Take care in preparing your files to ensure quick turnaround and to avoid setup fees. Our price and turnaround estimates assume your files are prepared correctly.  To ensure proper setup, supply a 1-up layout (if necessary, we’ll take care of configuring the page).

Define your page size as the finished flat size.

Make sure any elements that should print right to the edge of the page bleed off the finished page size by 1/16".

Platforms supported: Macintosh and Windows.

File types supported: Quark, Adobe CS, CS2, and CS3, PDF, PS, and JILT. 

Fonts: Include all screen and printer fonts used in your file (don't forget fonts used in placed graphics).

Image Size: 11" x 17" maximum, plus 1/16" bleed (see file setup tips above).

Placed Graphics: Save images in TIFF or EPS format (don't use DCS format or save with screen angles or transfer functions applied). Scanned images should be 300 dpi at 100% scale. Linework resolution on the HP Indigo is 812 dpi; 1270 dpi for the Heidelberg.

Color: Work entirely in CMYK mode. Never use RGB! The Indigo and Heidelberg are 4-color presses. The RIPs will automatically convert spot and PMS colors to 4-color tints, but the results are often undesirable. Avoid unexpected results by designing in CMYK only.

Trapping: Unlike conventional presses, digital presses have extremely tight registration due to the fact that the plates are imaged directly on press. In most cases, trapping is not necessary. However, if you feel trapping is required for your job, use a 0.3 trap.

Crop Marks: Use a 0.25 pt black line for crop marks if needed. (You won't need to include crop marks on a 1-up layout.)

Bleeds: Bleeds should be set for 1/16 inch on each side. Anything you want to print to the edge of the paper must be set up to bleed.

Packaging: When using RAW (i.e. native design files such as Quark and inDesign) files you must package them. If you don't know how to package files please read our instructions under the File Preparation tab in the Support menu.