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PRINTING PREP RESOURCES

PREPARING YOUR PDF PRINT FILES

 

Failure to provide a print-ready, high-quality PDF file may result poor print quality, or in some cases additional fees for digital prepress to resolve printing issues.

  • File Format: Adobe PDF

  • Adobe PDF preset: High Quality Print

  • Compression/Resolution: 300ppi (pixels per inch)

 

* Do not attempt to ‘gang-up’ multiple pieces per sheet as this will be done during the prepress process.

BLEEDS AND CROP MARKS

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Bleed is the term for any artwork, image, color, background, etc., that extends to the edge of a page. Files for designs intended for print to the edge of a page must be set to include a bleed of at least 1/8-inch and crop marks. Crop marks give direction to the printer for cutting the document to the intended size. In order to produce the best results, the inclusion of bleeds and crop marks is required. Follow these guides to set up bleeds and crop marks:

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How to set up bleeds and crop marks using Adobe Illustrator

How to set up bleeds and crop marks using Adobe InDesign

SENDING YOUR PDF PRINT FILE

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Most files can be sent via email and should be addressed to graphicarts@uchicago.edu. Files over 20MB may prove too large to send via email. Should your file exceed 20MB we recommend making it available via BOX or a similar cloud-based workspace.

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