Tips For Setting Up Your Print File.
Here Is A Quick Guide About Setting Up Your Files For The Printing Process.
From trim marks to file formats, everything you need to know should be here. If you have any further questions, please call us on 1300 774 681 and we will gladly help you through the process.
Creating Print Ready Files:
Trim, Internal Bleed, External Bleed
The trim area is the final size of your print job (always include trim marks).
When creating your artwork, ensure your artboard is set up as the trim size of your design.
Use the document set up to define trim and bleed, never do it manually on page.
Internal bleed: 3mm (5mm on all booklets)
Keep all important information away from this area
External bleed: 3mm (5mm on all booklets)
Your job is printed on a large sheet and then trimmed to size. External bleed is the area extending past your trim area, which allows for a small amount of movement that may occur when your work is being cut to size.
All files must be supplied as PDF
Printed one side: Supply a one-page PDF.
Printed front and back: Supply a two-page PDF.
The first page of your PDF will be the front page and the second the back page.
Multiple kinds: Supply one two-page PDF for each kind.
Supply in CMYK mode
Convert all of your RGB or Pantone spot images to CMYK
This will give you more control over the final appearance of your print job. Our automatic conversion may produce results you’re not satisfied with.
Special finish for one side only
All special finishes for single pages should be saved as your first page.
If your job contains a special finishing requirement (ie, lamination) for just ONE side then please provide that as the front page of your print ready PDF.
Resolution
Your artwork should be 300dpi at full size.
Resolution is the number of pixels within an image. The higher the resolution, the better the picture, however if your resolution is too high it is not utilised and makes your files too large.
Either test print or view your design at 100% to decide if you’re happy with the image quality. If you enlarge an image you lower its resolution and conversely, if you reduce an image you increase its resolution.
Ink coverage
Coated stocks: 300% maximum ink
Uncoated stocks: 260% maximum ink
The colours that you use should contain less than the total maximum % when you add together Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.
Rich black: 30% Cyan, 20% Magenta, 20% Yellow, 100% Black
Rich blue black: 40% Cyan, 0% Magenta, 0% Yellow, 100% Black
This is for areas 30mm square or larger and shouldn’t be used on text.
Fonts: Always embed or outline your fonts
Embedding or outlining the fonts you use in your files means we can print them even if we don’t have those fonts installed on our computers. This ensures they will look exactly the way you want them to.
Gradients
To avoid banding when printing a gradient. All gradients should be created in Photoshop and saved as an .eps file and placed into the working document (either inDesign or Illustrator). Create the gradient in PhotoShop, apply “Noise”? (Filter > Noise > Add Noise), then to smooth the noise apply a Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur….) and then save as.
Naming your file
Keep it short, sweet and descriptive.
For example, “ACME Incorporated”? would name a business card file ACME_BC.pdf.
Setting up transparencies
Due to the nature of how transparencies can behave when being ripped, we recommend any file containing a transparency be flattened. Transparencies have been known to be an issue when ripping within the industry, therefore best practice states that files, that have been flattened, should output in the desired manner.
To support transparencies success our rip is continuously updated to ensure it is performing at optimal levels.
We hope this section has proved useful in helping you prepare your files, however, if you are still needing more information or have a specific questions, then please feel free to contact us.
Booklet Setup Instructions
Here Are Some Simple Guidelines To Get Your Booklet Job Set Up And Underway!
1) All booklets to be supplied as single page PDF’s not as spreads – This should be supplied as 1 PDF, with pages within. E.g. a 24pp booklet should be supplied as 1 PDF, with 24 individual pages.
2) Select the appropriate binding option for your printing requirements.
3) All saddle stitch booklets to be supplied as single pages. The cover needs to be supplied as single pages not a spread.
4) Ensure that you allow for 5mm (minimum) or 10mm (minimum for 20pages+) internal bleed.
5) Covers on burst bound and perfect bound books as spreads with a spine. Spine width to be confirmed.
Booklet Binding Options
Selecting the correct binding option might be confusing. There are various methods available depending on what your printing requirements may be. See our quick explanations below that may provide some clarity for you!
Saddle Stitching
Used for booklets with a small number of page ie, 6pp, 10pp up to 32pp. If saddle stitch isn’t an option due to the thickness of the book, then it is likely that one of these option below will be right for you.
It is important to ask these two questions when deciding which binding option you will choose:
1. How frequently will the book be used?
2. How long does the book need to last?
Based on the answers, we will make recommendations to which binding option is appropriate for your book, or you gave view the list below to decide for yourself.
Burst Binding
Used for booklets with coated pages.
Perfect Binding
Used for booklets with uncoated pages.
PUR Binding
Used for both coated and uncoated pages.
PUR is a strong glue that can be applied to books that will have frequnet usage and/or may need to last for long period of time. PUR is used when standard burst or perfect binding cannot offer the extra durability that PUR can offer.
Section Sewing
Section sewing is the next step up from PUR binding and is used for books that are frequently used and may need to last for a longer time period. Section sewing offers a more durable finish than PUR (an example of a section sewn book is a street directory.)
For additional information regarding your specific booklet job, please contact us to discuss, we’re here to help!
100gsm Laser Bond
Economical choice ideal for stationery print needs with laser guarantee.
420gsm Artboard
A heavyweight coated artboard, for durable print products.
120gsm Knight
Superb high quality uncoated paper with great white contrast
150gsm Silk / Matt
Popular and versatile stock option with a more substandtial feel than its gloss counterpart.
280gsm Knight
A superb high quality uncoated board with great white contrast.
300gsm Envirocare
A 100% recycled, uncoated artboard with an authentic “recycled” appearance.
115gsm Envirocare
A 100% recycled paper with an authentically “recycled” appearance.
104gsm Strathmore
Super smooth, super high quality and fleshy white, ready to make an impact for stationery needs or booklets.
120gsm Impact
A premium uncoated, carbon neutral stock which will dazzle you with it’s bright white finish.
300gsm Impact
A premium uncoated, carbon neutral artboard with a stunning bright white finish.
352gsm Strathmore
Highly polished and one of the smoothest, premium uncoated artboards on the market.
115gsm Gloss Art
A high quality and economical artpaper.
150gsm Maine (Silk)
An economical and versatile coated stock with a high sheen look and feel.
170gsm Gloss Art
A popular premium and high sheen stock, with a bulky feel and enhanced durability.
170 Silk / Matt
A super smooth coated stock, images retain fine detail and colours appear sharp when printed.
250gsm Gloss Art
A versatile coated artboard, an economical choice for covers and cards.
250gsm Maine (Silk)
A bright white, super smooth artboard with outstanding environmental credentials.
270gsm One sided coated board
Smooth coated front for sharp and vibrant images, whilst the back is uncoated – perfect to write on.
350gsm Artboard
A versatile and cost effective medium weight board. Gloss and matt lamination options are available.
Metallic Bling
A quick and inexpensive way to add a foil-like effect.
150gsm Gloss sticker
Permanent and super sticky with an easy peel split back.
Plastic Card
0.4mm PVC plastic (400gsm stock approximate equivalent)
Magnet
0.4mm thick fridge magnet.
80gsm Laserbond (Env)
Standard envelope laserbond stock.
104gsm Strathmore (Env)
Super smooth, super high quality and fleshy white, ready to make an impact for stationery needs or booklets.
115gsm Envirocare (Env)
A 100% recycled paper with an authentically “recycled” appearance.
300gsm Conqueror Laid
Brilliant white textured card for premium business cards, promotioal cards, invitations and place cards.
120gsm Metallic Gold
A vibrant metal-effect paper for elegant stationery and invitations.
300gsm Metallic Gold
A vibrant metal-effect card for elegant stationery, business cards and invitations.
300gsm Metallic Silver
A vibrant silver-sheen card for elegant stationery and business cards.
270gsm Black Board
This premium rich black stock is instantly captivating.
283gsm Buffalo Board
A durable, food grade stock with a distinctive natural look.
332gsm Buffalo Board
A durable, food grade stock with a distinctive natural look.
Electrostatic
Removable electrostatic sticker for windows and decals.
145gsm Never Tear
Bright white polyester that will not tear. Suitable for posters, flyers, and other promotional requirements.
270gsm Never Tear
Bright white polyester that will not tear. Suitable for posters, flyers, and other promotional requirements.
Printing is only half the story. Finishing touches can make all the difference and we offer a wide range of finishing options that will help bring print jobs to life.
From sealing varnishes on all coated stocks, scoring wheels on folding machines, single or double sided laminate to spot UV, these and more finishing services are all offered. With 5 Stahl folders, a new Delta laminator and its 5th guillotining machine, We are a leading company in terms of press and finishing capabilities.
Finishing Processes:
Guillotining
Guillotining allows the trimming of individual sheets or stacks of paper after printing through the use of a cutting-blade. Guillotining is often used to ensure precise cutting when you have multiple items to a page, such as gift vouchers.
Binding
Binding refers to the processes by which books and booklets are bound together after printing. Common methods include the saddle-stitch, perfect, and burst-bound techniques.
Folding (A7 – A1)
The process of precisely folding completed print items, which can enhance transportation and presentation. It’s a great time saving option for brochures and other items that would otherwise have to be folded by hand.
Laminating
Laminating adds a thin, transparent plastic coating to printing products. Laminating has both a protective and aesthetic effect. Not only is this process suitable for small cards and other items, it’s also useful for larger workplace notices, maps and diagrams.
Creasing
Creasing refers to the creation of an indentation to make folding printing products easier.
Formecutting
Formecutting refers to a process where a blade is shaped and mounted, then pressed onto stock to produce unique shapes, perforations, or creases.
Perforating
Perforating refers to a process that produces a line of punched holes for a sheet of paper to be torn off or folded.
Pad Printing
Padding refers to a process by which 2D images are printed on to a 3D object. For example, the numbers on a remote control or the letter of a keyboard are produced by a padding process.
Gluing
Some printed products may require gluing together with adhesive after printing.
Spot UV
Spot UV is the process by which a glossy or other finish is applied to selected spots on print products for design or colour-enhancement.
Foiling
Foiling allows you to imprint foil on printing products to create unique graphics or a shiny appearance. If you wish to add foiling, get in touch to receive a bespoke quote.
Gumming
Gumming is similar to gluing but unlike gluing, it is not a permanent adhesive option, as the gum becomes sticky when wet.
Drilling
Drilling creates holes in printing materials, which can be useful for binding or other purposes.
Round Cornering
This process allows you to create round corners on your documents and other print materials for a special aesthetic effect.
Embossing
Embossing creates images or design features that are raised to stand out above the surface of the paper. It can add a touch of elegance and a sense of professionalism or sophistication.
Shrink Wrapping
A layer of plastic is applied and shrunk tightly over your print products, for protection and/or for presentation.
Collating
Print products can be collated and ordered according to your specification before dispatch.
Mounting
For better presentation, posters can be mounted on Foamcore, Corflute, Gatorfoam, or Screenboard.
Numbering
Print and apply sequential numbers for individual print material items that are in sets. Choose from different fonts and ink.
Saddle Stitching
This is a popular method for binding books and booklets, whereby the sheets are folded and stapled using saddle wire.
Die Cutting and Punchin
The die-cutting process allows you to make multiple numbers of the same shape from a specially shaped blade, much like a cookie cutter.
Burst Binding
Burst binding involves a process in which the spine of each section of material is perforated and adhesive is applied to the perforations.
Perfect Binding
Perfect binding does not use stitching, but utilises an adhesive-based process that glues together the binding edges and cover.
PUR Binding
PUR binding uses a polyurethane reactive adhesive for the process, so your bound item can be laid flat without springing closed.
