 15% and 85% of solid.
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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):
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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.
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All
layers must be labeled with the job number, project name and
date.
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All
layers must be labeled with the appropriate PMS colour # or CMYK
value.
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All
layers must be labeled with the type of product being printed on
(CDROM, DVD5, etc.)
Film Specs For CMYK Offset Printing:
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Negative, emulsion down, round dot, output resolution of
2400dpi, line screen 200 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.
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All
layers must be labeled with the job number, project name and
date.
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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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