The following guidance for various popular softwarepackages is given to help in the preparation of
trouble-free artwork.

Microsoft Publisher

Publisher files are welcome, and recent versions are much more suited for professional output. Make sure that you work in the color format appropriate for final print - i.e., Spot colors, CMYK etc. If possible, link all picture files, and supply separately. if they are embedded, supply them separately as well.

Microsoft Word

We accept Word files, but please note the following points: Make sure that the job is set up with the correct page size. Always provide hard copy for checking text flow.
Color is RGB only, and will be different on-screen from printed output. Recent versions allow custom colors, but still RGB. If high resolution pictures are used Wod prints VERY slowly. Discuss with us in advance if many pages include large pictures. If possible, incorporate pictures as LINKED files,and include them separately. If pictures are embedded, supply them separately as well in case we have any color problems.

OTHER MICROSOFT PRODUCTS

Sorry - we cannot accept other Microsoft files for professional output. You may however Convert the file to a PDF and supply it in that format if you wish.

QuarkXpress (Mac or PC)

This is the industry standard for professional output,and generally trouble-free. Most difficulties with fonts or color are easily resolved.
Speak to us first if you are using any unusual Xtensions. Supply QuarkXpress files PLUS all picture files and fonts. Use 'Collect for Output' to ensure no items are missed - and check the report that is generated - it gives a large amount of detail about your job and reveals any lurking problems with color or picture formats etc. Don't use colour JPEG picture formats, or JPEG encoding in EPS files if possible, because extra work is involved in converting before printing.
Illustrator (Mac or PC) or Freehand Since versions change frequently, save as EPS to make our lives easier!
Fonts must be included or use 'create outlines' to convert fonts to curves. Make sure that you set up colour correctly. Be consistent if working in spot colours, or convert everything to CMYK for 4-colour work, including all pictures. Beware of using transparency in v9 or v10 on jobs with spot colours. Discuss first if in doubt. Be sure to include any linked files.

Acrobat PDF

Very good for trouble-free output, but call us first to discuss Distiller settings and we will talk you through any jobs with bleed or spot colors. For reliable output run postscript files and use Distiller to create PDFs, especially if pictures or EPS files are incorporated in the job. Note that some PC fonts do not embed, causing some problems. The PDF format is Ideal for black & white jobs, but use 'press optimised' Distiller setting if possible for best output.

In-Design

We still very rarely see InDesign files, and there were significant problems with the first versions. Call to discuss in advance - we will probably recommend supplying files in PDF format at the moment.

PageMaker (Mac & PC)

Generally trouble-free. Since picture files may be embedded or linked, make sure that any linked files are included when supplying the job. To prevent text reflow problems, make sure that a postscript printer is chosen as your target printer from the start of creating the job.