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PDF File Preparation Checklist
Submitting Digital Files to the JH Packaging Group:
How do I send a digital file to JH Packaging?
Click on FILE SUBMISSIONS on our Home Page menu. Fill out the online form.
If you are sending MAC files, the files should be stuffed and binhexed.
If you are sending PC files, the files should be stuffed and binhexed or zipped.
Also, see below for further flexographic and digital file preparation guidelines.
Can you match my digital color proof on press?
The JH Packaging Group cannot guarantee a color match to a third-party proof. However, we will
generate a digital proof from your file, simulating CMYK press results.
Note: For spot color representation, use a current Pantone® color swatch guide.
A Press Check can also be arranged by your account coordinator.
Online Proofing Disclaimer - *Color Not Accurate
Computer screen proofing reflects content and color placement only. Colors on screen do NOT reflect acutal printed color tones and hues. Please ask your representative for color-correct proofing options.
Receiving Proofs:
How can I receive a digital PDF proof?
Contact your account coordinator with your e-mail address, and you will receive a description of our online
proofing capabilities.
What if I don't have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader?
You can download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html or the full-blown version can be purchased from Adobe. This full version enables you
to create, edit and annotate PDF files instead of just printing and viewing, which are
the only functions provided by Acrobat Reader. What if I would like to receive a hard copy proof?
See below for proof types available.
Accepted Media - Mac and PC:
Zip 100mb
Zip 250mb
CD
Jaz 1 gig
Optical
Super Disk
Accepted File Formats:
Quark Xpress
Adobe PageMaker
Adobe Indesign
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Acrobat
EPS
Tiff
DCS
CAD die files (ask your account coordinator for specific formats)
Terms Defined:
Bin Hex File/Stuffed File:
This is a standard MAC-based compression utility (StuffItT) that will decrease the file size
for faster file transfers, as well as encode the file to avoid file corruption.
Zip File:
This is a standard PC-based compression utility that will decrease the file size for faster file
transfers. (PKzipT or WinZipT can be used to achieve this.)
Types of Proofs:
| Digital Blueline |
A one-color lazer proof that shows basic composite layout |
| Digital Color Proof |
A color composite CMYK inkjet proof with spot color simulations.
NOTE: Spot colors will not be an exact match; they are a CMYK simulation.
This proof type is used on all current packaging jobs. |
| Contract Proof |
Provides a very precise CMYK simulation of your file |
JH Packaging Prep Checklist - Flexographic Printing Press
- Specify die positioning in your layout and check that the document will
fit the requested die size. Also check that 1/16" bleeds are applied to your layout.
- If you will be sending files via postal mail, please provide a color composite
and black and white laser proofs of the final version of the document.
You may also print a blank File Submission web page, fill out the appropriate fields and mail with your files.
- Include specifications for blends and/or overprints and any special instructions.
- Do not use hairline rules or anything less than .5pt in thickness.
- All pictures and graphic elements should be imported separately into your final layout file.
Try to avoid embedding art and fonts.
- For continuous tone images: Check that the resolution is at least 300dpi.
- Avoid rotating and scaling imported pictures in your final layout.
- Be sure that RGB, LAB, and Index color pictures are converted to CMYK in Photoshop.
- Include all screen and printer fonts, as well as all linked graphics, on your disk or
in the file transmission. Try to avoid embedding fonts.
Note: All traps will be applied at The JH Packaging Group.
PDF Preparation Checklist - General Guidelines
- Use Postscript Type I fonts whenever possible.
- Avoid using keyboard commands for certain characters (e.g. " and ' ).
- Delete extra unused colors in the native application before distilling your PDF file.
- Always distill your PS or EPS files on the same platform (MAC, PC) from which
the file originated.
- Illustrator: Before creating an Illustrator EPS file for distilling,
select "Compatible Gradient Mesh Printing" in the document setup dialogue box.
- If blends are used in the file, send the Illustrator blend along with the PDF file.
- For further general information, link to
http://www.adobe.com/support/
- When supplying PDF files, please visit our website to download the Acrobat Distiller Job Options Pallette that is compatible with John Henry's output devices (filename is to_jh_pp_5.joboptions).
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