WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:
• All Layout Files (Quark / Illustrator documents, etc...)
• All Image Files (Read below for image specs)
• All Fonts used in Layouts
• Hard copy color prints of all your Layouts

LAYOUT:
• Bleed: If you have an image which goes all the way to an edge which will be cut, remember to add "bleed"-- i.e., extend that image another 1/8" beyond the edge to allow a margin of error for our cutter. All templates for paper printing are set up for a bleed. Please keep in mind that anything you place on that 1/8" bleed area will be cropped off and will not appear on your final product!

• Be sure to use the proper template -- the exterior & interior versions of a template may look very similar, but they are not the same in most cases!

• You should keep all important elements (type, images, logos, barcode, etc.) at least 1/8" away from all edges, and when possible, from all folds too (safety area).

• FOLDERS & BOOKLETS: Always prepare files for stapled booklets in printer spreads, not reader spreads (e.g. on an 8 pg. booklet, pages 2 & 7 must adjoin, not pages 2 & 3.) For folded inserts (non-stapled items), folder & reader spreads are the same, so don't even worry about it.
If possible, when designing a booklet, please avoid crossover graphics (image or text on page 2 continues on page 3). Due to minor misalignment through the printing and binding processes they might not match as expected.

• Supply all of your images along with your layout files. Do not embed your images, this only results in larger files.

• Make sure to spec Pantone Colors (PMS Coated) for silkscreened discs.

• Proofread your project thoroughly BEFORE you send it. Again, any changes will be billed.

IMAGES:
• All color and grayscale image files should be scanned at a resolution of at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) at actual printing size. 1-bit images should have a much higher resolution (1200 dpi is recommended.) DO NOT FAKE RESOLUTION, it will still look jagged.

• Save your images as .TIF files. Avoid saving your images as .JPG or .GIF formats as they will most likely severely degrade their quality. Include the layered version of your Photoshop file (.PSD) if applicable; this is a good safeguard for minor problems.

• Your images should be in the proper color mode (usually CMYK, grayscale, or bitmap - NEVER RGB.) Also, remember that any images used on B&W sections should be in grayscale or bitmap mode (Not CMYK, RGB, Duotone, etc.)

• Please do all of your image rotating and sizing in your image editing program (Photoshop, etc...) instead of in your layout program. This makes your files print faster and more trouble-free.

FONTS:
• DO NOT USE MENU STYLES!!! A menu styled font may look great on the screen, but when film is output it may not show the style you selected or even worse, it could output in a default font (the dreaded Courier) rather than your chosen one. To make a word bold or italic, select the actual styled font within the chosen typeface from your font menu (Times BoldItalic, Bell Gothic Light, etc.)

• If you are providing an EPS Image with text you may need to supply the font used in the image. Check any EPS files used in your layout for font requirements.

• Make sure you've provided both the printer font and the screen font for PostScript fonts, otherwise your project will be unprintable. PostScript fonts are preferred, although TrueType is acceptable if necessary. If you have both versions of a font, please use and include only the PostScript.

COLOR: Paper vs. CD
All colors and color images used in paper printed products should be in the CMYK mode, so please be sure to convert them prior to sending your files for output. We can print spot colors at an additional charge. On the other hand, the standard direct on-CD printing is done using up to 2 Pantone Coated inks that you specify (we can print extra PMS colors for an additional charge). Any images for on-CD printing should be provided in grayscale or bitmap mode unless you wish to print using 4-color process (CMYK). CMYK process on-CD printing actually involves 5 colors (CMYK with a white flood) and will be an additional charge.

If you have any questions that are not answered here, you can reach a Spectrum artist at 1.800.334.9328 / 405.360.8702 / artdept@spectrumcd.com