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What programs do we support?        
(All other applications may not output correctly and need special attention.) What should you include with your file? A generated report from a preflight program or a print out of the contents of your disk which includes but is not limited to the following.
RGB to CMYK? Make sure that all of your color graphics are converted to cmyk (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) or 4 color process. This is the only way our output device RIP will separate your photographs. Also, all other colors used in any other applications need to be converted to this format as well, that is unless you have three or less colors, in which Pantone® or PMS colors need to be chosen.  top Collect for output?There is an application in QuarkXPress® that gathers your Quark document and all of your graphics. A menu will pop up and allow you to create a folder in which to then save all of these files together. (NOTE: this will not collect any TIFFs or other embedded graphics in an Illustrator or FreeHand file!) It will not collect your fonts. Collecting fonts needs to be done manually or with a preflight program. If you put your graphics in a new folder or a renamed folder be sure to update your links before delivering the disk.  Save for Service Provider
In PageMaker versions 6.0 and later, there is a Plug-In located under the Utilities menu called Save for Service Provider. This Plug-In should be used to assist you in preflighting and collecting everything used in your file(s) before sending it to us for output.
Pack and Go
When using Microsoft Publisher, select the Pack and Go option under the File menu and select the Take to a Commercial Printing Service wizard. When asked, check the boxes marked Embed TrueType Fonts, Include Linked Graphics, and Create Links for Embedded Graphics. This helps to ensure that we have everything needed to output your files.
Prepare for Service Bureau
In CorelDraw, use the Prepare for Service Bureau command under the File menu. Choose the first option available: Gather all files associated with this document. Place them in a folder or location you choose. Ensure the Copy fonts checkbox is checked.
In InDesign (all versions), select the Package option under the File menu. This will help you in preflighting and collecting everything used in your file(s) before sending it to us for output.
How can I tell what resolution the image from my digital camera is? To determine this, write down the pixel dimensions of your image and divide those numbers by 300 if the image does not include text and 400 if the image does include text. Example: An image without any text has a pixel dimension of 600 x 900 pixels. Divide each dimension by 300 dpi and the result is 2 x 3 inches. This means the maximum size you can utilize this image in your final document at 100% size is 2" x 3" or smaller for optimum quality. If your image editing software does not tell you what the pixel dimensions are, but it does tell you what the resolution is, then you know the maximum size you can use that image in your layout based on the information stated above. We recommend that images be at 300 dpi in their final size in the layout. Keep in mind that resolution and physical dimensions are in direct proportion to each other. If you have an image that is 2 x 2 at 300 dpi and you increase the size to 4 x 4, the new resolution is now 150 dpi. When you bring an image in to your layout you can reduce it in size but seldom have the resolution to increase it. It is best to save and use the highest quality JPEG or uncompressed TIFF setting on your digital camera. The highest setting will give you the most pixel data possible in the file for commercial printing. Images should also be saved as CMYK, not as RGB which is the native color mode of most common digital cameras. What is bleed and how is it used? What graphics file formats should I use in my files? The best images to use are either TIFF or EPS format. TIFF images should not be saved with LZW compression, and should be converted to either CMYK, Grayscale, or Bitmap. Photoshop EPS images should not be saved with a JPEG preview. In addition, you should avoid checking the boxes marked "Include Transfer Screens", or "Include Transfer Function". Selecting either one of these options will produce unintended results. Avoid the use of JPEG or JPG format images. Many digital cameras use this format. Images saved using this format should be opened and saved as either TIFF or EPS format. Windows Metafile format images should not be used under any circumstances. These images should be opened using a vector graphics program like Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, etc., and saved as a CMYK EPS format graphic. Special note regarding the use of Microsoft products: The Microsoft Products (Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Works) are traditionally used in an office, presentation or home environment. If they are not created properly for use in a printing environment, then they do not adequately output on postscript high-end rips and output devices (plate or film setting equipment) for printing production. Many users of these programs have been told or believe that if "It looked good on my monitor" or "Our lasers printed okay" then the printer or service bureau will be able to utilize the files to create the same product. This is usually not the case and ALL users of software that create files used for print production need to consult with their Sales Representative and plan a review of a few pages of the document before proceeding with the development of the entire project. When this recommended process is followed, issues with the files and the methods utilized in their creation can be modified early in the project and greatly reduce potential problems before your deadline becomes an issue. Customers who skip these recommended procedures often realize costly file manipulation charges may be required to acheive adequate results. A complete pre-flight and review of your documents is an included service we provide to all customer provided / created files. This process is done to insure the files were properly developed and will output correctly on our equipment. With over fifteen software programs in Macintosh and PC platforms, there are numerous details we must review. We appreciate your assistance with all file submissions and will be happy to answer or review your file(s) at no charge prior to production. If your electronic files require manipulation to bring them to a "trouble-free" status, then you will be notified and must approve any charges before we may proceed. Links to Commonly Used Applications.
top Fonts...Fonts...Fonts...
top E-mailing files and FTP uploading. To send a file to Color Impressions desktop department you need to first compress your file using a program such as Stuffit, or WinZip. If the compressed file size is less than 10 Mb, just email the files to desktop@colorimpressions.biz. Please do not email files over 10 Mb. If a file's compressed size will be greater than 10 Mb, then use our ftp submission form to submit your ftp information to us.
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