EPP file specifications (click here for printable version)
Remember: all files of any kind to be transferred via ftp or email should be compressed using Stuffit or Winzip.

Locked files:

We can accept Rampage RSI data, Scitex CT/LW, Tiff-IT, PDF, DCS and copydot files. We prefer single pages rather than spreads if possible.

RSI data should be prepared at 2400 dpi (300 dpi contone) with .125 inch bleed. All trim marks, page size, color separation, and text must be correct, as we cannot alter these files in any way.

CT/LW and Tiff-IT files should be prepared at 2400 dpi (300 dpi CT) with .125 inch bleed. Color, separations and traps must be correct and cannot be altered. These files can be scaled to a percentage of the original size. The only change that may be made is to block out a part of the image on WHITE backgrounds only.

PDF files should be prepared using the Press or Print settings of Adobe Acrobat, with a separate file for each page. All fonts and images must be embedded, and images should be CMYK or Grayscale, NOT RGB color. If there is any doubt, a customized Craftsman Press job options file may be downloaded from our ftp site and used in Acrobat Distiller.

DCS-1 or DCS-2 files should include all bleed. All 5 parts of a 5-part file must be sent. Text may not be altered and in most cases, color may also not be altered.

Craftsman Press uses a completely digital Computer-to-Plate workflow and cannot image plates from film. If film is the only thing available, it may be copydot scanned. Scans must be done at 2400 dpi only. No other resolution is acceptable and may cause significant color shifts or moire patterns. The preferred file format is DCS-2 from the scanner software, not from Quark Xpress. We can also accept DCS-1. These files are a dot-for-dot copy and cannot be resized, color-corrected, rescreened or edited. The only change that can be made is to block out a portion of the image (like a code) on WHITE backgrounds only.

Editable files

* We accept native application files from the leading page-layout software including QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign and PageMaker for either Macintosh or PC. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Word Perfect, and similar files are NOT acceptable.

* We must have an up to date sample for each page. Craftsman Press will not be held responsible for errors unless this proof is provided. Remember to include updated proofs again when resubmitting files for corrections. PDF files may be used for copy-checking only if they have all fonts embedded.

* The document’s page size should match the single page trim size of your project. All edges should have at least 1/8" bleed on all objects, including photos. We prefer that jobs be set up using the single-page size, not in spreads, and not placed in a larger page with drawn-in trim marks. These files require extra time to separate and resize for our single-page workflow.

* If a job uses spot colors, please specify them in both the files and accompanying written instructions. We assume that all colors convert to process unless specified otherwise.

* When using large areas of solid black ink, we suggest that you add at least 40% of another color to the black for richer, more solid color. Do NOT add other colors to black text, and do NOT use "Registration" from the color menu, which oversaturates the black by adding 100% of all colors. All 100% black elements in layout files will overprint unless otherwise requested by customer.

* It is not necessary and usually not advisable to set up trapping in your page layout software. Our workflow includes the application of in-Rip trapping as appropriate for our presses. If you have special trapping instructions, please call us to discuss them.

* Because there are many different font manufacturers and versions available, we insist that you send us a copy of your screen and printer fonts to ensure proper results. We will substitute our fonts only if you authorize it and make no guarantees as to the results. Remember to include fonts required by Illustrator, Freehand, or other imported graphics, and all styles (bold, italic, semibold, etc.) of the fonts you have used. Italic or bold fonts will not work unless you have included the appropriate printer font.

* Use line widths .25 point or more. Any rules less than .25 point do not reproduce well and could drop out during printing. Do not use the "Hairline" width rule in any application.


Images:

* All color image files should be supplied in CMYK format, not RGB, LAB, or indexed color. Color modes other than CMYK take extra time to be converted, and can cause color changes.

* Because most jobs are printed with a 150-line screen, we recommend 300dpi scans for best results. Higher resolutions only make the files unnecessarily large, and lower resolutions result in poor color and visible bitmapping. 72dpi images (i.e., web images) are usually not acceptable. They can produce good results only if they are printed at 30% or less of their original size.

* Lineart (bitmap) images should be scanned at 1200 dpi for best results.

* Preferred file formats are Tiff (.tif), scitex CT (.ct), or Encapsulated Postscript (.eps). JPEG images are OK, but be sure they are not also RGB color. Windows metafiles (.wmf) and (.bmp) are not acceptable.

* Avoid setting type in Photoshop if possible, particularly small font sizes or large blocks of black text. When photoshop layers are flattened to produce a final image, the text can no longer be edited, and black type converts to process color, which can result in registration problems on press.

 
Craftsman Press strongly advises the use of pre-flight software to identify and isolate any potential output problems, and to collect and package the files for transport. If no pre-flight program is available, use the collect for output feature of your page layout program. Remember that you may need to collect additional fonts for graphics.