Coloursonic Guide Lines

Please take note of the following points when setting up your files:

If you would like to print out these guidelines, please click here.

• We are Apple Mac-based. Quark Xpress is the current graphics industry standard and the preferred choice for fast turnaround work. Freehand, Illustrator files are also acceptable but only if saved in .EPS format.
  
  
• We also accept Adobe PDF format files. However it is important that these are set up correctly and at the right resolution for print quality. The basic setting in Distiller is 'press optimised'.
  
  
• Images should be CMYK 300dpi and linked to file. They should be placed at the actual size required and saved in .TIF format (always turn LZW compression off), unless you have used clipping paths in which case .EPS format is required. Whilst we can accept .JPG files these usually result in lower quality.
  
  
• Vector based graphics (Illustrator, Freehand) should always be saved in .EPS format, preferably as editable versions. We do not advise creating multi-page documents in these programs as extra work is required to impose them for print. Also avoid embeding large photographic images within them as the size of file will become excessive.
  
  
• Due to the print processes used in digital technology we recommend avoid using flat tints of 10% or less. Graduations must always have a suitable range such as 10% to 100% not 10% to 25%. Avoid Quark Xpress blends as they are known to cause 'banding' - instead create blends in Photoshop and save as CMYK TIF. It is also recommended that you don't use large areas of flat colour in your design. Set solid blacks: C60 M50 Y50 K100, this gives them a richer look.
  
  
• Don't impose your files or use crop marks. Documents should be set to finished page size + 3mm bleed. We also recommend that any text is kept at least 3mm away from the edge of the page.
  
  
• Supply all fonts used, including both printer and screen fonts. Never use TrueType unless absolutely necassary. If you must use TrueType or other fonts then convert them to paths within Quark Xpress v4+, or create in Illustrator or Freehand as paths and import as .EPS graphics.
  
  
• Supply a laser proof of your work. For complete colour accuracy as well as an opportunity for final checking of quality and text we recommend ordering a colour accurate proof.