 | What file formats does NextGeneration Printing accept? |
NextGeneration Printing accepts the following file formats in both Mac and PC format: Adobe PDF, Adobe InDesign, QuarkXpress, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe PageMaker, Adobe Photoshop. We cannot guarantee files created in Microsoft applications will produce high quality images and text. Please refer to the user manual for these applications on how to create a high-res PDF for printing. | |
| What are 1/8 inch bleeds? |
NextGeneration Printing requires a 0.125" bleed around the perimeter of your document to ensure proper cutting. For example: If you are building a 4" x 6" postcard your artwork should extend to 4.25" x 6.25". See templates for help in setting your document up correctly. If your document has a white border with no artwork on all four sides bleeds are not required. | |
| How can I check to see if my file will separate correctly? |
The best way to check your file for correct color separation is to print separations to a B/W printer. In your print options choose "Separations" rather than "Composite" when you print. If the file is set up correctly for CMYK you will get a Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black laser print. If you are printing PMS spot colors you should only get separations for the PMS colors you have chosen. | |
| Why do my files need to be CMYK? |
The color mode of submitted files should be CMYK. If files are submitted in another color mode such as RGB they will be converted to CMYK. Conversions from one color mode to another may cause a slight color shift. | |
| Why is image resolution so important? |
Resolution also known as DPI (Dots Per Inch) is the number of dots that fit horizontally and vertically into a one inch square. The more dots per inch (higher resolution) the more detail and sharper the resulting image will be. For an image to print properly, the image should be high resolution 300 dpi. If your file is not 300 dpi, you can not simply increase the dpi to a higher one in your imaging program, you will need to rescan the original image at a higher resolution. | |
| Do I need to supply fonts? |
It is important that you supply all fonts used in your layout to NextGeneration Printing to insure proper printing. You may also be able to convert all fonts to outline if you are using Illustrator. Open your document select all fonts and "Create Outlines". This converts all fonts to a vector images so that the fonts are no longer required. Keep in mind that type changes will no longer be able to be made to this file so keep a version of your orginal file. Another way to avoid font issues is to create a high resolution PDF with all fonts embedded. | |
| Do I need to supply images with my file? |
If you are supplying the native page layout file such as Adobe InDesign or QuarkXpress you must supply all the images used in that document. If you supply a high resolution PDF file with all images embedded no image files will be required. | |
| What is the preferred file format? |
A high resolution PDF with all fonts embedded is the best format to upload for printing. This format insures high quality printing with no font or image problems, when created properly. | |
| Can NextGeneration help me prepare my files? |
NextGenertion provides detailed file preparation guidelines and tips in our online "Help Center" along with templates to help you get started on your project. If additional support is needed you may consider NextGeneration's design services to prepare your files quickly and cost effectively. | |