Is there either a site that has the standard info, or anywhere else that I can quickly learn how to set things up for print properly? If anyone knows the basic guidelines, I just want to make sure I know them all and I can’t do a course right now.
must be tutorials online but standing on one leg these are what i do based on what i learned: (happy to be corrected on anything!)
- export pdfs as ‘press quality’ in indesign/illustrator for commercial printing.
- keep default settings for the ‘output’ which deals with color and it will say ‘convert to destination’ and it nicely converts any rgb images to cmyk (in the olden days we used to have to convert all rgb images to cmyk in photoshop first. i believe it’s still a good idea to use only cmyk color swatches rather than rgb).
- make sure you use images which are 300dpi or more (you can view this resolution in ‘info’ panel or ‘links’ panel and check the ‘effective ppi’ is over 300dpi).
- include document bleed (and tell client/printer the amount that’s included)
- i don’t include crop marks or printer marks UNLESS they have specifically been requested by the printer. if they want crop marks, i change the ‘offset’ value to match the amount of bleed - that way the crop marks will sit just outside the bleed.
- view your exported pdf to check all looks normal. if client is not experienced, ask them to please do a test print before printing more! it’s nice to be in touch with the printer if possible to see if they have any specific requirements of the format before you send the files.
- for packaging, it’s a bit different as normally you need to send a layered illustrator file so then you need to make sure you embed/include fonts/images.
- for booklets, you’d need to export as single pages not spreads.
- for a book cover, normally i send not as single pages, just as one big spread including the spine etc. here you def must check with printer how much bleed/slug, crop marks etc.
- for more complex docs like big books, it’s good to run a ‘pre-flight’ before exporting to print which makes sure all your links are up to date etc etc
hope that helps and doesnt totally ruin zippy’s preparation-for-print course!! i’m sure she covers more in depth and the variety of scenarios which you can encounter and how to troubleshoot issues etc.
hatzlacha!
Thanks!
Oops sorry Tzippy! I’m sure the course is way more in depth than this
How long is the prep-for-print course?
I took it live and it was 8 classes (2 hours each)
I think that if you have the time to take it, it’s really worthwhile.
What exactly does the course cover?
And how long is the condensed course?
Preparation for print course
’’ This course will teach you everything you need to know about printing, from when your client calls you up for a job, until its delivered to their doorstep."
The course will consist of 8 classes and is offered currently self paced only although if any demand well offer it live after Pesach, Cost of course $500.
The course will cover topics such as:
- Setting up files for print in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator
- CMYK and Spot Colors-what the difference is and when to use what.
- pref-light and pre press management
- Margins, Bleeds, Crop and Registration Marks
- Understanding the Print Process
- Learning about different types of papers and when to use what.
- printing on different substrates
- Understanding how to troubleshoot issues.
- Learning what embossing, spot UV, Foil, and special print effects and when to use it.
- Die-cutting process
- Color Separation
- overprinting and knocking out colors, trapping
- CMYK and color calibration
Thanks.
Is the condensed course just taught faster or does it cut out info? And how long is it?
we dont have 2 versions of this course officially. Since this course was bundled with indesign for accreditation purposes, (ie if you wanted credits for digital layout and have not done the print cousre) we made a condensed version for those who are only doing it for credit purposes so they need to be able to pass the tests. This is not a product that is sold as a standalone course