Illustrator

  • Call for latest version available
  • Windows or Mac OS versions
  • Disk: ZIP, JAZ, 3.5" Floppy, or CD
  • Send all Adobe Illustrator documents, images, and fonts

Remember: If we are missing anything, this may delay your order.

Step 1: Document Size

File > Document Setup...

Adjust your document to one of the following sizes:

  • Business Postcards = 6" x 4", 6" x 8"
  • Catalog Sheets = 8.5" x 11"
  • Folded Brochures = See folding setups on prepress references page
  • Rack Brochures = 4" x 9", 8" x 9" (folds to 4" x 9")
  • Posters = 11" x 17", 18" x 24"
  • Catalogs = 8.5" x 11", 5.5" x 8.5", 4" x 9"

IN THE ZONE

  • Safe Zone = 1/8" margin from the edge of the page
  • Danger Zone = Area outside the 1/8" margin
  • Bleed = 1/8" past the edge of the page

If you intend to have an image completely cover a front or back side of your document, then you need to be sure that the image extends (bleeds) at least 1/8" over the edge of the page. Do not end it at page edge (trim) or white will show on the edges.

Step 2: Images

File > Document Info > Linked Images

  • All images are CMYK color mode
  • Tiff or an EPS (Do Not send Jpegs, Picts, Gifs, etc.)
  • 300 dpi resolution (or 1,200 dpi for b/w line art)
  • Submit all images (Verify current link status)

SCALING IMAGES

If you scale the image after importing it into Illustrator, the effective resolution will change. If you scaled the image up to 200% in Illustrator, then the final resolution will be 150 dpi and considered low resolution.

LINKED IMAGES

Confirm the status of all linked images before you submit your files. No image link status should display "Modified" or "Missing".

Step 3: Color

Window > Show Color

  • Fill colors used in Illustrator are CMYK
  • Stroke colors used in Illustrator are CMYK
  • Gradient colors used in Illustrator are CMYK

COLOR SHIFTS

There is a color-shift when converting from RGB to CMYK. Do not trust the colors on your monitor. We recommend that you proof your job at a local service bureau and get a calibrated color proof (Iris or Dupont Waterproof).

Step 4: Fonts

Type > Create Outlines

  • Submit all fonts used in layout as a backup

CONVERTING FONTS TO OUTLINES

When submitting an Illustrator Document you may convert the fonts to outlines. All fonts will now be considered vector art. If you do not convert your fonts to outlines, be sure to send all fonts used in your layout.

Step 5: Save As

File > Save As

Illustrator AI Format

1) Select Illustrator AI Format (default)

2) Click Save AI Format

3) Click OK

File > Save As EPS

Illustrator EPS Format

Click Save EPS Format

1) Set Compatibility

2) Select 8-bit IBM PC or Macintosh

3) Select Include Placed Files, Document Thumbnails, Document Fonts, CMYK PostScript

4) PostScript Level 2

5) Click OK

Step 6: Submit Files

Call your Sales Representative to verify files are ready to send by disk or FTP

Fill out the Job Information Form carefully

Mail or FTP the files along with a current mock-up to U.S. Press

Remember: if we are missing anything, this may delay your order.