File Setup Instructions for Publisher

Step 1 - Color Mode

Start your layout using a document in CMYK color space. Go to Tools -> Commercial Printing Tools -> Color Printing. Select Process Color (CMYK)

Caution

• Publisher's default color mode is RGB. Colors of your original files may be altered unpredictably when exported from Publisher unless all elements and document modes are set to CMYK from the start.
• Transparency effects (i.e. drop shadows) do not export as intended. It becomes a solid color. Transparency is not an option in CMYK color mode.

Other options

• Include your digital images with your order and let us Color Manage your files.
• Send us a Color Sample that resembles your color expectations and we will do a color review/comparison.
• You can order a Color Proof $35 (adds one day)

Step 2 - Product Dimensions & Trim Edge

• Download Template: Publisher templates are available or Go to -> File -> Page setup and enter correct product bleed dimensions.
• 1/16" (.0625 of an inch) will be trimmed off each side of your product (example: a Standard Postcard 4.375" x 6.125" will trim to 4.25" x 6").

Caution

• Publisher's built in templates do not match our specified product sizes.
• Elements too close to or over the trim edge may be trimmed into.
• Thin borders - may appear uneven when trimmed. Minimum 3/16" border recommended.
• Images bordering the trim edge - Images should "bleed" off the page.

*Borders should be .25" thick from the bleed edge (3/16" or .1875" from trim).

Step 3 - Image Quality and Color

Good image quality and color makes a big difference when your order is printed. Go to -> Tools -> Graphic Manager and check each image detail panel for its resolution and color mode. We recommend 355ppi & CMYK.

Caution

• Publisher's "Design Checker" only warns for images below 96ppi. We consider 96ppi as low resolution.
• Publisher's "Pack and Go" feature may damages files. It may damage vector art files and even if the document is in CMYK it converts all graphics (vector and raster) to RGB. We highly recommend collecting your native Publisher files (fonts, images & layouts) without using this feature so we can Color Manage your files for you.

To prevent poor quality images your file(s) should meet some basic standards of quality and color:

Resolution

• 355 ppi (pixels per inch)
• 1,200 ppi for bitmap (B/W) TIFFs

Image Quality

• JPEG Compression (maximum level)
• Digital Cameras (highest quality setting)

Frontside Color

• CMYK
• Also see our Monitor Calibration and Printing Profiles

Backside Color

• CMYK (4/4), Grayscale or B/W (4/1)

Step 4 - "Rich" Black Values

In order for color side black borders, headlines, and text to appear dark and saturated ("rich"), you will need to set your CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) values accordingly:
C = 90%
M = 80%
Y = 80%
K = 100%

Caution

Black values that appear the same onscreen may actually be vastly different when printed:

Select your object & go to the Color Fill or Stroke Palette. Select "More Fill Colors" from the drop down menu. Create a custom color in "CMYK" and input the proper CMYK values C=90 M=80 Y=90 K=100. Click "OK," then apply your new color to all appropriate color elements. Go to Tools -> Commercial Printing Tools -> Color Printing to convert Document to CMYK color space before creating new color.

Step 5 - Update Images

Be sure that all images are properly linked/embeded into your Publisher layout by going to Tools -> Graphics Manager. Select any images that need to be updated, select "Replace this picture" navigating (browsing) to the image, selecting the image, and clicking "Insert." Please send all the support images used in the layout(s) with your Publisher files.

Caution

Publisher's "Pack and Go" feature may damages files. It may damage vector art files and even if the document is in CMYK it converts all graphics (vector and raster) to RGB. We highly recommend collecting your native Publisher files (fonts, images & layouts) without using this feature so we can Color Manage your files for you.

Step 6 - Fonts

To see which fonts are being used in your Publisher file go to Tools -> Commercial Printing Tools -> Fonts. Be sure that you DO NOT stylize any fonts. (Example: do not apply the "Bold" menu style to "Futura" when you should be using the font named "FuturaBold".) Please send all fonts used in your layout(s) with your files.

Caution

Publisher's "Pack and Go" feature does not gather fonts used. It embeds the font into the file. We highly recommend collecting your native Publisher files (fonts, images & layouts) without using this feature.

* To locate your PC fonts go to C: Drive -> Windows -> Fonts folder and gather only the fonts used in your layout.

Step 7 - Thin Hairlines

To check a line thickness select the keyline and go to Format -> Auto Shape -> Colors & Lines -> Weight.

Caution

Hairlines thinner than .25 points may not show up when printed.

Be sure to set the line width to .25 points or higher.

Step 8 - U.S. Postal Regulations

If you plan on mailing your postcards (or having us mail them for you), your layout must meet U.S. Postal Regulations.