Integrated Direct Marketing Questions Answered

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Preparing Files For Digital Or Offset Printing

What File Formats do you accept?

We prefer page layout files created as PDF/X-1A:2001 files as this preset flattens transparency. Create with bleed image included and fonts embedded. We also accept most common page layout programs including Creative Suite and related programs.

How should I lay out my pages?

All page layout documents must be built to the final trim size. Pages should be built as single, facing pages; not on spreads. 

How much bleed area and safety do you want? Do you want crops? 

If elements on the document require bleed, extend them at least 1/8” past the document edge. It is best to use the bleed option in your layout software’s page setup. You also want to allow for a minimum safety area of 1/8” from all live copy. Please set crop marks to offset 0.125 and do not include registration marks or color bars. 

What image formats can I use?

Provide Photoshop images in PSD, Tiff, or EPS formats. Please do not use PICT, GIF, JPEG, or DCS formats for placed images.

What type of Fonts are best to use?

Recommended fonts are Adobe Postscript fonts or Open Type Face. Provide all screen and printer fonts when not providing PDF files. Please do not use “Dfonts” as they may cause naming conflicts. Fonts used in EPS files should be converted to paths. 

Can I use color for small type?

It’s best not to colorize small text. What happens is that all offset printing presses have a little bit of variance in the consistency of the position of the different color plates. This is called misregistration. The cyan, magenta, yellow and black portions
of the text characters don't line up exactly. So the result is little colored halos around the characters. It's ok to use color on large, headline type, or smaller sizes down to about 6 point size, but smaller than that will most likely have registration problems. This holds true for white reversed (knock-out) text on a dark or colored background. You can do it but don't use point sizes smaller than about 6 point.

What is the finest screen tint that you can print?

On an offset press, a screen tint value as low as 5% can be printed.  For a digital press, it is recommended that no less than 10%. 

Scanning Images and Sizing them in your Document

Images should be scanned at a resolution in dots per inch (dpi) two times greater than the screen ruling value in lines per inch (lpi). For example, scan at 300 dpi for images printing at a screen ruling of 150 lpi.

It is always best to size images in Photoshop before placing in your page layout document.  If you must do it within the page layout program, do not scale images up greater than 25% or do a reduction more than 50% if possible.  If scaling images up in size, remember to maintain a dpi resolution of 300 dpi.

Should I save my images as RGB or CMYK?

Color images should be CMYK for any offset printing job.  Convert any RGB color images in your document to CMYK. Please save black and white images as grayscale.

Digital printing – Pantone vs Process

Pantone colors – leave as Spot, don’t convert to process. Our Digital Press will interpret the color. 

What is Rich Black? 

Rich black, in printing, is an ink mixture of solid black over one or more of the other CMY colors resulting in a darker tone than black ink alone.  When you have large areas of black, it is suggested that a rich black build be used rather than just black. 

There are no hard and fast rules about what the build should be and it can vary from equipment to equipment.  For our digital press, the suggested build is 100% K - all else 20%.  For an offset press, it would be typically 100%K with 40% Cyan. Magenta and Yellow would be 0%. 

What do I need to include when submitting native files?

If submitting native files they must be accompanied by pdf’s showing the final output. Always provide all graphics and all fonts - including those used in EPS files. Please use the software’s page layout tools to “Prepare for Output” or “Preflight” your files before sending.

What types of storage media do you accept?

Files can be uploaded to our ftp site with instructions below. We can also take your files on a CD, DVD, or flash drive.  Small files (5mb or less) can be emailed to your Customer Service Representative or Sales Representative. Email attachments also need to be compressed into a Zip file before transport.

Using our ftp site – FTP.graphicsolutions.net

Please call or email us for user name and password – (253) 854-0972 or info@graphicsolutions.net

1) First, please place your files in a folder and compress the files in the folder using a program such as “Stuffit” or “WinZip”. “Fetch” is the software we use in uploading/downloading files. Steps to upload files using Fetch are included below. You can also use your own FTP Program.

2) Using “Fetch, go to the menu and select “New Connection”. You will then see a box in which you will enter in the field labeled HOST Name – ftp.graphicsolutions.net. 

3) Next, enter your assigned User Name and then enter your assigned Password. Click OK. 

3) Choose either “Put File” if you wish to upload files or “Get File” if you wish to download.  If you choose to Upload, you will next see a window that asks you to find and open your stuffed folder/file. You can choose to “Put” files or simply drag and drop your files.  

4) While using Fetch, you will see the file transfer represented by a running dog and you will be able to see the progress at the bottom of the FTP site window. 

Once you have uploaded your files, please call us at (253) 854-0972 or email at info@graphicsolutions.net to notify us.  We will need file names and number of files/folders.  If sending native files, please include a PDF along with your files.

MAIL FAQ’S

What file format do you want me to send my mailing list as?

We can accept lists that are database files, Excel, CSV (Comma separated values), TAB Delimited text files. Please send us lists that only have the Headers that we will need for your mailing or include instructions as to what Headers we are to use.

Can I use your permit number? 

Yes you can. You can use our permit for First Class and Standard mailings.  

Can you use my permit number and mail my material from your location?

We are able to use your permit however, if it is based outside the Seattle area, we will charge shipping to drop the mail into your post office. 

Can you mail outside of the US for me?

Yes we can.  We mail to Canada, Mexico and other foreign countries. 

When designing a mail piece, what should I be aware of?

1. To minimize postage costs and avoid postage surcharges,the piece should have an aspect ratio (length divided by height) between 1.3 and 2.5.
2. Address and Barcode area background should be white and without coatings.  If there is a colored background, we will submit design to post office for review.
3. Must allow at least 4” in length on a mailing panel for the barcode on all letter rate mail.
4. If designing a postcard that is 3.5” high x 5” long (minimum size) and less than 4.25” high and 6” long, stock used for printing must be at least 0.007” thick. Sizes over 4.25 x 6 will require a minimum thickness of 0.009” We will be happy to make recommendations on paper stock for your project.
5. If designing a brochure or self mailer, the paper weight minimums required by the post office can change depending on how it is folded. We would be happy to make recommendations on paper stock for your project.

Integrated marketing company GSI offers integrated marketing communications, digital and offset printing, and web design and development to customers in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kent, Renton and the greater Puget Sound area.