Get It Right the First Time

Before creating a document for any project, I recommend using as many client interaction techniques as possible.One interaction method I've used with success is to simply create a Web site where I post screen shots of a layout, and the client gives feedback via e-mail until they're satisfied. Another technique is to send clients an editable PDF file. This keeps the font styles, layout and pictures intact. Some other client interaction choices:• Adobe PDF (Portable Document Format)A must-have for any designer. As a part of the workflow, PDF is invaluable to reducing file size and increasing portability. Like an EPS file, the PDF file contains embedded printing information, such as fonts and images, so supplemental files aren't needed. The PDF file is also compressed, using lossless compression. This means the size of the resulting file is reduced up to 80% of EPS, while maintaining 100% of the visual fidelity. The result: The production department sees a reduction in the total time required for ripping files.• JDF (Job Definition Format)JDF is an XML-based proposed industry standard for end-to-end job ticket specifications. It also includes a message description standard and message interchange protocol. JDF is designed to streamline information exchange between different applications and systems. It's intended to enable the entire publishing industry, including media, design, graphic arts, on-demand and e-commerce companies to get their disparate workflow solutions to work together, easily. Products from diverse software and hardware vendors that support the JDF will seamlessly work together. Already many software and hardware vendors have announced support for the JDF. As such, expect to see the JDF flourish in a few years.• Real-Time ProofingReal Time Image's Real Time Proof is a fantastic platform that lets clients access proofs, make changes, and communicate to designers in real-time, over the Web. It's a great time saver, and lets people access their proofs from anywhere in the world, using nothing more than a Web browser. Just upload content that needs to be proofed to a secure server. Clients then log on, view the proofs, and make any comments using slick Web-based editing tools. When the client's done, a message is sent to the designer, letting them know the content has been updated. Interested publishers should run to the company's Web site and check out the free trial.Client interaction is job one. Preflighting is job two. It's the crucial process of ensuring all elements needed for successful imaging of a job are in place. Potential problems that might be encountered are addressed, corrected and accounted for during the preflighting stage. Occurrence of problems after the preflight check can cost production time and money. Here are some common preflight problems, and steps to remedy them to smooth the workflow.• Missing FontsInclude all fonts used in the publication, and any linked graphic files. It's best to include entire font families, just in case there's italic or bold (or whatever else) in the document.• Incorrect Spot ColorsDifferent programs have different ways of naming colors. When files are being imported into other applications, they usually bring colors they use into the layout program. Make sure all the colors have the same name. Delete unused colors.• Incorrect Embedded FilesAlways link a file. Don't embed it.• Modified FilesWhen files are compressed or decompressed, their modification date will sometimes change. This can lead to a disaster.• RGB Headaches: Color Graphics & Photos Most scanners scan photos in RGB. Monitors are RGB devices. The human eye sees color in RGB. Oops! Printing presses use CMYK, so all files have to be converted to CMYK.• Incorrect Image ResolutionDon't confuse DPI and LPI. Dots-per-inch (DPI) references the actual resolution of a graphic. Lines-per-inch (LPI) refers to the screen value of the negative. For color and grayscale images, start with the desired LPI. When you're not sure of your LPI, ask your printer. It's usually between 35 and 200. Double the LPI for the target DPI. • Proper Page Setup Create files to the actual trim size of the page, so the electronic document and final printed job are the same size, with all crop marks in the correct place.• Clean Those FilesRemove any extra paths and layers before saving graphic files. This will keep file sizes smaller, and simplify the printing process. Lastly, remove any irrelevant type and graphics in the side margins of layouts.• Graphic FormatsAlways save graphics as uncompressed TIFF or EPS files. -Chuck KonkolChuck Konkol (CKonkol@Ednet.RVC.cc.il.us) manages computers and information systems at Rock Valley College, in Rockford, Ill.

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Get It Right the First Time

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