Preparing Print Jobs for SFU Document Solutions

Issues to Consider

  • Is job “print ready”? What additional work needs to be done by Document Solutions?
  • Consider quality desired and associated costs
  • Check to ensure that media and finishing is appropriate for the quality that you want
  • Ensure that you provided adequate time
  • If unsure, consult with a Document Solutions Customer Service Representative

Borders and Margins

  • Allow at least a half-inch border or margin at edge of the page when designing for text.
  • If you are designing a document for cerlox binding, 3-hole punch or specialty binding, allow for additional space on binding side.
  • If designing a document for a signature booklet (saddle-stitch), depending on the amount and thickness of sheets, “creep” may occur and sheets in the middle of the document may shift outwards more.
  • Any graphical elements close to the edge may be cut when a “face-trim” is used to square the booklet to the front cover.

Transparencies

  • Transparencies are a problem for printing as they may cause unexpected results
  • What you see on the screen is not what will be printed. Different print engines have different interpreters (RIPs) with different subtle reactions to print file instructions
  • If using transparencies, it is best to design in different layers with background on bottommost layer and text layers on top
  • When transparent text is placed on graphics on the same layer, the interpreter “rasterizes” overlapping text or overprint objects and present the material in a lower resolution.
  • If possible, “flatten” transparencies
  • Spot colours should not be used with transparencies as they convert to process CMYK when flattened.
  • Avoid having text with special effects (e.g. drop shadow) on spot colour backgrounds as they mask out the background when printed
  • Convert colours to CMYK process if you plan to do this

Colour Matching

  • Colours seen on computer screen are not the same as those printed
  • Computer monitors use a RGB colour model while printers use CMYK
  • Each output device has a unique colour profile or “gamut” not shared with other devices. If a colour is not found, printer approximates nearest available colour
  • If you want a specific colour, it is best to use a Pantone CMS or “spot” colour.
  • Request a hardcopy proof as your final means of verifying colours that you want or provide a sample of the colour with your job
  • Printed colours will vary depending on paper stock used and calibration of the printer
  • Process rich colours may not reproduce properly due to the way each printer interprets colours beyond 100% due to the order that each colour is introduced.
  • Use black at 100% and avoid using rich blacks if possible
  • Avoid colouring objects too close to the background colour if contrast is required

Layouts

  • If a certain layout or fold is needed, provide a sample or mockup of finished document.
  • Document Solutions printers have a maximum image area 20.25” x 14”
  • When creating brochures on letter-sized sheets, create the 3rd or innermost panel, slightly smaller than the other two
  • (~ 1/8 inch recommended)

Solid Colour Fills

  • Solid fills or solid areas of color may have problems due to variations in media and environment affecting the electrical charge placing the color in digital printers
  • Add noise or use a subtle pattern in fill areas to minimize appearance of variations
  • If using tints, use Tint slider to create tinted colour. Do not use Opacity slider to create a transparency to approximates tint