Middleton Printing Inc. - Glossary and Print Production Reference Guide

We store files sent to us for two weeks after the job is delivered. If you want us to store your job indefinitely, please let us know. Any changes we make to your job are not made to your original copy unless requested. The original copy is returned to you as we received it. Scans done at Middleton also are not copied onto your disk unless requested.
We have a wide variety of fonts, but often there are minor variations between fonts produced by different manufacturers that may cause type to rewrap, so for best results, please include the fonts in your job, including those EPS imported images. Remember to include printer and screen fonts for Postscript fonts.


PLEASE INCLUDE A LASER OR COLOR PROOF WITH ALL CURRENT CHANGES FOR ALL FILES SENT IN FOR PRINTING. Without one, it is often not possible to tell if type or an image is missing or not imaging correctly in the file. If we are creating the artwork for you, we will provide a laser proof to you for your approval.
Please list all PMS colors that you are using in your file for spot colors. If pinioning in four-color process, please make sure all your color images that are sport or RGB are converted to CMYK. Please make sure that for spot colors you are using PANTONE® colors only. These are created expressly for printing purposes.
For Macintosh, we have Quark Express, PageMaker, Illustrator, Freehand, Photoshop, and Microsoft Word in the latest versions. For the PC, we have Quark, PageMaker, Microsoft Word, Publisher 2000, and Corel Draw. Text can usually be imported from other word processing programs, but may not always retain their formatting. If you have questions about the compatibility of the program you’re using, please contact us. Please include the scans of the original illustrations or photos you have imported into your files. Even if you have embedded your images, if you do not provide the original placed scan we can not make changes if necessary. If possible, please save the as TIFF or EPS images. If we are scanning the high resolution images for you, please indicate the type (halftone, duotone, four-color, etc.) and label clearly the placement of each photo. Please make sure that ALL pieces of artwork that bleed of the page have at least 1/8” bleed. Trapping is usually done on an individual basis at Middleton since different presses require different amounts of trapping and this is built into our Rampage ripping system.

PRINT PRODUCTION REFERENCE GUIDE



Printing Specifications:
Check to be sure the printing specifications are comprehensive, clear and accurate. Be sure to include: ( see Quote page )
Quantity Trim Size Number of pages Number of colors Stock or Stocks (if a combination of papers are used) Number, size and type (4-color, halftones, duotones, etc.) of photos Type of proofs required and how many Type of binding Any special finishing techniques (die-cutting, embossing, etc.) Delivery date Electronic Files to Printer: Please include a Middleton Electronic Pre-Press Info Sheet with your files. Your sales representative will be glad to assist you with this. Before giving/sending the electronic file to us, check all the elements of the file one more time. Be sure all the editorial changes have been made, all color breaks have been indicated properly and any photographs or solids that bleed or extend to the trim of the piece extend at least 1/8” beyond the trim size. If you are unsure of page or gutter sizes to accommodate folds, we will be happy to answer any questions. Remember to print a hard copy of the document and mark it up for us to use as a guide. Once we have received the electronic files, we can start assembling all the elements for proofing. We will provide a blueline (dylux) proof for content and a Match Print for 4-color process color check. Checking the Blueline (Dylux): When we have finished stripping the job, we will create a blueline (dylux) proof. The blueline proof should be checked very careful by both the client and the designer. This is the last opportunity you will have to review the job before it goes to press. Things to check: Make sure the elements of the job are there and in the proper place. Proofread to make sure the editorial content is correct. Check alignment of photographs, type, match colors, graphs, etc. Make sure all the elements trap or fit together properly. Check to make sure elements that reverse or knock out are indicated properly. Mark any changes clearly, preferably in red ink. If the blueline checks out, indicate with an OK, your initials and date. If another proof is required, let us know. Checking Color Proofs: Be sure to check the color proofs carefully. First, check to be sure the images have been sized properly. Then be sure you have a clean scan. The proof should not have any imperfections such as scratches, blotches or uneven tones not seen in the original image. Then check to make sure the color balance is to your liking. At this stage you may want to adjust flesh tones or make your adjustments to the color. Review the color proofs with us and make sure any adjustments to be made are clearly marked on the proofs. If the color proof is acceptable as is, indicate so with an “OK” and initial and date the proof. Press Check: If you would like to press check your job, let us know in advance so we can give you plenty of notice of when your job will be going to press. Photos (Color, Halftone, Duotone, Line Art): Please number your photos to correspond with photo location on your job. Also indicate the size of the printed photo. Include information on any enlargements or reductions, and whether holding lines (keylines) print. Be sure to be specific when marking up your reflective, negative or transparency images. If you want the color separation to match the original let us know and we will match it. If you want to make adjustments to the color in the original or if the image needs any electronic retouching, be sure to point this out as well. Paper Dummies: Having paper dummies made helps you visualize what the job will look like in its final form. It also allows you to make sure the piece conforms to any mailing requirements and allows you to estimate mailing costs. Delivery: Be sure to confirm any special shipping requirements with us. Please include the address and contact name so we can assure prompt delivery. Let us know of any requests for shrink wrapping, slip sheets, minimum number of pieces per carton, etc. Delivery instructions should be arranged swell ahead of the completion of the piece. We will confirm when the finished piece has been delivered to its intended location or locations.