Here are some of the most common problems we encounter with digital files that are given to us:

1. Missing fonts and images. It is very important that everything used to build a file be submitted, including printer and screen fonts and art files. Since The Ink Spot is Macintosh-based, customers using PC files must use fonts which are readily substituted with similar Mac fonts or submit a PostScript or PDF file in which font information has been included within the file.

2. Color separations. Prior to submitting a disk, print out color separations for all colors listed in your document’s color list to be sure separations and color setups are correct. Quite frequently, we receive files intended for spot color which are prepared in a CYMK or process color format. Also be sure that each spot color is defined with just one name, all having the same spelling.

3. Laser proofs. Always provide current laser proofs with your file so that we can check our output. If lasers differ from what is on the disk, we cannot know which version is correct.

4. Resolution of scans. For materials to be printed at The Ink Spot, halftones should be scanned at 100% grayscale at 300 dpi and saved as a TIFF format. Line art should be at 100% line art, 1,200 dpi and saved as a TIFF. If a scan will be used as an enlargement, dpi values should be increased proportionately.

5. Banding. Banding often occurs when using a graduated screen. This can be reduced if the values do not include zero or 100%. Thus for full gradation, you should use 1%–99%. Increasing the difference between the beginning and ending tonal values can also reduce banding—a 10%–30% gradation is more likely to band than 10%–70%.

6. Inadequate bleeds. For a document to bleed, the image must be extended beyond the finished size. Generally, 1D16d is sufficient.

7. Nested EPS files. EPS files are often created electronically by combining imported art files with text and saving the end result as an eps file. If you are creating eps files in this manner, be sure to provide all components used to create the file as well as the eps file. (Tip: Creating outlines for text may eliminate the need for fonts but will not allow further text edits. Also, be sure to provide any font used to create the eps file.)

8. Time saved by not completing the output forms will probably result in lost production time. Please be sure to complete fully an Electronic Output Request form for each of your files to eliminate guesswork and to ensure the job gets done correctly.