1. Preferred software and file formatsDome supports the most current version of these industry-standard page layout programs:
QuarkXPress, PageMaker, InDesign, Illustrator, Freehand, Photoshop, Frame Maker.Dome accepts these types of files at an additional charge:
Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Coral DrawWe do accept these files but we then must reformat or rebuild these files in one of the industry-standard page layout programs listed above, which will result in additional prep charges.
Acceptable File Formats and MediaDome supports the native application files for supported software as well as these file types:
eps, tiff, Postscript, pdf, DCS2Dome accepts most popular types of media, including, but not limited to:ZIP (100, 250 mb)
JAZ (1, 2 gig)
CD
Floppy disks
Magneto Optical (230 mb, 1.3 gig)
Bernoulli 150
Imation Super Disk 120 mb2. Check your file layout:A. Preparing Your LayoutPlease name your file in a way that readily matches it to the job.
Ex. “Jones Co Brochure”Set all document pages to the final trim size. Do not include the bleed in the document size.Please extend all images and elements a minimum of 1/8″ onto the pasteboard in order to provide enough image area for bleed.Please supply your file 1-up, single pages. Files may contain multiple pages, but please don’t build files as spreads (i.e. two 8 1/2 x11 pages built on an 11×17 page).Do not output Postscript or PDF files for spreads. We will impose the pages for the press for you.Please keep an original set of your files. Only send copies to Dome.Keep backup copies of your job – magnetic media can be unstable!Dome Printing is not responsible for loss or damage to archived job files after delivery of your final printed product.
B. Using FontsProvide both your screen and printer fonts. Dome prefers Type 1 (Postscript) fonts. Please avoid using truetype fonts – they are unpredictable in output.Avoid mixing Postscript Type 1 and TrueType fonts within the same document as this can cause output problems on a platesetter.Please choose fonts with native bold and/or italic versions rather than manually stylizing a font. Otherwise we may be required to reset your manual bold, italic, and bold italic styles to correct font design at an additional charge.Never stylize a Multiple Master font. Otherwise, the results will be unpredictable.
C. Preparing Images
Artwork, Photos and Graphics | ScanningGeneral Do’s and Don’t’s
Avoid embedding images. Save all graphics as either tiff or eps file. File formats such as jpeg, gif or compressed files, such as .lzw are not compatible with platesetter software. Be sure to submit all the files placed in your layout file in case there is a need to edit your artwork.Artwork, Photos and GraphicsDome prints jobs in line screens ranging from 100 to 200 line. The resolution of your images should follow the following formula:For photos, (raster art), make the resolution twice that of the line screen used on your job. For example; a photo used on a 150 line screen job should have a resolution of 300 ppi (pixel per inch).Line art (bitmap) should be scanned at final image size – 1200 ppi and saved as a tiff file.Graphics and photos containing clipping paths should be set to a flatness of 3.Raster-based images placed in a page layout program should not be sized more than 100%.Scale the artwork in an image program prior to placing it into the page layout program. Resizing the raster images more than 10% of the original scan size greatly reduces image quality.Please rotate graphics and images in the original graphic application before placing them into a page layout program. Rotation within a page layout program increases processing time and could result in postscript errors.Crop photos and graphics in the original application before placing them into your document. The platesetter processes the entire image, not just the portion that is visible, resulting in longer output times.
ScanningWhile you are free to scan your own photos and artwork for use in your document, Dome’s highly skilled scanning department can do it for you, as well.We use cutting edge technology to give your images the high quality your job deserves. We scan all types of reflective originals as well as transparencies.In addition to the high resolution scan, we can also supply you with a low resolution copy of your image for use in your electronic file. This will significantly accelerate file handling and printing. Prior to proofing and printing we will replace the low res file with the high res file.Dome can also scan and descreen your supplied final film to convert it into a digital file.
D. Naming ColorsWhen using Pantone or custom spot colors in a graphic program such as Photoshop, Illustrator or Freehand, ensure that all color names are consistent in your page layout file and all linked images as well.NOTE: Colors with different names, not matter how slight the difference will produce separate plates, resulting in extra costs.Documents should include only the colors that you want printed.If you are using spot colors, print out your document in separations as well as a composite before sending your job to Dome. (This will show you which elements of your document will print on which color plate, and can alert you to potential printing concerns.)If your photo is a duotone, please be sure any PMS color used is named exactly the same in your Photoshop file as it is in your page layout program.CMYK – if your job is to be 4 color process, be sure to convert all colors to process before submitting your files. Be sure to convert RGB, CIE-Lab and indexed color files to CMYK for process separation before bringing your document to us.
E. Trapping RequirementsDome finds that QuarkXPress offers the best trapping options and is generally preferred over PageMaker as a page layout program.Most default trapping gives you less than acceptable results. Unless you are experienced in setting trapping for colored items, please do not set individual element or global trapping. Dome will handle all the trapping for your files. If you have specific trapping needs, please let us know when you submit your job.Please send all imported images for us to trap for you. Imported graphic files (eps or tiff) cannot be trapped within a page layout program.
3. Submitting Your FileA. Advance ReviewAn advance review can often prevent delays or error in final output. If you have a complicated layout or want to check color scans, send your files before they are completed. We’ll review them and offer suggestions.Please call us in advance for any complicated use of color.B. Clean Up Files and Label MediaCleaned up files prevent errors in output and will save you time and money in the long run. Prior to submitting your files to Dome, take time to insure that unnecessary items are remove from your files. This includes:Items left on the pasteboard
Pages not required for output
Unused colors
Unused stylesPlease label your media with your name, your company name and a phone number so we may return your disks to you in a timely fashion.If you mail your files to us on disk, please include a typewritten list detailing what you are sending and a list of what files should be on the disk. (i.e., Zip 100, folder name and contents, etc.)
C. Sending Files ElectronicallyCompress Your File: To protect your files from corruption, please compress files using hqx (BinHex) or zip (ZIP) Windows OS users should ZIP files before transferring.Mac users using Stuffit: We recommend that if you are sending stuffed files that you go one step further and code the archive Bin-Hex because there is less chance of file corruption.Email: Please keep email files to under 5 MB whenever possible. Large files should be sent via WAM!GATEMacintosh jobs should be emailed to epp@domeprinting.comPC jobs should be emailed to pc@domeprinting.comClick here to set up a WAM!GATE AccountWhile Dome prefers that files be submitted electronically via WAM!NET or WAM!GATE, we do offer the capability to transfer files via FTP. Please call our Customer Service department for further information at 800-343-3139.
D. Send a PrintoutA laser output is best, but you may send any color or b&w output, and you may fax copies if you wish.Please submit both a composite output and separations of the colors in which we are to print.Whenever possible, output proofs at 100%.For jobs with special folding instructions, please include a folded sample. |
