U.S. Press Direct® - Technical Tools

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U.S. Press Direct® has been providing customers with high quality color printing since 1981.

POSTCARDS

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Uploading Files Using FTP

QuarkXPress

Call for latest version available
Windows or Mac OS versions
Disk: ZIP, JAZ, 3.5" Floppy, or CD
Send all QuarkXPress documents, images, and fonts

Remember: If we are missing anything, this may delay your order.

Step 1: Document Size

File > Document Setup...

Adjust your document to one of the following sizes:

Business Postcards = 6" x 4", 6" x 8"
Catalog Sheets = 8.5" x 11"
Folded Brochures = See folding setups on prepress references page
Rack Brochures = 4" x 9", 8" x 9" (folds to 4" x 9")
Print Posters = 11" x 17", 18" x 24"
Catalog Printing Company = 8.5" x 11", 5.5" x 8.5", 4" x 9"

IN THE ZONE

	Safe Zone = 1/8" margin from the edge of the page
	Danger Zone = Area outside the 1/8" margin
	Bleed = 1/8" past the edge of the page

If you intend to have an image completely cover a front or back side of your document, then you need to be sure that the image extends (bleeds) at least 1/8" over the edge of the page. Do not end it at page edge (trim) or white will show on the edges.

Step 2: Images

Utilities > Usage> Pictures

	All images are CMYK color mode
	Tiff or an EPS (Do Not send Jpegs, Picts, Gifs, etc.)
	300 dpi resolution (or 1,200 dpi for b/w line art)
	Submit all images (Verify current link status)

SCALING IMAGES

If you scale the image after importing it into XPress, the effective resolution will change. If you scaled the image up to 200% in XPress, then the final resolution will be 150 dpi and considered low resolution.

LINKED IMAGES

Confirm the status of all linked images before you submit your files. No image link status should display "Modified" or "Missing".

Step 3: Color

Edit > Colors

	Fill colors used in XPress are CMYK
	Stroke colors used in XPress are CMYK
	Gradient colors used in XPress are CMYK

COLOR SHIFTS

There is a color-shift when converting from RGB to CMYK. Do not trust the colors on your monitor. We recommend that you proof your job at a local service bureau and get a calibrated color proof (Iris or Dupont Waterproof).

XPRESS DEFAULT COLORS

Check the color mixture before using a default color. It may print a color different from the color on your monitor.

Step 4: Fonts

Utilities > Usage > Fonts

	Submit all fonts used in layout, logos, images, etc.
	No styles applied to fonts

FONTS

When submitting an XPress document you need to send all the fonts used in your layout. Do not forget to send fonts used in placed files (logos, etc.)

TYPE STYLES

Send the actual fonts used in the layout (Helvetica bold, italic).
Do not apply styles to the fonts. Styles may not output to film.

Step 5: Save As

File > Save As

XPress QXD Format

1) Select XPress QXD Format (default)
2) Click OK

Step 6: Submit Files

	Call your Sales Representative to verify files are ready to send by disk or FTP
	Fill out the Job Information Form carefully
	Mail or FTP the files along with a current mock-up to U.S. Press
	Remember: if we are missing anything, this may delay your order.