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FAQs
What software & file formats do we accept?
How do I prepare my files for printing?
How can I send my files?
What type of proof is best for me?
How Is Your Proof Delivered?
What papers do you recommend?
What software & file formats do we accept??
We support both Mac and PC platforms:
Macintosh
• Quark Xpress, PageMaker 6.5, Illustrator 10, Adobe Photoshop 6.0, Adobe Acrobat Distiller 5.0
PC
• Quark Xpress, PageMaker 6.5, Illustrator 10, Adobe Photoshop 6.0, Adobe Acrobat Distiller 5.0
• Microsoft Word 2000, PowerPoint 2000, Excel 2000
In addition we accept the following file formats:
• Tiff, EPS, JPEG, PSD, PDF
Files can be supplied in the following media:
• Floppy Disc, CD-Rom, ADSL and ISDN.
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How do I prepare my files for printing?
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Have you supplied all the necessary files? Include all image and graphic files imported into your document. Graphics that are missing may remain visible but will output in low resolution and look pixilated and fuzzy. Also please supply original and editable copies of all graphic files. |
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Have you supplied the necessary fonts for your job? Please be certain to provide both printer and screen fonts. If printer fonts are missing we will not be able to create your job. |
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Have you converted all your colours from RGB to CMYK? Your images may print black and white or with inaccurate colour if you do not to convert images |
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When converting a Pantone colour to CMYK, have you verified that the CMYK colour is equivalent to the original colour? Some Pantone colours are outside of the CMYK colour space and appear different when printed as process colour. View your screen after conversion for a rough idea of how that colour will appear. For an exact determination, view a Pantone colour conversion guide. |
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Have you scanned or saved your images at the correct resolution? We suggest the following resolution and formats for your images: -
Web Sites: 72 dpi - RGB / Newspaper: 120 - 200 dpi - Grayscale / Magazine: 300 - 350 dpi - CMYK / Brochures: 350 - 400 dpi - CMYK / Large Format: 72 - 100 dpi - CMYK/RGB |
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Are your document bleeds set up correctly?
Make sure all bleeds extend between 5mm and 10mm beyond the edge of the size of the finished document. |
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Have you sent us a mock-up of your document?
It is always useful to have a mock-up as a guide for printing. A PDF e-mailed with your job or even a laser proof faxed to us can serve as a guide. |
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If you are mailing us a disk or artwork, have you labeled everything?
Clearly write your name, address and phone number on all diskettes, artwork or proofs that are sent to us. It is also helpful to provide us with a checklist of everything you are sending.
However, don't worry if you don't do all these steps or don't understand how to do them. We can work with any file you provide. Submit whatever you have and we'll call you if we have any questions. | |
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How can I send my files?
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File Transfer via Email (ADSL)
Your files may be submitted via e-mail if they are smaller than 10 megabytes. Attach the files you want us to use and send to our e-mail: sales@multiflow.co.uk |
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Remember that e-mail transfer time varies; it is affected by modem speed, ISP capacity and other factors
» Post
If your files are too large for electronic file transfer, you can mail them to the following address:
Multiflow Print Limited, 112 Churchill Road, Bicester OX26 4XD
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What type of proof is best for me? |
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What is a Proof?
A Proof is a simulation of the final document's appearance before printing, which shows final colour, layout and text.
Why Is a Proof Required?
To insure that your job prints the way you expect it to.
Inspection and approval is the customer's responsibility, and represents an opportunity to detect and prevent errors.
Once you have signed off, your proof serves as our reference to match the colour and layout of your project.
What Type of Proofs Do We Offer?
» Digital Proofs
» PDF: This stands for portable document format and is created by Adobe Acrobat Distiller.
PDFs are viewable on your computer and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to open them. Both PC and Macintosh platforms run Adobe Acrobat and you can download the software for free at www.adobe.com.
Colour fidelity of PDF files is affected by monitor calibration, lighting and the use of Pantone colours (Pantone colours do not always appear as true on your screen and may not be the colour that appears in print).
Toner / Inkjet Proofs
Toner: These proofs are created on a colour laser Xerox DC12 and can be proofed on the correct material. These proofs are useful for CMYK images such as photos, but are less accurate for illustrations, solids and specific Pantone colours
Inkjet:These proofs are created on a colour calibrated Epson 10000 proofer. Epson proofs reduce screen calibration and lighting as factors that can affect the accuracy of your proof. Furthermore, the Epson 10000 prints on a specialty proofing material that simulates the properties of an offset sheet. These proofs are useful for CMYK images such as photos, but are less accurate for illustrations, solids and specific Pantone colours.
Comments and Advice Regarding Proofing Options
PDF's accurately render document layout, however they offer variable accuracy when reproducing colour.
Colour reliability of PDF proofs are affected by monitor calibration, lighting and the use of Pantone colours.
Epson proofs offer a level of colour reliability consistent with "vibrant colour" projects.
Proofs will not match a specialty Pantone colour when that Pantone colour falls outside of the CMYK range. Provide your colours' Pantone number and we will mix inks to match your desired colour. In such an instance, a Pantone chart will be the best indicator of how colour will appear.
Proofing jobs produced in Microsoft software such as: Word, PowerPoint and Publisher present special challenges. Microsoft files were not designed for colour offset printing. As a result PDFs or Epson proofs may not accurately predict printing results
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How Is Your Proof Delivered? |
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You can choose between email proofing (PDF), and hard copy toner & inkjet proofs. PDF's can be e-mailed to you. Toner & Inkjet proofs can be posted to you or delivered by one of our representatives. If you have any corrections, please notify us immediately.
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What papers do you recommend? |
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The paper you select is key to the appearance of your document. Find below definitions to help you with your selection.
» Finish
Finish consists of the texture, feel and appearance of a paper. These terms define a paper's finish:
Coated:A paper with a waxy finish (shiny or matt) on both sides. Gloss & Matt papers are generally used for brochures; company publications, catalogues, posters and postcards as well as four color business cards.
Uncoated: A paper with an untreated surface that is dull and unreflective. (Uncoated stock is best for letterhead, envelopes, business cards as well as newsletters and any documents that feed through a copier or laser printer).
Cast Coated:: A premium ultra high gloss paper available in cover weights and is available coated both sides and one side. (Cast Coated stock is best for covers, postcards and document covers
Wove: A smooth uncoated surface (Wove stock is ideal for letterheads and corporate stationery).
Laid: Textured lines on the surface of the stock. This finish is used predominantly for corporate identity packages (letterhead, envelopes, business cards).
Linen: Textured lines on the surface of the sheet. Lines are finer and more regular than on Laid papers. This finish is used predominantly for corporate identity packages (letterhead, envelopes, business cards).
Laser: A paper that is guaranteed to be compatible with a copier or laser printer. |
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» Weight
A paper's thickness is measured in GSM (grammes per square metre) or MIC (Microns)
80gsm - 100gsm. -Standard light weight paper used for digital & laser printing
100gsm - 120gsm. - Laser opaque sheet, ideal for letterheads and corporate stationery
115gsm 170gsm -Gloss or Matt Coated stock, ideal for text, leaflets, flyers and newsletters
200gsm. -Light weight coated, ideal for brochures, text, report and accounts, leaflets
250gsm. -Light weight coated cover, ideal for covers, postcards, wallet folders and calendars
300gsm. -Mid-weight coated cover, ideal for covers, wallet folders, certificates and point of sale
400gsm. - White Ivory Board used for business cards
Important: If you require a specific paper or finish not offered in our pricing selections, please call customer service for specialty pricing. | |
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