#printbestpractice

To understand why you need trim/crop marks - it is helpful to first understand what these are, in a commercial printing context. What are Trim or Crop marks? They are marks that are on each corner of the page that indicate where the paper needs to be trimmed. When we print almost any print job, we actually print on a larger sheet of paper or stock.During the pre-press stage of production, we will undertake a process called 'imposition'. This is where we try and fit as many of the same artwork on a single sheet of paper. For digital technology, the maximum sheet size is an SRA3, which is slightly larger than an A3. This process is how we can produce printing that is cost effective, high quality and reduces waste.When the sheet is printed, we then trim it to size on our guillotines or trimming machines.This is where trim (or crop) marks are essential.We use these marks to accurately trim to size, on each edge.The name changes based on the software you use. In Adobe InDesign, they are called Crop marks. In Adobe Illustrator - Trim marks. A Pdf With Trim Marks highlighted (bleed extends beyond these marks)When exporting for print, the only options you need to select in the Printers marks are are: Trim/Crop and Document Bleed settings (ensure your document has 3mm bleed). Unless we advise differently (i.e. for some offset, packaging and other specialty printing), you don't need to select registration, colour bars or page information.So - if you've exported it correctly, the image on this page is how your PDF should look with trim/crop marks and bleed. I have highlighted the trim marks. Note how the artwork extends beyond the trim marks. This is the bleed.

Flattening your files is essential for wide format and to ensure your print will turn out as you expect.Why do I need to 'flatten' a file?The reason you need to flatten your artwork is due to the way design software and production equipment works. When designing your layout in design software, each image, graphic, shape, logo, text box etc is an individual component, and when you export your PDF, these remain as individual elements. Why does this matter?Print production equipment use powerful processors called RIPs (Raster Image Processors) for the highest quality print outcome. These RIPs disassemble files and study each component of the file. This ensures every fine detail is understood, before reassembling them and printing in fine detail.If artwork is not submitted flat - there may be issues during the RIP process and the file may not print like you require. There could be missing images or links, font issues, transparency and colour issues.In summary, you need to flatten a file so that the layout becomes a combined single layer and prints the way you expect it to. How to flatten a file The easiest and quickest way to flatten a file with the best output is in Photoshop: Open in Photoshop Right click on your PDF, force open in photoshop. Or, drag into or open in Photoshop. Unlock the layer Double click to unlock the layer (if locked) Flatten Image Right click on the layer and select 'Flatten Image' from the options Save as a PDF Click: File - Save As - Photoshop PDF. Ensure colour mode is CMYK and compression at 300dpi - JPEG - Maximum Image Quality.The file will now be flattened. It is now likely to be larger than your original PDF, so send your file to us via wetransfer: https://rogueprintandmail.wetransfer.com/ Do I have to flatten every kind of print file?While it is especially recommend for large format printing (posters, pull up banners, media walls etc) we still recommend ANY file you provide us is flattened (along with all our other print ready file requirements). Yes - even a 80 page booklet.Why? Because it is the only way we can ensure the file will print the way you want it to look. Even if you outline and embed your fonts and images - if you do NOT flatten your file - there is a possibility that these elements will move or not appear in the final print file due to the RIP process.Supplying a flat file is the only way you can be sure the file will print as you expect, and we do not accept any responsibility for the output of un-flattened files. It may add 5-10 minutes to your day, but getting your file right could just save you time and money! Can you flatten my file for me?Yes, if you need artwork set up, the fee is $30 per 15 minutes. This can be a good option if you have existing artwork and don't have the time or software to set up to our requirements.