File Guidelines

Last Updated: 2/2/2006

To ensure that your job moves through the production process as smooth and fast as possible, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Digital Pages

We accept page layout files from Quarkxpress Pagemaker and InDesign for Macintosh Pagemaker for PC.
Pages should be built to final trim size.
A minimum of an 1/8 inch bleed is required on all four sides of the document. (Create a larger bleed if necessary).
Make sure that all elements for the job are included and are linked. If using Quarkxpress, we suggest using "Collect For Output" to ensure that all the files needed for the job are included to process the job.
Avoid embedding images in Pagemaker. Link all image files and send them along with the document.
Avoid "hairline rules, use 1/4 point size instead.
Remove all unused colors from the palette.
EPS files should not be nested within other EPA files. (If this occurs, please supply the entire supporting file).
If the project size exceeds the layout programs limitations, we suggest building the pages at 1/2 scale. Foster Printing can enlarge the files 200% of size.
Laser printouts (in color if possible) of the latest version should be sent for each page. They should represent the final printed document and include desired bleeds and cropping.
Keep your folders organized so they can be easily understood.
Delete all "non-printing elements" including picture boxes, type boxes and images.

Save in one of the following formats: EPA Tiff, Scitex ct, DCS2.
Four color images MUST be saved in CMYK format, not RGB.
Supplied images or scans should have sufficient resolution:
-- 300 DPI for color or grayscale images (or twice the output line screen)
-- 1200 DPI for Bitmap images
Maximum UCR settings should be set at 320 Total ink.
Save JPEG files with "Maximum Quality".
Delete extra channels and be sure to flatten all images.
Consider including a layered file in case of later changes to the image.
Limit the amount of points in a clipping path to as few as possible.

Send all Type one screen and printer fonts used with the job. This includes fonts used in EPS graphic files.
If possible, do not use TRUE TYPE fonts as they may result in output problems or type reflow.
Do not stylize fonts used in the "measurement" or "control" palette or Type Style Menu.
It is recommended to supply all fonts with the job to eliminate any inconsistencies between your fonts and Foster Printing's font library. This will help avoid version conflicts, reflow problems or possible font substitutions.

In naming files do not use special characters such as: { \ / < > ? " ( - # & % $ !. An underscore is acceptable.
A period should only be used once in a name. It should precede the extension of the file type (e.g. .tiff, .eps).
In the course of the job, keep file names consistent to avoid confusion or placement of the wrong file.

At this time Foster Printing is only accepting multiple up dielines in the CFF2 format with subroutines on.
Please also include an EPS file of the multiple up dieline for all nesting projects. This file may be used if Foster Printing determines that the requested format is not processable.
Please position one up art with dieline placed in desired position.