ORIGINATION

Accurate Artwork.

Assuming the selection of print process has been determined – the preparation of the artwork is paramount to the output and final quality of the job.
Artwork should be supplied as per the requirements of the printer – don’t be afraid to speak direct to the printer and ask them what they need.
At the bare minimum the following should be supplied:
 
·         High Resolution Artwork
·         3mm bleed for standard print and 5mm bleed for large format print
·         Tick marks / crop marks on the file
·         All images high resolution and as a rule minimum 300dpi
·         If issuing a PDF then ensure all fonts are embedded
·         Cutter guides on a separate overlay in a spot colour labelled as CUTTER and set to overprint.
 
There are many other possible requirements I could list, but as each job is different and suppliers work differently, then as mentioned – seek advice. Far better to supply the artwork correct, the first time, it could save cost and more importantly time.
Self-cover booklets should be supplied as single page PDFs not in artwork pairs – the imposition (where the page prints on the sheet) is determined by the print supplier.


Artwork origination is crucial to the final output. It has to be set up correctly. Again talk to the printer and discuss the proofs required.