ACCEPTED PROGRAMS

  • Adobe InDesign CS4
  • Adobe Illustrator CS4
  • Adobe Photoshop CS4
  • *Microsoft Publisher
  • *Microsoft Word
  • *Microsoft Excel
  • *Microsoft Power Point

SENDING FILES

Please send the native file along with all images and fonts used throughout. A hard copy or PDF sample is requested with all orders. Email Artwork to: graphics@sphinxinc.com.

For files larger than 8MBs, please follow instructions below to use our FTP site.

Uploading to Sphinx FTP   or  Downloading from Sphinx FTP

A SPEED COURSE IN PRE-PRESS

  • CMYK Color - an abbreviation for cyan, magenta, yellow and black (k), the four process colors used to produce full color printing. If your project is to be full color, convert all colors to CMYK process mode. If your colors are set up as anything else (RGB, Lab, PMS Spot) your file will not separate to the individual CMYK.
  • PMS Spot Color - an abbreviation for Pantone Matching System if your project is to be one, two, three or more spot colors - make sure your colors are in the Pantone Spot list and imported graphics are named exactly the same. PMS 123cu will output separately than PMS 123c. Also, make sure no graphics are in RGB, Lab or CMYK for spot color jobs.
  • Graphics - the standard graphic resolution for quality printing is at least 300dpi. Avoid taking images off the internet or low quality digital cameras, which are usually 72dpi. If the resolution is too low on the supplied graphic, pixelation, fuzziness and blurriness will occur.
  • Vector - logos and illustrations are normally vector graphics. These files can be created in Illustrator or Corel Draw. Please send EPS files when available.
  • Links - make sure to include all pictures, graphics and fonts used in the document even if graphics are embedded.
  • Bleeds - a bleed is when printing extends beyond the edge of the paper stock after trimming. If you are printing on stock to size, you cannot have bleeds (and a 1/4" minimum clearance). If you are to have bleeds, make sure in your file that the bleed extends 1/8" beyond the edge. Keep in mind that bleeds could add additional cost to the project.
  • Fonts - when supplying Postscript fonts, you must have both the printer and the screen fonts. Truetype and Opentype fonts only require one font. Convert fonts to outlines or paths whenever possible.
  • Folding - please call us if you have any questions on how to prepare your file for folding. Depending on the fold, fold panels may not be equal in size and can vary according to stock and weight.
  • Saddle Stitched Books - pages must be in increments of four. You cannot have a 10 page stitched book (it must be 12 pages).
  • Perfect Bound Books - this process is normally used for more than 48 total pages. This type of binding must be in increments of two.

*Microsoft Office applications cannot be color separated within the application. If the documents are to be printed on an offset press and require color separation, we must use special procedures and tools to separate these files. We will attempt to match the colors as close as possible. A proof will be sent for final approval.

You will need Adobe Reader to view some files on this site along with proofs that will be sent with most orders. Click here to download the latest version of Adobe Reader.