From Files to Print:

Creating Print Ready PDF Files from Microsoft Word, Publisher and more.

So you've designed this really awesome business card and now your wondering "how do I get this to the printer?" In this short article I will cover proper ways to create and prepare your files for print using several different software applications.
    If you use a Mac then you know how easy it can be to generate a PDF file. Click Print, then PDF, then save. This method works great if you have created your artwork in CMYK using Illustrator, Photoshop or other commercial design tools. Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Publisher and other applications default to RGB so it is particularly important to use CMYK images and graphics while designing with these programs.
    Printing from files created in Word, Publisher and other Microsoft Applications can sometimes be difficult. A few steps to make it easier are listed below.
• Make your document size the finish size of your printed product.
• In Publisher when you click print be sure to click Advanced to set crop marks & bleeds. Learn more about bleed setup Here
• Use an image editor to convert your images and graphics to CMYK. This will benefit you by showing a more accurate representation of the print colors. A great free image editor is Gimp and use the Separate+ plugin from Yellowmagic to convert to CMYK.
• Try to avoid using Powerpoint. Powerpoint was originally built as a platform for displaying images which are typically low resolution.

    So you've designed your awesome business card in Publisher and you want to create a PDF but don't have Acrobat? There are a few low cost or free PDF creators around the web. Taking the time to output a quality file can save you loads of time and money when it comes time to print. Many of todays online print companies only take CMYK files. Knowing this beforehand can save you lots of time.
    One last money saving tip about printing from your file is to make sure you don't need any changes. After years of experience in the print industry I've seen all to often files change when they are opened up on a different computer. Whether it be font version differences or missing fonts, missing graphics, you are the only one who knows what your file is supposed to actually look like. So by submitting a file that needs changes you might be asking for trouble. If you need assistance contact us, we will assist you in setting up your business card or other print file for little to no cost.