PREPRESS HELP PAGES
Here are some useful tips and information on how to set up your files for trouble free output. Please contact us if you need any further help. We look forward to working with you on your next publication.
Microsoft Publisher 2000
Make sure you are using Microsoft Publisher
2000 or greater.
We strongly suggest that you review your program reference guides in conjunction with any instructions you may receive on our site. Look for information under Printing, Printing to disk (PostScript), Preparing files for a service bureau or service provider, Preparing documents for High Resolution Imagesetting.
Before working with and creating PostScript print-to-disk (PTD) or Acrobat PDF files it is imperative that you be familiar with your applications, how to print, and have a good general working knowledge of your computer and its operating system.
Preflight and Package Native Files If you are sending native files, you must insure that your job is produced correctly and all associated files included and updated. This includes verifying all graphics links, typefaces, and page elements. Collecting these elements can be accomplished with the Pack and Go Wizard.
- With your document saved, select Pack and Go from the File menu.
- Select Take to a commercial printing service, this will automatically embed TrueType fonts, include linked graphics, and create links for embedded graphics. The wizard will also print composite and separation proofs. NOTE: The wizard cannot embed TrueType fonts that do not allow embedding or PostScript Type 1 fonts. In these cases you may have to include these files manually (check your typeface license).
- The wizard will also check the links to source files. If a source cannot be found, you will have the opportunity to either locate the original and update the link or skip the update. You should always choose to update links to avoid missing images in your file.
- Publisher will pack the files, naming and numbering the files with a .puz extension. These will be the files you send to us (this does not include any additional font files you will need to send manually, as indicated above).
- Always check your packaging by printing some test files before sending.
PostScript Print-To-Disk Files Printing PostScript print-to-disk files If you are sending PostScript files you need to make sure that all your fonts and linked graphics are properly prepared. This should not be a problem if you have already printed proofs. You can additionally verify your file by running the Pack and Go wizard under the File menu. This will check your links.
- You must insure that you have a valid PostScript printer driver (check our web site for more detail on the latest printer drivers). Be sure to select the correct PostScript printer driver before continuing.
- Be sure the correct PPD (PostScript Printer Description file) is installed in your computer (check our web site for more detail on the latest PPDs).
- Choose Print under the file menu. Select the correct Printer in the Name pull down menu. Choose the correct Paper size, you will most likely need to set up a custom size to take into account crop and register marks.
- Click on the Properties button. Select the paper tab and make sure a custom page size is selected and click on the Custom button.
- Set your Paper Size, leave everything set to 0 inches, with the exception of the height and width. Set the size and select Transverse if available. Remember you will have to take into account crop and registration marks, so when you set your paper width and height be sure to add approximately 1 inch each dimension (1/4" more for bleeds). Click OK.
- Click on the Graphics Tab choose the resolution (remember 2400 dpi is subject to additional surcharges). Be sure this number matches a line screen of 133 or 150. NEVER select Negative or Mirror. Click on the PostScript tab and select Postscript Optimize for Portability. Click OK.
- Now Select Print... from the File menu. Again be sure the correct printer is selected.
- Select Print to File. If you are printing a range of pages, select those. Select Print separations if you are printing separations, these options may not be displayed if you haven't used the Color Printing dialog box to change the color model of the publication to spot or process color. If you do require separations do this now. Make sure you eliminate unused or unneeded colors otherwise you may be charged for unnecessary plates.
- Click the Advance Print Settings... button and select the Publication Options tab. If you don't require bleeds deselect the bleed options. Always Print full-resolution graphics. Set the printer marks as you wish, we recommend setting all of them.
- Select the Device Options tab. DO NOT select any of the Print output options (Vertical mirror, Emulsion down, Negative image). Keep the Resolution and Screens set to default. DO NOT alter the frequency/angle settings independent of the Screening settings, unless instructed to do otherwise. Click OK.
- Now you should click Save to save your publication as a PostScript print-to-disk file
Copyright © 1994 Marrakech Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: July 13, 2001