Preparing files
for offset printing.

• We accept PDF files, preferably PDF/X-4 or PDF/X-1a:2001.
• One file per job, with all pages in reading order.
• Single pages, not reader spreads and not imposed. Imposition is done by us.
• No password protection, no comments, no form fields and no hidden layers.
• We do not accept Word, PowerPoint or Excel files, or low-resolution images, for production.

Frames or borders close to the edge of the page reveal even the slightest trimming tolerance. We recommend keeping them at least 5 mm from the trim line.

• All elements in CMYK. RGB or Lab elements are converted and their colour changes.
• Pantone colours are defined as spot colours only when they will be printed with a separate ink. Otherwise they are converted to CMYK before sending.
• Each spot colour has one name throughout the file, e.g. PANTONE 286 C, with no duplicate entries.
• A monitor or an office printer is not a colour reference. For a binding colour reference, a certified contract proof to Fogra standards is produced on request.

• Small black text is never built from four colours. With the slightest register deviation it blurs.
• Registration black (100 / 100 / 100 / 100) is used only for marks, never for elements of the job.
• Black that originates from RGB comes out as four-colour. Check it before export.

• White text and white lines are never set to overprint. With overprint they do not print at all.
• Overprint is applied only to pure black 0 / 0 / 0 / 100.
• Check the file with overprint preview switched on before sending.

• All fonts embedded in the PDF or converted to outlines.
• Hairlines do not print consistently. Always define a line weight.

• Photographs: 300 ppi at the final printed size.
• One-bit line art: 1200 ppi.
• Enlarging a low-resolution image does not improve quality.
• All images embedded in the PDF, in CMYK or greyscale.

• In PDF/X-4, transparency stays live. In PDF/X-1a it is flattened at high resolution.
• Shadows and effects over Pantone spot colours need particular checking, as they often change on export.

• The die line is drawn as a vector line in a separate spot colour named “Cut”, set to overprint, on its own layer.
• Creases in a second spot colour named “Crease”.
• Fold marks are placed outside the trimmed size.
• In jobs that fold inwards, the inner panel is 2 mm narrower.
• For cartons and special constructions, the die layout is agreed with us before design.

• Single pages in reading order, together with the cover or in a separate cover file.
• For saddle-stitched binding, the page count is a multiple of 4.
• For perfect binding, we provide the spine width, depending on the paper and the page count.
• Text and important elements are kept at least 8 mm from the spine.

• The file name contains the job code or title and the version number, e.g. Code_v03.pdf.
• Every correction is sent as a new complete file with a new version, not as individual pages.
• The order states the version to be printed. The version is verified before every production run.

Files are sent by email to [email protected]. Larger files are sent as a download link (e.g. WeTransfer) to the same address. Together with the file, please state quantity, final size, paper, number of colours and finishing.

• Technical check of the file against all of the above.
• The customer is informed of any deviation.
• A soft proof is sent for approval.
• On request, a certified contract proof to Fogra standards.
• Printing starts only after the proof has been approved.

Approval of the soft proof covers content, dimensions and layout. After approval, changes are made only with a new file and a new approval.