Learn to Be Print Ready with AG

LEARN

HOW TO

Be
Print
Ready

WITH

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE BASICS pg. 1

GENERAL SPECS pg. 1
pg. 1
StockCOLOR pg. 2

BLEEDS & CROP MARKS

FILE TYPES pg. 3

VECTOR pg. 3

RASTER pg. 4

BOOKLETS pg. 5

BINDERY SERVICES pg. 6

LARGE FORMAT pg. 7

k SamplesA Guide for File Preparation

It wouldn’t be an understatement to say
we can print anything. From the simple
to the complex, we get it done.

Getting the job done right takes a little extra effort.
Since there are many variables that affect the
printing process, let's take the following steps to
guarantee that nothing is lost in translation from
digital file to printed product. This information will
help ensure your printed materials look as perfect
as your design!

THE BASICS

GENERAL SPECS

Upon submitting a request, please be specific
about the details of your job. A few key questions:

• What is the total quantity of your order?
• What’s the final size of your prints?

Stock• Single or double-sided?

• Type of paper:
• Uncoated, matte, or glossy?
• Cover, or text weight?

• When is the due date?
• Will you need to provide special delivery instructions?

COLOR files should be converted to CMYK format prior

to digital reproduction to ensure color accuracy:

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
• For offset printing, create files using spot colors:

1 Be Print Ready.

BLEEDS AND CROP MARKS

Crop Marks indicate whereBleed zone extends
0.125 inches
Samplesfinal cuts are made
k

The bleed zone allows for the image to extend right to the
edge of the print, giving your print materials a rich, high-
quality look once it's finished.

Once your files are ready, send them to us on
alphagraphicsboston.com:

• .pdf preferred for fastest production
• Actual size
• Minimum 300 dpi resolution
• Include bleeds and crop marks where appropriate
• Files are one-up (not imposed on a sheet)
• Typically jobs require 2-3 days for production

A Guide for File Preparation 2

FILE TYPES

There are two basic file types used in print -
Vector and Raster.

VECTOR files or images are created with Illustrator or

InDesign and are best for typographic elements or sharp
color shapes. They are also scalable without loss of quality!

StockFiles that qualify as vector are:

• .pdf Portable Document Format
• .ai Adobe Illustrator

• .svg Scalable Vector Graphics

• .eps Encapsulated Postscript

100% Vector 800% Vector Zoom

When sending a logo file for print, a vector file is the best
format because of its flexibility. We strongly recommend
a .pdf or .eps for logo files - this will ensure high-quality
printing at any size.

3 Be Print Ready.

RASTER files or images are created with Photoshop. They

are best used for high-resolution photos that are already

scaled to size.
Samples• .jpg
• .png
• .tiff
k Joint Photographic Experts Group
Portable Network Graphics
Tagged Image Format File

• .bmp Bitmap Image File

Since raster files are made of pixels, the quality will noticably
decrease when scaled up, causing pixelation when viewed
closely (see below). Raster files are typically used for web.
Not recommended for print.

100% Raster 800% Raster Zoom

Other file guidelines to keep in mind:

• PDF/X-1a:2001 is strongly recommended
• Flattened .pdf files prevent images dropping out
• If sending project files, package InDesign or Illustrator

files with links and fonts included

A Guide for File Preparation 4

BOOKLETS

Whether you need annual reports, portfolios,
magazines, catalogs, or manuals, you’ll need to
know how to set them up for printing.

• Export your .pdf with bleeds included.

Stock• A multi-page .pdf set for single pages, not spreads,
is preferred for print.
• Saddle-stitch booklets must have total page count

divisible by 4 eg. 8, 16, 20, 24 etc.

5 Be Print Ready.

BINDERY SERVICES

We offer several custom bindery services to give
your prints a luxurious look and feel.

• Lamination • Round Cornering
• Score & Fold • Bulldog Punch
• Custom Hole Drill
Samples• Padding • Gold, Silver or Copper Foil
• UV Coating
k Book binding options that we offer:

• Saddle-stitch Binding • Numbered Tabs
• Coil (or Spiral) Binding • 3-hole Drill
• Wire-O Binding • Stapled Packets
• Comb Binding • Screw Post Binding
• Perfect Binding

Booklet printing
services from
AlphaGraphics
make it easy to
illustrate your
point clearly
and effectively.
We’ve got the
experience
and know-how
to take your
project to the
next level.

A Guide for File Preparation 6

LARGE FORMAT

No matter the shape, size or application, signage
is our specialty. We take great pride in getting our
customers noticed.

Stock• Acrylic Signs

• Aluminium Signs
• Backdrops
Some large format services we provide:

• Interior Floor Decals
• Magnets
• Menu Boards

• Banner Stands • Mesh Banners

• Booth Displays • Outdoor Banners

• Coroplast Signs • Outdoor Flags & Stands

• Event Posters • Table Throws

• Exterior Floor Graphics • Trade Show Materials

• Framed Art Prints • Vinyl Banners

• Frosted Windows • Wall Displays

• Full Vehicle Wraps • Window Clings

• Indoor Banners • Yard Signs

7 Be Print Ready.

k Samples

Our concept-to-completion service is ideal for creating signs and
banners for special events, street-level advertising or general
information. Available in a variety of materials, signs and banners
can be produced in shapes and sizes to suit every need.

A Guide for File Preparation 8

BOSTON 74 Canal Street
Boston, MA 02114
WA LT H A M
Phone. 617.742.9585
Fax. 617.742.9584

alphagraphicsboston.com
[email protected]

21 Green St,
Waltham, MA 02451

Phone 781.642.1100
Fax 781.642.1118

alphagraphicswaltham.com
[email protected]