Planning for Print
As your files take shape, it’s important to build from the ground up. It’s not much fun to deconstruct a complex file and then reassemble it because it was built one-half inch too big or all the artwork uses the wrong six spot colors. Before you choose File > New, make sure you’ve established the following important specifications:
External document size. If you’re printing letterheads, that’s easy. But if you’re creating a piece that folds, such as a trifold brochure or a pocket folder, whip out the ruler and make sure you know the correct external dimensions before you go too far.
Adequate bleed. While one-eighth of an inch is standard bleed, some print service providers may request a larger value, especially on packaging or large-format output.
Internal panel sizes. In folding pieces such as trifold brochures, remember that you have to allow for shorter panels that fold in (see Chapter Three, “Binding and Finishing”). In your page-layout program, set up guidelines to help you position content. Your print service provider may be able to provide a template to use if you’re building to a common size.
Artwork interactions with folds, perforations, or die cut trims. If artwork stops at a fold, special handling may be required to ensure that it doesn’t dribble over onto the next panel, especially on packaging. Your print service provider can provide some guidance for preparing artwork, especially if you’re printing on heavy stock whose thickness has a bearing on how wide the folded edge will be.
Correct number of pages. In a common-format, multipage document (facing pages), the number of pages should be divisible by four. If you were inspired to pull the staples out of a magazine while you were reading Chapter Three, look at the loose pages and note that each loose sheet consists of four pages—two front, two back. In a longer document, such as a textbook, you (or the printer) can take up the slack by providing blank pages for notes.
Correct inks. If it’s not a 27-color job, there shouldn’t be 27 spot colors in your application’s color palette. Delete unnecessary colors, or convert them to CMYK if they’re not intended to print as spot colors.