File Prep Recommendations

Introduction

The following is an explanation of what types of files and resolutions we accept at Jarob Digital in order to have a higher percent of a successful print without incurring additional charges to your account.

Operating Systems we use:

XP Professional ( first choice )
OSX ( second choice )

Software we use for file prep:

Adobe Illustrator CS4   ( link to CS4 website )
Adobe Photoshop CS4   ( link to CS4 website )
Adobe Acrobat Professional 9.0   ( link to CS4 website )

Note: If your using software other than listed above, it is recommended you export the file to the appropriate file extension within your software to allow our software to open it.   ( Saving in other software )

Fonts: ( The most common area where issues arise ).

Convert your fonts to outlines or curves. This will insure all your fonts will appear just as you designed.  ( how to video )

Note: Keep in mind by doing so we may not be able to correct typos on site. Please proof read your text before submitting your file(s).

PMS Color: ( The second most common area where issues arise ).

Use Illustrator software to declare PMS colors.
Declare all required Pantone colors that you want to match to with in your file. Always reference to the PMS Coated Solid swatches within the Illustrator software.

We can expect to hit 75% of your PMS color match if you declare the color with in all of your postscript files. ( .eps, .pdf )  ( how to video )

Note: Photoshop does not provide the appropriate PMS values to produce accurate color values to reproduce an accurate PMS color match .

Resolution: ( The third most common area where issues arise ).

All pixilated images should be at minimum 150 dpi or ppi at full size. ( ie: Photoshop or embedded images in Illustrator.

Note: When you want to provide a scaled-down version of your output print, a rough guideline would be 9”x12” at a minimum of 300 dpi or ppi.

RGB vs CMYK : ( The fourth most common area where issues arise ).

If you elect to submit a file in a CMYK color setting you may be reducing your odds to achieve the color match you’re wanting to achieve. ( click here for faq and link to JD settings. )

Helpful Hints:

If your providing a flattened Photoshop file ( .tiff or .jpg ) we recommend you also provide the layered version of your file ( .psd ). This will allow us to adjust your file on site as well.
If your setting up your file in InDesign, please “package” your file. ( this software is meant to perform well in the “document environment” as apposed to the “grand format environment” ).