TECHNICAL TIPS 1. Software Compatibility: You should provide your document to us in the native application format in which is was created. We can accept files from most mainstream software including Quark Xpress, Illustrator, Photoshop, PageMaker and Freehand in either Mac or PC format. 2. File Transfer: You can supply your files on disk; floppy, CD, Zip and Jazz in either Mac or PC format. You can also send via ISDN or by Email 3. Fonts: We maintain a huge library of fonts. To avoid problems with subtle differences between different suppliers of similar faces, you should check that we have all the fonts used in your job, including those buried within EPS files. It is important to include a printout of the latest version of your document, from which we can check any differences, such as text reflow. 4. Trapping: Trapping is automatically applied to all files by our CTP system. We print on high quality multi-colour press's, therefore acurate fit should always be achieved. Do please look out for any undesirable effects caused by automatic trapping. These include the occasional emboldening of small text against coloured backgrounds or partial emboldening where a box containing coloured text partly overlaps a colour graphic. Avoid overlapping pictures with black boxes/ backgrounds - butt them up don't overlap, they will overprint. 5. EPS Files: Some points to watch when using a drawing package like Illustrator or Freehand: Make sure the names of special colours match exactly those used in any other drawings, or any elements in your page makeup program. Remember that special colours converted to CMYK may not be an exact match. Make sure that line thicknesses are great enough to reproduce clearly, especially when drawings are to be reduced in size. If you use text, either convert it to outline, or check that we have the font. Check for trapping problems, e.g. when black lines are placed over coloured backgrounds, set them to overprint. Avoid importing EPS files into EPS files. Nested files may be slow to output, or may not print at all. 6. Originals for scanning: Prints, slides, transparencies, artwork and previously printed material can all be accepted up to A3 in size. Please indicate output size or % scaling and crop with details of any retouching and colour balancing required. Our sales team have detailed handover forms to note any comments and can give guidance on what is possible. 7. High resolution scanned images: Supplied scans can be TIFF, EPS, EPS JPEG (preferred) or JPEG format. Bitmap scans should be at least 600 dpi, preferably 1200 dpi. Greyscale and Colour should be at least 250 dpi. Colour scans must be in the CMYK colour mode to prevent unwanted colour shifts occurring when converting from RGB. 8. Imposition: Multiple page documents are best supplied in readers spreads (i.e. consecutively numbered). We will use specialised imposition software to prepare the job for output. N.B. Please do not impose your files for us. Further information and advice can be obtained from our Pre-Press Manager, Tim Collins, on 01304 245114 or Email: timc@buckland.co.uk.

Do you create your own artwork? Here's a handy checklist to help you prepare your job for Digital pre-press:-