CopyingGraphic Art Services
. . . Just give the disk to the printshop and have them print 1,000 copies.
Sounds easy enough but printers estimate 30 to 90 percent of disks they receive are improperly prepared or contain some type of hidden headache. A few common problems include disks with missing fonts or graphics and disks containing multiple files -- which one do you want printed? Files with unknown or unsupported applications, unsupported computer platforms, even unformatted or blank disks are sometimes received.
The root of the problem is usually not understanding how to prepare a file for offset printing. Properly formatting a disk for printing requires a different level of knowledge than simply creating and saving a file for use with the office printer. There are considerations regarding ink color definitions, font management, paper orientation, bitmap resolution, color modes, trapping, knockouts, overprints, etc. What is common knowledge for graphic artists is not typical information office and business printing buyers like yourself may possess -- and why should you? You have invested thousands of dollars in hardware and software for the office system, spent hours researching which programs and printers to use; how much RAM to have and what kind of networking to use. You have struggled learning complex programs, learning graphic concepts like point sizes, leading, headlines and captions and graphic file formats.
You've probably spent hours writing the document to be offset printed, choosing colors and placing illustrations based on what looks good and will serve your ultimate goal. Then you send it off to the printer -- that's when the problems begin.
Beware. If you are printing a multi-color newsletter, brochure or product flyer the printing cost will be substantially more than for black or a single color ink. Offset printing is not like your office color copier or printer. Each color requires a separate printing plate and will incur additional press costs. Be sure to get a quote from the printer before you send out the job. If the document requires color separations be sure you use software that supports spot or process color formatting. Be sure the graphics are included on the disk or have been placed in the document correctly -- in the proper format. And be sure your printshop has the same fonts you have used. Any discrepancies could delay the job past your deadlines and cause additional charges.
To prevent these problems always check with the printshop before sending a disk or file to be printed. Make sure what you have created is compatible with the printshop's system. It is essential that a printed proof copy accompany your file. If you do not have a color printer, black and white output with the colors noted and highlighted will insure the printer understands where the colors go and the way the document should look.
If platform, program or font incompatibilities exist, the printer may require you save the file as an .eps file (encapsulated postscript) or a .pdf file (portable document format). If you do send an .eps file, however, be sure it is correct as the printer may not be able to edit it.
NEID is New England Information Distributors, Inc. founded in 1976 as a community based media organization. NEID soon became a small commercial printshop known locally as NEID Printing. NEID is a union printer having joined the New London (CT) Typographical Union No.159 (CWA Local 14106) in 1978 and can offer the Union Label upon request. During the past 25 years, NEID has been used by many businesses (small and large), social, political, environmental, educational and non-profit organizations, charities, churches and individuals with its highly personalized graphic art, printing, and copying services.
See the latest developments of the Mars Exploration Mission
Rover 
Need a road map and directions? Mapquest can provide you with the information you need for that trip --instantly all free and online. You can even print the map created by your request.
All you could ever need to know about any movie is available from the Internet Movie Database. This site contains 1.5 million filmographic entries including titles, descriptions, reviews, actors, directors and much more.
| Home | Printing | Color Copying/Graphics | Helpful Tips | About NEID |
15 Chicago Avenue
Groton, Connecticut 06340fax: (860) 448-1216
e-mail: info@neid.com