RGB Mode, Lab and Index colors are NOT compatible with our workflow. If these types of colors have been used, they MUST be converted to CMYK, PMS, or grayscale.

Scanning Ratios

Using this formula will help determine scanning resolution if the image will be scaled after it is placed in the page layout program. This is especially important if you intend to enlarge the image, as enlarging will decrease the resolution, resulting in poor quality. Reductions will increase resolution.

(Desired line screen x 2) x scale factor = scanning resolution

An example of a scan to be enlarged after scanning

(133 x 2) x 140% - 373 dpi

An example of a scan to be reduced after scanning

(133 x 2) x 40% - 105 dpi (Poor Resolution - falls below the 266 dpi minimum for 133 line)

Sending Your Files

Please include all linked graphics, preferably TIFFS and EPS files. PICTS are acceptable although they are usually low resolution graphics. In Quark, this can be done using “Collect for Output” located under “File” in your pulldown menu. Also include all fonts used in the files. Please note: “Collect for Output” in Quark does not gather fonts used in your document. You will have to do this manually.

When using Pagemaker, please do not “Include copy in the publication.” (This means do not embed graphics). This makes for large, cumbersome Pagemaker files. When using Pagemaker 6.5, go to the pulldown “Utilities” Plug-ins, “Save for Service Provider.” Select “Pre-Flight Pub” from the dialog box. This will check your document for missing graphics and fonts. The next dialog box will indicate missing graphics and fonts as a red “X”.  If Pagemaker can find all of the fonts, the dialog box will display a green “3”. If it also finds all the graphics, again a green “3” is displayed. If it does not find one or the other, then the operator must locate the missing items by selecting “links” and then select “relink.” Once all files are located, select “package.” Within that dialog box select “copy fonts” all on the radio buttons. Select “update links” in source pub before packaging, then save to one of the transportable media, i.e. zip disk, CD. 

Do not give us the only copy of your file. All of your documents should be stored to your hard disk or storage medium for safe keeping. The disk or file could be lost or damaged.

Please do not embed or copy and paste Window Metafiles, or PowerPoint graphics in your files. They usually will not print correctly, or not print at all when imagesetting, and very often crashes the system.

If you wish to send your files over the internet, you may send them to our email address at imaging@goetzcraft.com. Create a compacted file (NOT self-extracting) to reduce the size of your files. Please limit the size of files sent as email attachments to 5MB or less, due to the limitations of most commercial email servers. Larger files should be furnished on zip disk or CD. Please call for our free pick up service. If this is not an option, please contact us about using our FTP server, which allows large files to be sent directly to us over the internet without using email.

Please provide with your disk, a black and white, color-separated laser and/or a color laser of the most current version of  your file. If one is not provided, Goetzcraft can not guarantee accurate output and may elect to output a laser at the customer’s expense.

Line Screens and Dots per Inch (DPI)

Please don’t set your line screens in Photoshop EPS documents. Depending on what kind of paper the job is to be printed on, we will determine line screen here at Goetzcraft. Of course, if you desire a special effect, let us know and we will not override the line screen you have specified. For optimum quality Photoshop documents saved in bitmap mode should have a final output resolution of 1200 dpi at the size they are printed. Photoshop documents saved in grayscale or cmyk mode must have a final output resolution of 300 dpi at the size they are printed. Any dpi higher than this is just extra information that the imagesetter does not need.

Fonts

We accept both PostScript and True Type fonts. When using PostScript fonts in your files, be sure to include both the screen and the printer fonts for each font used. Never use the stylization palette to bold, italicize, outline or add drop shadow to your fonts, especially when using True Type fonts. They will not image correctly when imagesetting. We can convert most IBM fonts successfully, but in some cases font substitution is necessary. It is always best in your illustration program (like Adobe Illustrator) to convert all text to “outlines” or “paths.” We cannot edit the text very easily once it is converted, so it is advisable to save a copy of your file without text converted to outlines or paths, in case edits are needed later.

Bleed Requirements

When the printed image runs off of the edge of the paper, this is called a “bleed.” 1/8" to 1/4" bleed is required on files that bleed. Please make sure the text still maintains the required margin even when graphics bleed. Please do not make the document page larger to accommodate the bleed, rather let it run right past the outer trim edge by 1/8" or 1/4". It is also recommended to keep text copy 1/4"away from trim edge of product to avoid being trimmed off or appearing awkward.

Colors

If file is to print 4-color process, please make sure all 4-color Photoshop graphics are saved in CMYK mode. If the file is to print with spot color, please make sure that not more than one Pantone color for each Pantone color to print is in the color palette. Example: If the job is to print Pantone 312 Blue and Black, please make sure there is not an additional Pantone 312 CV and/or 312 CVU in the color palette. These two colors will print on two separate negatives. The same is true for Black and Pantone Process Black. These two colors will also print on two separate negatives. Printing a laser separation will identify this problem.

Illustrator and Freehand Files

When using a PMS color in your Illustrator or Freehand, make sure it is selected for spot color in the palette.

If you are placing in a page layout program that is going to be CMYK, then you need to select your PMS color in Illustrator or Freehand to be process color. PMS colors out of Illustrator or Freehand and brought into a page layout program cannot be converted to process colors in the page layout program.

Ghosted and/or Coloring Images

When ghosting or coloring a graphic is required, this should be done in Photoshop and NOT the page layout program. Our workflow does not recognize page layout ghosting.

Rules or Underscores

Do not specify a rule as a “hairline rule.” Our imagesetter will not see this as a rule and it will not print. Use .5 as thinnest rule.

Many files come in close to being ready for print, yet still need adjustments. Goetzcraft will spend up to 1/2 hour correcting files without notifying the customer to save time running files back and forth. This time is chargeable to the job.

Additional Questions

If you have additional questions not covered here, please call Goetzcraft Printers at 734-973-7604 during business hours. Inform the receptionist as to the topic of your questions so that you can be directed to the proper individual.

PRINTING ORDERS

Should include contact information, your deadline, the type of art furnished and a laser printout or mock up of the finished piece. Please include quantity, proof, inks, type of stock required, both the flat and final size as well as pertinent bindery/finishing details, including packaging and delivery. Any member of our staff will be happy to review these pre-production instructions with you.