File Setup Instructions for Quark 6-8

Step 1 - Product Dimensions & Trim Edge

  • Go to -> Layout -> Layout Properties 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

  • 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 2 - Thin Hairlines

To check a line thickness select the keyline and go to Style -> Width -> Other.

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 3 - U.S. Postal Regulations

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

Step 4 - Image Quality and Color

Good image quality and color makes a big difference when your order is printed:

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

Step 5 - "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%

Be careful that black values that appear the same onscreen may actually be vastly different when printed:

Go to Edit -> Colors and click on New. Set Model to CMYK, deselect spot colors, input the proper CMYK values, and click OK. Then click Save and apply your new color to the appropriate color side black elements.

Step 6 - Fonts

To see which fonts are being used in your Quark™ file go to Utilities -> Usage (F13) and click on the Fonts tab. Be sure that you:

  • DO NOT stylize any fonts - ALL fonts should say "Plain". (Example: do not apply the "Bold" menu style to "Futura" when you should be using the font named "FuturaBold".)
  • DO NOT use Multiple Master Fonts ("MM" in filename - example: "OceanSanMM").

Step 7 - Update Images

Be sure that all images are properly linked into Quark™ by going to Utilities -> Usage (F13). Select any images that do not display "OK" and update them by clicking "Update", navigating (browsing) to them, and selecting them by clicking "OK":

Step 8 - Remove OPI

Please remove ANY OPI from your layout prior to exporting a PDF. Click and turn off OPI for every image listed.

Proceed to Save / Export Settings

I have been using Modern Postcard for over 6 years and have never been disappointed. The quality is always top notch and the service has been overly helpful. I have purchased lists from a number of different printers over the years and Modern Postcard has been the most accurate and up to date. The mailing lists were easy to customize and have given us a great return. Working in non-profit it is essential to have the best coverage with every mailing, Modern Postcard has helped us achieve this. You are in good hands and won’t be disappointed.
Kevin Swed
Design Director, Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA