Saving a file

Creating Documents
There are a number of problems that may occur when documents are created on one computer and viewed on another. Two different computers may not share the same application in which a document was created. A document will not open on a computer with an operating system that is different from the operating system that the document was created on. If a file does open on a computer, the fonts and graphics may look much different than the way in which they were intended to appear. Also, documents may not print correctly because of differences with printers and software.

PDF file format
Be sure the PDF contains bleeds, if necessary, and that it has not been down sampled. A Portable Document Format (PDF) ensures your viewed file retains the formatting that you intended, and that data in the file cannot easily be changed. The PDF format is also useful if you intend to use commercial printing methods. Optimize for high print quality and embed all fonts.

Creating a problem free PDF
Files should be checked to make sure that imported images, fonts, colour profiles are in good standing. RGB images and colours including PMS spot colour should be converted to CYMK mode. All layers should be flattened before pdf creation and transparency flattening resolution should be of high quality. When using an existing PDF from any program, make sure the above options are applied.

Creating an Indesign PDF
Checking your document before exporting using the InDesign Preflight feature to ensure that image resolution and colour spaces are correct, that fonts are available and can be embedded, that graphics are up-to-date. Convert all colours to CMYK including RGB and PMS?spot colours in the Export Adobe PDF dialog box (Output category). If your artwork contains transparency (including overprints and drop shadows) and you require high-resolution output, it’s a good idea to preview the effects of flattening using the Flattener Preview panel before saving the file.

Image resolution
Image resolution or bitmap image, like those made with Photoshop, should be set at 300 dpi. Enlarging an image will lower the resolution while reducing an image will increase the resolution. Enlarging an image in a layout programs is not recommended. Images less than 300 dpi could reproduce poorly looking fuzzy or pixilated. Images from the Internet are not recommended as most images on the web are 72 dpi and will appear fuzzy or pixilated. An unfavourable image cannot be resaved as a different type of file. For example, you cannot place a gif file in Photoshop and resave it as and EPS format. This does not improve the quality when printed. If you have to use low resolution images a proof should be requested for approval before printing.

Down sampling
To make a large size file smaller, images are changed to a lower resolution which may not be suitable for high quality printing.

If you are sending files created in the follow applications, you may want to go through these steps:

Illustrator
1. Change all fonts to outlines
2. Embed all images used from your links palette
3. Save as a PDF by choosing PDFX 3 from choices given.

InDesign
1. Change all fonts to outlines
2. Embed all images used from your links palette
3. Go to top menu bar under "File"
4. Scroll down to "Adobe PDF Presets"
5. Choose PDFX 3 from choices given
6. Or scroll down to "Package" and follow prompts until you have a completed folder with all elements intact.

QuarkXpress
1. Go to top menu bar under "File"
2. Scroll down to "Collect For Output"
3. Follow prompts until you have a completed folder with all elements intact.

Freehand
1. Change all fonts to outlines
2. Go to top menu bar under "File"
3. Scroll down to "Collect For Output"
4. Follow prompts until you have a completed folder with all elements intact.

Photoshop
1. Make sure your image size is set at 300 dpi, especially if text is involved
2. Flatten layers
3. Save your file to EPS or JPG formats.

Publisher
1. Go to top menu bar under "File"
2. Scroll down to "Pack N Go"
3. Scroll down to "Commercial Printer"
4. Follow prompts until you have a competed folder with all elements intact.

PowerPoint
1. Go to top left to the "Office Button"
2. Scroll down to "Publish", then to "Package To CD"
3. Follow prompts until you have a competed folder with all elements intact.