Working Files
Working files are what we use to print your final piece. They represent the final layout, combining text, position, and placed art. Applications typically used to create working files include QuarkXpress, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe PageMaker. Sometimes files from other applications, such as CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe Photoshop will be used as working files. When deciding which application to use to build your working files, it is important to understand that some applications are more compatible than others with pre-press workflows. This is attributable to a number of factors ranging from postscript-writing technique and RIP compatability to market saturation, and you will likely find that service providers prefer one file format over another. The best choice for Sunset Printing's workflow is QuarkXpress. After that come InDesign and PageMaker. If you have a question about which application you should use to make working files which will be sent to Sunset, please call 503-231-8328 and ask one of our technicians.
The following are instructions which are common between all working files regardless of the application used. In addition to these rules, some applications have specific considerations which must be taken into account when building your working files. There are links to these at the bottom of this page. If you do not see your working application listed there, then simply following these general instructions should be sufficient. Although we cannot anticipate every possible problem, following these rules will certainly help to expedite your project and will go a long ways towards insuring that your proofs and finished product come out as expected:
The page size in the working application should reflect the final trim or folded size of your piece (see the Photoshop section for an exception to this rule), and each page should hold only one copy of your artwork. If you have objects which come to the edge of the page, extend these at least 1/8" beyond the edge of the page (see below for information about bleed). Do not attempt to prepare your job for the press by putting multiple copies of your artwork on a single page. We take care of pagination and press layout.
If your document has bleed (ink that runs to the edge of the trim), you will need to extend these images at least 1/8" beyond the trim line. Pictures, lines, boxes, text, white objects on colored backgrounds- anything that bleeds off the sheet- must extend 1/8" beyond the trim to facilitate cutting.
Always assemble books in reader's spreads. The pages in the document should be in the same order as they will be when someone reads the book. Do not attempt to position the pages in the order you anticipate them printing. We take care of pagination.
Do not build creep into you document. We also take care of that. If you have a specific concern, please raise it with your account rep so we can be informed of your needs.
Do not place crop marks in your document. One exception to this is when the page will be diecut and marks would be beneficial in positioning the page; another would be in marking fold lines. In both these cases, the marks should be positioned at least 1/8" beyond the edge of the trim or die line (beyond the bleed margin). Call us before putting marks on your page so we don't have to redo or undo your work.
Do not paste graphics into text. This embeds the graphic in the working file and makes editing difficult in case there is a problem with the graphic. If you need a graphic to sit next to text, position it in its own box and use runaround settings to achieve your desired effect.
Always use CMYK color mode when defining colors for a job which will print with process inks. RGB almost never separates as expected.
Application-Specific Information
You may click on the following list of working applications to find issues and techniques associated with each one. Please note that we cannot accept files from those applications marked with an asterisk (*), but you can click on these for advice on how to convert your files into a format we can use.