Building files to print correctly
Use the right program
Set your colours correctly
Check your fonts
Check dimensions and specifications
Don't use faux styles
Check image resolutions
TIFFs need background colour
Avoid complex paths in EPS files
Use file extensions
Prepare and collect your files
Make sure you're using the right program for the task.
Follow all colour management guidelines.
Use clean fonts that have been checked for corruption and viruses (especially if you downloaded the fonts from the Internet). It is always better to use fresh copies of fonts from their original disks from a reputable type foundry or distributor.
Use Type 1 fonts. Although this may not be as important as it was years ago, film houses and printers still recommend using Type 1 fonts whenever possible (Type 1 fonts are usually more compatible with postscript printers and high-end RIPs).
Check dimensions and specifications
Build the file to the correct scale. If building to a smaller scale, for Posters for example, then make sure you clearly indicate that the file must be printed at a specified enlargement. It's always a good idea to include an information slug in your file (see Tracking and managing jobs).
Note also that many printers and media companies have preferred ratios for certain formats, such as billboards and transit ads.
Always use actual font weights instead of QuarkXpress's faux styles. If you apply a faux bold to a font, for example, and the font is a Type 1 postscript font with only the "book" weight outline font, then the font may appear bold on screen, but will print with the "book" weight. If the "bold" outline font does exist, then it may print correctly, but there's no guarantee that it will.
When using hires (high resolution) images in your files, follow this rule of thumb: The resolution (PPI) should be 1.5 to 2 times larger than the line screen (LPI) the file is being printed at. For example, if you are preparing a hires image for a newspaper ad that prints at 85 LPI, then the image should be about 170 PPI at 100% scale. Lower resolutions will cause loss of quality when printed, while higher resolutions will not improve quality at all, and will only slow down printing time.
Remember that imported TIFF files should always have a background colour in their picture boxes (usually white). This is to ensure that the printed image will not have jagged "stepped" edges, where they should have been anti-aliased (smooth).
Avoid complex paths in EPS files
Try to be efficient in the number of paths and points used in imported vector EPS files. The more complex the EPS information is, the longer the file will take to print, and sometimes, it won't print at all.
In an age where files are being exchanged more frequently between different computer platforms, it is more important than ever to have consistent file naming guidelines. For the sake of compatibility, always include file extensions.
For example, all EPS files should end in with the proper extension, such as "myfile.eps" in lower case. And since QuarkXpress files are interchangeable between platforms, it makes ample sense to name your QuarkXpress documents with the appropriate extension (For example "8484_mydoc.qxd"). Other common extensions include "jpg", "ai" and "tif".
Prepare and collect your files
Use a preflight program like Extensis Preflight, or Flightcheck, to verify and collect all images and fonts used in your documents. Printers and film houses are often baffled to see professional agencies still sending files with missing images or fonts.
If you are sending files via the Internet, make sure you follow the tips for Internet delivery.
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