When supplying files for print, its always best to supply the original file(s), all linked images and fonts as well as a hi-resolution pdf file. In the event that changes need to be made, its much more cost effective for the client if we have the original files, images and fonts.
FONTS
If we’re supplied a pdf without the original files, linked images and fonts, we need to open the pdf in an editable program (such as Illustrator) to make changes. We may not always have the correct fonts to make the necessary edits and therefore must substitute a similar font.
IMAGES
When supplying images always remember that if the resolution isn’t high enough, they’ll appear blurred or pixelized. A good rule of thumb for supplying a color jpg image that you would like to print 3″ x 5″, would be to supply a file no smaller than 500 KB.
COLOR
Every monitor displays color differently and every printer will vary slightly in displaying color. Most supplied files are RGB (Red Green and Blue) and are meant for monitor viewing. For printing purposes, they need to be converted to CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black). The conversion process will cause the images to appear slightly duller than the original. Color editing can help to brighten the images but its good to remember that images displayed on a monitor and a printed image, are two different beasts.
LOGOS
When supplying logo art its always best to supply vector graphics (artwork created from paths and strokes in a program such as Illustrator). This will allow us to increase the size without losing quality. Quite often we’ll receive logos that were extracted from websites. Those files are low resolution and meant for viewing on screen only. They are unacceptable for printing purposes.
Post by Tom Gaida
