Output Instructions

Guide for creating and submitting a PostScript file for output

Click Here To Download these directions in Acrobat .pdf format.

I. Preparing your file for PostScript output in applications other than Quark or prior to placing them in Quark.

1. All colors should be converted to CMYK process colors.
2. All images should have a resolution of 300dpi or better.
3. When possible convert all type to outlines.
4. If your design calls for a bleed make sure it is no more or less than 1/8 (.125”) on
each side, (there are exceptions; for example thick book productions. Call if in doubt.)
5. Please do not include any crop marks, folding lines or any other information you do not
intend to print.
6. All items in your design should be grouped, locked and all layers should be flattened.
7. Your document size should be the after cut size plus the bleed so that it is contained
within the document. For example: if final cut size= 8.5x11”, document size=8.75x11.25”
to include bleed.
8. Save your document as an EPS file before placing it into Quark. Please make sure
your images and fonts (if any) are embedded.

II. Creating a PostScript File from Quark.

1. If your design calls for a bleed please insure that you create one prior to creating your PostScript file. The bleed should be no more than 1/8(.125”) on each side, front and back. If one side has a bleed and the other does not, treat them both as if they do so that both sides back up properly. Your final document size should include the bleed so that it is contained within the document itself.
2. In the file menu select Page setup... Print Style: Default Copies: 1 Pages: All
3. Document Uncheck Separations Uncheck Spreads(treat each page as an individual) Uncheck Include Blank Pages Uncheck Back to Front Uncheck Thumbnails Page Sequence: All Bleed: O” Registration: Centered Offset: 30pt. Tiling: Off <<back to top
4. Setup Printer Description: Acrobat Distiller 3.0 Paper Size: Custom Paper Width: Your document width size including bleed Paper Height: Your document height size including bleed Reduce or Enlarge: 100% Paper Offset: 0” Page Positioning: Center Page Gap: 0” Uncheck Fit in Print Area
5. Output Print Colors: Composite CMYK Resolution: 2540, 2400 Half Toning: Conventional Frequency: 175 Check each color included in your document to be printed.
6. Options Check Postscript Error Handler Page Flip: None Uncheck Negative Print Pictures Output: Normal Data: Binary Uncheck Overprint EPS Black OPI: Include Images Check Full Resolution TIFF Output
7. Preview Paper and document size should be identical
8. Select Printer
Under Destination Select: File, Click Save.
Format: PostScript Job Select Binary Select Level 1 Compatible Font Inclusion: All Print File, Click Save

III. Creating a PDF file from Adobe Acrobat Distiller 4.0

1. Producing a PDF is as easy as dragging and dropping your PostScript file into the Acrobat Distiller dialogue box. For our purposes there are a few necessary adjustments to be performed in Distiller’s job options. A single file containing the predefined job options can be downloaded for both Macintosh and Windows versions of Distiller from the ScenicSoft website at:
www.scenicsoft.com/support/PrepsTechnotes/13019Preps.html.
This file can then placed in the Acrobat: Distiller: Settings folder on any workstation. We recommend you verify your font settings in Distiller to ensure that fonts are correctly embedded. You could then save these new settings as “OUTPUT” to use before submitting a file to us.

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