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Designer's Guide
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This Designer's Guide was produced with our clients in mind, to help in the preparation of files for printing on our Heidelberg Quickmaster Digital Press.

Page Layout

  • The maximum final size for DI printing is 12.375 x 17.375". Define the document layout size in your page layout program as your final trim size. Do not set your own crop marks on a larger page.
  • Some slightly larger print jobs may fit on this press, so please call with questions.
  • Set bleeds to 1/8".
  • If you trap objects, use 0.15 point trap. All traps and overprints will print as set in your file.
  • If your print job is to be folded, be sure to use the correct panel size for the style of fold you need. Please supply a mock-up for any job that requires bindery.
Images
  • All color images must be CMYK. If you need to convert images from RGB in Adobe Photoshop, use the GCR medium setting. For best results, we recommend a maximum total area coverage of 340%.
  • Save halftone images in EPS or TIFF format only. Scan halftone images at 300 dpi and line art images at 1200 dpi for optimal quality.
  • If QuarkXPress pages are saved as EPS and placed in another document, please send the original QuarkXPress files and supporting graphics.
  • If you have imported graphics from FreeHand, also provide the original FreeHand document.
  • Create blends/gradients in Photoshop adding a Gaussian noise of two. This will help reduce banding.
  • Turn, scale and trim all images before you import them into your document.
  • If possible, set the picture box background color to "white" rather than "none" in QuarkXPress.
  • Do not save custom screen information or transfer functions in Photoshop image files.
Fonts and Rules
  • Use Postscript Type 1 fonts whenever possible. TrueType fonts may not image correctly.
  • Give us the names of all fonts used in your document, including fonts used in your illustrations and graphics.
  • When creating your file, select fonts from the font menu. Whenever possible, do not use the style options in your page layout program.
  • Define rules by their measurements, for example, a hairline rule is .25 points.
Colors
  • Define all color names uniformly and use CMYK both in your graphics and in your page layout program.
  • For large black areas, use a "superblack" of 100K, 70C, 30M, 30Y.
Proofs/Order Form
  • An Iris proof of your file will be run before we begin your print job. Since the Iris is a composite proof, please provide separated laser prints of your file at 100% size.
  • Please provide a completed Print Order Form, indicating trim size, paper stock, quantities, colors, etc.
  • Define the document layout size in your page layout program as your final trim size. Do not set your own crop marks on a larger page.
This Design Guide is also available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file.
About the Press Designer's Guide