Do I have to fill out your Electronic Output Checklist with every job?

We do ask that you fill out and fax the Electronic Output Checklist along with the FINAL composite and separated hard copy of your job so that we have all the information we need to process your job efficiently and keep your costs down.

I’ve put the graphics and fonts into the page layout file. Why do I have to send a separate copy?

Most page layout programs only store a link to the fonts and graphics placed into the file. If these files are printed without the fonts and graphics present, the quality can be very poor. Some programs allow embedding of fonts and graphics, but if we run into any problems with separating the file, we will not be able to fix them. Some printers will output files with known problems or substitute their own fonts instead of informing you that there were problems with your file. We try very hard to make sure your piece is the best quality possible and take many steps to assure quality control. Therefore, we will preflight each file and notify you of any missing items before separating your job.

You’re the first company to tell me that there were problems with my files. Why is that?

Many printers don’t want to go back to the customer and tell them about problems they encountered. They will substitute fonts or fix file problems without ever telling the designer that they’ve had to alter the file. However, it is our policy to review each file and alert you of any potential problems so you are aware of them and can fix them in the future. We try to establish a working relationship with our customers so that problems won’t be repeated and your costs can be kept down.

Do work on MACs or PCs?

We run both MAC and PC computers, but work primarly on the MAC platform. We can handle most PC files without a problem if your files are submitted according to our Imaging Guidelines. We do not maintain all software programs for both platforms, so occassionally, we will need to convert PC files into MAC format before outputting them. In some cases, it may be best to submit a PDF file, but please call ahead to get our specs before creating your file.

Do you accept PDF files?

We can output pdf files, but depending on the type of job, we may have specific requirements. For example, files that require color separating will need to be submitted with crop marks and with each color on a separate page. Your pdf should be already impositioned and trapped. If your job bleeds, your pdf must have the crop marks and at least 1/8” bleed. If you want us to trap or impose the files for you, it is best to send the original files with all supporting fonts and graphics.

Do you accept Microsoft Publisher files?

Yes, we can accept Microsoft Publisher files as long as they are prepared using the Pack-N-Go feature. For instructions on how to use Pack-N-Go, download a pdf of Submitting MS Publisher Files.

Download a free version of Adobe^® Acrobat^® Reader^®.

Do you accept Illustrator 10 and InDesign 2.0 files?

We maintain the latest versions of all Adobe products. The most recent versions of Adobe’s programs include transparency technology that makes it very easy to create special effects from within Illustrator or InDesign. However, when you use any of these features (drop shadows, blurs, transparency, etc.), it is possible that there will be some problems outputting your file. Printing files with transparency requires flattening (rasterizing) of any areas that are affected by the transparency. This can introduce “artifacts” (distortions in the screens) and “stitching” (lines where flattened areas meet unaffected areas). If at all possible, we recommend that you use Photoshop for all transparency effects and place tif files into Illustrator or InDesign. For more information on these issues, Adobe has published two informative articles: Adobe InDesign 2.0 Printing Guide for Service Providers and Achieving Reliable Print Output for Adobe Applications Using Transparency.

Do you accept Corel Draw files?

Of all the programs we’ve worked with, Corel Draw tends to be the most problematic. Therefore, we ask that all Corel Draw files be submitted in both Corel Draw (.cdr) and Adobe Illustrator (.ai) formats. In both cases, all fonts should be converted to curves. In addition, all supporting photos and graphics should also be included on the disk in TIF or EPS format. To convert your file to Illustrator format, choose FILE/EXPORT; then choose AI-Adobe Illustrator from the drop down menu. Click EXPORT. Select ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR 7.0 from the compatibility drop down menu. Choose MACINTOSH and CURVES before saving.

I want to make my own edits to a job you designed for me. Can I get the original files on a disk?

Our policy is not to release our original files. Sometimes clients assume they are purchasing a product for a flat fee, with unlimited rights to edit or manipulate themselves. In reality, they are purchasing “one time reproduction rights,” which in our case, is the end product of films or camera ready art. According to the Graphic Artists Guild, Printing and Ethical Guidelines, “Sale of the original physical art or design (including digital media) is, under copyright law, not included in the sale of reproduction rights.” Selling unlimited rights to our digital files would require a siginificant increase in our rates. Most clients would end up having to pay higher prices for more rights than they will need or use. Therefore, we do not sell our original art or design files. We do appreciate your business, and would be more than happy to make any edits that you need and provide you with the final product.








			Here are some common questions we receive. Feel free to call (757-826-6055) or e-mail (weborders@thetypefactory.com) if you have any further questions. Do I have to fill out your Electronic Output Checklist with every job? I’ve put the graphics and fonts into the page layout file. Why do I have to send a separate copy? You’re the first company to tell me that there were problems with my files. Why is that? Do you work on MACs or PCs? Do you accept PDF files? Do you accept Microsoft Publisher files? Do you accept Illustrator 10 and InDesign 2.0 files? Do you accept Corel Draw files? I want to make my own edits to a job you designed for me. Can I get the original files on a disk?

			Do I have to fill out your Electronic Output Checklist with every job? We do ask that you fill out and fax the Electronic Output Checklist along with the FINAL composite and separated hard copy of your job so that we have all the information we need to process your job efficiently and keep your costs down. I’ve put the graphics and fonts into the page layout file. Why do I have to send a separate copy? Most page layout programs only store a link to the fonts and graphics placed into the file. If these files are printed without the fonts and graphics present, the quality can be very poor. Some programs allow embedding of fonts and graphics, but if we run into any problems with separating the file, we will not be able to fix them. Some printers will output files with known problems or substitute their own fonts instead of informing you that there were problems with your file. We try very hard to make sure your piece is the best quality possible and take many steps to assure quality control. Therefore, we will preflight each file and notify you of any missing items before separating your job. You’re the first company to tell me that there were problems with my files. Why is that? Many printers don’t want to go back to the customer and tell them about problems they encountered. They will substitute fonts or fix file problems without ever telling the designer that they’ve had to alter the file. However, it is our policy to review each file and alert you of any potential problems so you are aware of them and can fix them in the future. We try to establish a working relationship with our customers so that problems won’t be repeated and your costs can be kept down. Do work on MACs or PCs? We run both MAC and PC computers, but work primarly on the MAC platform. We can handle most PC files without a problem if your files are submitted according to our Imaging Guidelines. We do not maintain all software programs for both platforms, so occassionally, we will need to convert PC files into MAC format before outputting them. In some cases, it may be best to submit a PDF file, but please call ahead to get our specs before creating your file. Do you accept PDF files? We can output pdf files, but depending on the type of job, we may have specific requirements. For example, files that require color separating will need to be submitted with crop marks and with each color on a separate page. Your pdf should be already impositioned and trapped. If your job bleeds, your pdf must have the crop marks and at least 1/8” bleed. If you want us to trap or impose the files for you, it is best to send the original files with all supporting fonts and graphics. Do you accept Microsoft Publisher files? Yes, we can accept Microsoft Publisher files as long as they are prepared using the Pack-N-Go feature. For instructions on how to use Pack-N-Go, download a pdf of Submitting MS Publisher Files. Download a free version of Adobe^® Acrobat^® Reader^®. Do you accept Illustrator 10 and InDesign 2.0 files? We maintain the latest versions of all Adobe products. The most recent versions of Adobe’s programs include transparency technology that makes it very easy to create special effects from within Illustrator or InDesign. However, when you use any of these features (drop shadows, blurs, transparency, etc.), it is possible that there will be some problems outputting your file. Printing files with transparency requires flattening (rasterizing) of any areas that are affected by the transparency. This can introduce “artifacts” (distortions in the screens) and “stitching” (lines where flattened areas meet unaffected areas). If at all possible, we recommend that you use Photoshop for all transparency effects and place tif files into Illustrator or InDesign. For more information on these issues, Adobe has published two informative articles: Adobe InDesign 2.0 Printing Guide for Service Providers and Achieving Reliable Print Output for Adobe Applications Using Transparency. Do you accept Corel Draw files? Of all the programs we’ve worked with, Corel Draw tends to be the most problematic. Therefore, we ask that all Corel Draw files be submitted in both Corel Draw (.cdr) and Adobe Illustrator (.ai) formats. In both cases, all fonts should be converted to curves. In addition, all supporting photos and graphics should also be included on the disk in TIF or EPS format. To convert your file to Illustrator format, choose FILE/EXPORT; then choose AI-Adobe Illustrator from the drop down menu. Click EXPORT. Select ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR 7.0 from the compatibility drop down menu. Choose MACINTOSH and CURVES before saving. I want to make my own edits to a job you designed for me. Can I get the original files on a disk? Our policy is not to release our original files. Sometimes clients assume they are purchasing a product for a flat fee, with unlimited rights to edit or manipulate themselves. In reality, they are purchasing “one time reproduction rights,” which in our case, is the end product of films or camera ready art. According to the Graphic Artists Guild, Printing and Ethical Guidelines, “Sale of the original physical art or design (including digital media) is, under copyright law, not included in the sale of reproduction rights.” Selling unlimited rights to our digital files would require a siginificant increase in our rates. Most clients would end up having to pay higher prices for more rights than they will need or use. Therefore, we do not sell our original art or design files. We do appreciate your business, and would be more than happy to make any edits that you need and provide you with the final product.