File Formats
Book Files:
Book files must be provided as PDFs (Acrobat versions 4 or 5) generated from inDesign, using Paper Chase’s preferred export presets. The inDesign templates can be downloaded here.
Book files submitted otherwise will incur additional charges at the pro-rated rate of $150 per hour in order to make them press-ready. Cover and text files should be submitted as separate documents.
All Other Files:
All other files must be provided as PDFs (Acrobat versions 4 or 5) generated from inDesign, Illustrator, Quark or Photoshop, using Paper Chase’s preferred export presets. The inDesign templates can be downloaded here.
Template Layers:
When using Paper Chase templates, do not build your files on the “locked layer” of template instructions.
Zip/Stuff Files:
Files should be submitted zipped or stuffed, submitting files un-compressed will result in delayed download times.
File Names:
Do not name files using any special characters, use letters and numbers only, special characters in names will corrupt your file.
Image Info
Image Resolution:
All images should be between 300 and 450dpi at their final size. Sending smaller images will result in pixilated reproduction. However, sending images that larger than necessary will slow prepress down dramatically.
Image Types:
We accept most standard image file types, including TIFFs, EPSs, BMPs, JPGs and PSDs. GIFs are not recommended for high quality work.
Color Profiles
Color Profiles:
Files should be submitted in their default Adobe RGB98 color profile, unless otherwise instructed by Paper Chase. High-volume projects running on our larger presses should be submitted in their default SWAP CMYK color profile, unless otherwise instructed by Paper Chase. Files for die fabrications should be submitted as 1-color PDFs, to size and placement in their document.
Rich Blacks:
Large black solids should run as a rich black to ensure smooth coverage and dark densities. We recommend 40% cyan, 30% magenta, 30% yellow, 100% black for a nice heavy solid.
Layout Info
Trim Size:
Files should be built to trim size, with bleeds extending 1/8 inch beyond the edge.
Pagination:
Files should be built as 1-up, in final page order, exactly as they should appear in their final form. Page 1 should be followed by page 2, then 3 and 4, in that order. Paper Chase requires all files to be built as single pages only, no spreads or separate layers for each page.
Text & Raster/Vector Issues:
Dealing with fonts in raster-based programs, such as Photoshop, can result in severely degraded font quality. In order to make your text as smooth as possible, we suggest that you use page layout software to handle text. If you keep your text as vectors (the format used by Illustrator, Indesign, Quark, and other page layout programs) you can be sure of much sharper edges and better overall text rendering. No text smaller than 3pt. or lines thinner than 0.25pt.
Black Text:
Black text, particularly small black text, should always print as black only. Creating your text as rich black, or “registration” will result in fuzzy lettering, especially on serif text.
Rich Blacks:
Large black solids should run as a rich black to ensure smooth coverage and dark densities. We recommend 40% cyan, 30% magenta, 30% yellow, 100% black for a nice heavy solid.
Bleed Margins:
All images that bleed should extend 1/8 inch beyond the trim size of the page, to ensure a clean cut with no gaps.
Safety Margins:
Important details should remain at least 1/8 inch inside the trim size of the job. On single page jobs, this is not urgent, but on multi-page books with folded signatures, it is important to keep in mind.