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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.

Quark XPress
If you are using QuarkXPress 4.x and converting your 3.x files be extra careful to check all elements - particularly your imported graphics and polygon image boxes with runarounds. There have been reports of problems in these areas.

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.


Verifying Data/Checking 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.
  1. With your document opened within XPress, select Collect For Output from the File menu..
  2. Enter a name for the report in the Report Name field. Select Report Only. Select a location to save the report.
    -If you don't see a Report Only option you can still continue, just make sure you hit Cancel before XPress starts moving your files, the report is always created first.
  3. If the Missing/Modified pictures dialog box is displayed update the Modified pictures and find Missing pictures. Click ok. Review the report, making sure all graphics, fonts, and elements are in place.
  4. Next, print a proof of the file to insure all fonts and graphics are in order
  5. If you are sending us files for separations you must also print out proofs of each plate. This will allow you to see if knockouts and trapping in your file are ok.
  6. A warning dialog box will appear if fonts are missing. If these warnings appear cancel the print. Note the fonts missing and install the missing fonts on your system and try again.
  7. Send these proofs to us with your job. If we do not have your proofs we cannot insure your job is output correctly.

Gather Your Files For Output - Sending Native Files If you are sending native files follow these instructions using the Collect For Output option. This option will automatically gather all the graphics from your document as well as verify all links and fonts (if missing). However it will not automatcially move or install fonts - you will have to do this manually based on the report you created earlier. Remember that EPS graphics may have fonts in them too - these must be included as well.
  1. With your document opened within XPress, select Collect For Output under the File menu. Be sure to deselect the Report Only box.
  2. Create a new folder/directory and specify a location for the files and report. Click Collect.
  3. You should not get any errors concerning Missing or Modified pictures if you followed the Verifying Data instructions properly. However, if you do, we recommend you stop collecting for output and start over.
  4. Now check your report and copy the necessary typeface/font files into your folder. Remember fonts contained in EPS files.
    -Remember to include both screen and printer fonts (or .pfb and .pfm files) for PostScript fonts and screen fonts (or .ttf files) for TrueType fonts.
  5. Include a hard copy of your report with your job.

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. Printing the proofs as indicated in the Verifying Data section should show any discrepancies. Consult the PostScript to disk section if you are new to creating PostScript print-to-disk files. Additionally, if you are new to creating PostScript print-to-disk files and working in the Microsoft Windows environment be sure to check out the Windows Issues section as well.
  1. You must insure that you have a valid PostScript printer driver (For Macs: LaserWriter or PSPrinter driver 8.x For Windows95 and NT: Adobe 4.1 Print Driver). Be sure to select this PostScript printer driver before continuing.
  2. Be sure the correct PPD is installed in your computer (click on the Printer Drivers section from the menu on the left to obtain the correct drivers and PPDs).
The instructions differ slightly dependent on the version of XPress you're using:
[ Quark XPress 3.x | Quark XPress 4.x ] QuarkXPress 3.x
  1. Select Page Setup from the File menu. Make sure the Reduce or Enlarge setting is set to 100% (if this is is your desired final size). Ignore the Paper, Layout,and Orientation settings.
  2. Select the correct printer type (PPD) for our imagesetters (Agfa Accuset 800). Set the resolution (this can be 1200, 1800, or 2400). Paper size should be greyed out if you picked the correct printer type.
  3. Select Binary for Data Format. Set the Halftone screen (this can be anything from 60 to 200 - consult a representative for specifics, especially if you are creating color separations).
  4. Set the following: Paper Offset: 0", Paper Width: 14", Page Gap: 0.25" (1/4"). Make sure Use PDF Screen Values is deselected.
  5. Click on Options in most cases nothing should be checked here. Click Ok.
  6. Select Print from the File menu. Make sure copies are set correctly - this usually is set to 1. Also check your page ranges - this usually is set to All. Ignore Paper Cassette settings. Make sure no cover page is selected.
  7. Set the following: Destination: File, Output: Normal, Tiling: Off, Registration: Centered, OPI: Include Images.
  8. Make sure the following options are not selected: Collate, Back to Front, Thumbnails, and Calibrated Output.
  9. Select the Spreads, Print Colors As Grays and Include Blank Pages options as necessary. DO NOT choose Spreads unless you have properly prepared your files for spreads and discussed it with a representative.
  10. If you are producing separations (CYMK or spot color) select Separations and set up your separations as you would normally. Make sure you eliminate unused or unneeded colors otherwise you may be charged for unnecessary plates.
  11. Finally click on Save to create your print-to-disk file.
QuarkXPress 4.x
  1. Choose Print from the File menu and click the Setup tab.
    - Choose the correct Printer Description (PPD) from the popup menu (Agfa Accuset 800). The Paper Size field changes automatically to Custom.
    - Make sure the Reduce or Enlarge setting is set to 100% (if this is is your desired final size). Ignore the Paper Height and Orientation settings. Make sure the Fit in Print Area is not selected.
    - Enter the following: Paper Width: 14", Page Positioning: Left Edge, Paper Offset: 0", Page Gap: 0.25" (1/4").
  2. Click the Document tab.
    - To print color separations, check Separations. A plate will be printed for each spot color or process ink used on the printed pages of your document.
    - Make sure the following options are not selected: Collate, Back to Front, and Thumbnails.
    - Select the following: Tiling: Off, Registration: Centered and Select the Spreads and Include Blank Pages options as necessary. DO NOT choose Spreads unless you have properly prepared your files for spreads and discussed it with a representative.
    - To specify a bleed amount for a document, enter a value in the Bleed field.
  3. Click the Output tab.
    - Set the type of color handling you require (this will depend on your job). Set the Halftoning to Conventional.
    - Set the resolution (this can be 1200, 1800, or 2400). Set the Halftone screen (this can be anything from 60 to 200 - consult a representative for specifics, especially if you are creating color separations).
    - If you are producing separations (CYMK or spot color) set up your separations as you would normally. Make sure you eliminate unused or unneeded colors otherwise you may be charged for unnecessary plates.
  4. Click the Options tab.
    - Make sure that none of the boxes in the upper part of the dialog are checked or selected (Quark PostScript Error Handler, Prepress File, Negative Print, Page Flip).
    - Set the Pictures options as follows: Output: Normal, Data: Binary, OPI: Include Images. Do not select Full Resolution TIFF Output. Do not select Overprint EPS Black except in special conditions.
  5. Click the Printer... button.
    - Here you can specify the destination as PostScript file (Print-to-disk). Click on save and save the file.

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Copyright © 1994 Marrakech Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 24, 2001

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