Common design problems, which will either cause delays or cost extra money.

Fonts, are the number one job stopper. We must have the correct fonts to start the job. This also includes receiving pathed type, which requires type corrections.

There a three fonts elements used in computers;

 1) PC and Mac, True Type. A simple architect design for creating a letter. Not all output units will convert the architecture the same, results are that fonts may not appear or print with the exact same design. True Type PC fonts must be converted to Mac suit cased formats and this usually is where the output may appear different due to converting.

 2) PC and Mac, Post Script. Must have the correct PC format fonts, this is not the same format as Post Script 2 Mac. This is a much better architect for creating a letter, and most output units with Post Script capability will have no problems with this format.

 3) Mac, Post Script 1,2,3. Mac format Post Script can only be used on Mac computers utilizing ATM font system. This architecture has two parts to it: a post script printer element, and a suitcase with a screen element. (Screen font are for the monitor only.)  There must always be both parts available to output correctly.

Another condition to this font format is using the desired font in the proper definition. Example: Times Regular should not be changed in the style mode to Bold, it will not output on all equipment as Times Bold. You must select Times Bold, to ensure you will output Times Bold. The same holds true to selecting Times Bold and style it to bold, it will not made Times Bold bolder. This example would call for selecting Times Extra Bold, if available. Which brings us to another point, not all fonts come in all styles, there may not be a Times Extra Bold available in the font purchased. As well as some fonts do not have lower case letters or are limited in sizing.

 There is will over 15,000 fonts available, we have more then 6,000 on hand.  A vast amount of fonts available for purchase are of poor quality architecture. Good font designs will cost as much as $140 for one set. Poor font quality are those which you can purchase 1,000 fonts for $9.00.

Common Design problems number two is art files.

1) There are two basic art file methods utilized in programs, one links art to the file, the other embeds the art in the file.  Linking art to a file allows the final file to be smaller and allows correction to the art accessible. Embedding art places the art into the file increasing final file size but makes art corrections more difficult.

 2) Art files should always be saved at a high resolution 200 to 300 DPI, at the same size as being used, in the orientation being used in the final file. Programs use application instruction to perform functions, each requiring memory and time. Example done in Quark, where a piece of art is being inserted, reduced to 50% of its size, and turned upside down. The application will have to perform one memory pass inserting the art, a second pass reducing the art and a third pass turning the art 180 degrees, add in a higher resolution then needed and you maybe looking at a file that take much more megabits to run then needed.

 3) Scans should be done in a file format as required, with setting which provide the best reproduction possible, but utilizes the least memory possible. Example: Do not scan a solid  black and white piece of art as a Grayscale 1200 DPI, 500% larger then needed for the file. On the other side of the example, do not scan a subject as a bitmap subject smaller then the final size at a low resolution. Enlarging a low resolution scan will create a very poor quality final output.

 4) All subjects being done 4/color, should be scanned 4/color and set for SWOP calibration. All files set as RGB will require converting to YMCK and will not match RGB output as previously viewed.

Art Work and Designs on Computer Disk

            Creative Labels, as part of our continuing efforts to improve quality and service, maintains the full compliment of electronic equipment in our Prepress Department. To help you stay ahead in electronic technology we can accept all files created from the most popular graphic programs both Mac and PC, plus, have most of the popular PC programs. We also can accept Internet Data, but please call in advance before sending. For those Customers which require large file data transfers, we can also set up an FTP site, utilizing our DSL line.