Printing Basics

The information here will help you in preparing your files for the best possible printing quality at CopyTec.

First Questions

File Types

We accept most modern graphics formats, including PNG, PDF, JPG, and EPS. There are benefits and drawbacks for each different type. However, we work fastest with a print-ready PDF file and proofs will be sent as PDFs. Our catalog does not support uploading Word Documents! You will have to choose "File, Save As, Adobe PDF" or "File, Print, Adobe PDF" if you have an Adobe Printer installed (free downloads available online). Sending Word, Excel, or other editable formats is not a good idea, due to the fact that computers read in the files differently, causing formatting to vary. Because of this, some artwork charges may apply to accepting artwork in non-PDF formats. Artwork is billed at the rate of $50 per hour.

Templates & Settings

Working In Adobe Creative Suite? Once your art is prepared in the native application, using the right settings to export your pdf is crucial! Don't spend time trying to figure out the proper settings. Download the CopyTec joboptions and import into Illustrator and InDesign. Click the link below, then click Save. Save the file to your desktop. Double-click the "CopyTec.joboptions" file on your desktop. Click Save As and press Save. Your presets should now show up in Illustrator and InDesign CS.

To download the CopyTec joboptions, click here (right click and SAVE TARGET AS...)

Advanced Tips for Professionals

The following tips are intended for graphics professionals: remember to embed fonts, convert text to outlines, don't use trapping, avoid transparency in front of spot colors, generate PDF 1.6 files when possible.