If you are experiencing
trouble getting a file approved by the printcp proofing
tool, please check the list below for some common issues
that may lead to your file being rejected.
1. see example of how a 5x7 postcard would be submitted.
2. BLEED AREA : The
proofing tool looks for a file to have exactly 1/8" (0.125)
Bleed.
ie. A business card file with a trim size of 3.5" x 2"
will actually be submitted as 3.75" x 2.25"
Even if your job
doesn't bleed you should set your page up to include a bleed
area.
Crop marks are not required in your file setup!
Our proofing tool will reject files that includes these.
3. FONT ISSUES : A
good rule of thumb when sending files out to print digitally,
especially when using applications like Illustrator or
freehand.... Convert your fonts to Outlines or Paths.
4. DISTILLER : Adobe Acrobat Distiller
does a better job of creating pdf's than the built
in pdf export.
5. SINGLE FILE PDF CREATION : printcp
requires your pdf be submitted as a "single file".
To achieve this follow these simple steps.
STEP 1.
First create your
2 pdf files (a front side and a back side)
STEP 2.
Open
one of these files in Adobe Acrobat, once that is open select
the "insert
page" option from the "DOCUMENT" menu, select
the other pdf file and click OK.
STEP 3. You will now have a single pdf
file containing two pages, so go ahead and save this pdf
file and it is ready to upload.
6. NO CROP MARKS!
A few Tips to successful pdf creation by application
:
InDesign -
Create your document remembering to include the 0.125 Bleed
area. Save as a [print] pdf! In the preferences under "Marks
and Bleeds" be sure to check the box for "Use Document Bleed
Settings" but DO NOT check any boxes under "Marks"
Illustrator users - The "save as pdf" option
works fine but you will achieve a smaller file size if
you convert to outlines, export as an eps, then run your
file through Distiller.
Freehand users - Same
as Illustrator, convert fonts to paths, export as an eps,
run through Distiller.
Photoshop users - If
you have built your file completely in photoshop, first
save a copy as a CMYK eps.
Then save the flattened eps as a pdf, or run the
file through Distiller.
DO NOT just
save your psd file straight to pdf using the "save as PhotoshopPDF" function.
Quark users - The
best way we are aware of is to go into Quark prefs and
change the PDF pref to make a postscript file. Then you
run the PS file through Distiller.
• Click
here to view usps postcard requirements.
• Click here to view examples of correct 2
sided pdf's - Business Card - 5x7
postcard
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