Macromedia Freehand

Topics:

Using a Template
Create Boundary Box
Convert Text to Outlines
Show Hidden Font Characters
Set Black Text to Overprint
Adding Images
Convert to CMYK Color Mode
Save as EPS or PDF

1. Using a Template

Open Template

Download Template for your desired product
Open in Illustrator (New>Open)

Does your artwork have bleeds?

PsPrint requires .125" bleeds on all four sides of your artwork (i.e., 4"x6" postcard image with bleeds would have dimensions of 4.25" x 6.25" in your artwork file.) If your image has a white border on all four sides, bleeds are recommended but not required. If your image is not white on all four sides, you MUST include bleeds in your files. More information about bleeds.

Does your artwork have borders?

The cutting process for printed materials has a mechanical tolerance of about .0625 or 1/16 of an inch. When using a border in your artwork, it is essential that your design use at least .25 or 1/4 of an inch of white space from your border to the cut line to maintain a symmetrical appearance. More information about borders.

2. Creating Boundary Box

Create a Boundary Box

Make sure the stroke and fill are transparent.

Choose the rectangle tool
Create a box with the
proper dimensions of your
entire artwork plus .25"
for bleed

3. Convert Text to Outlines

Convert All Text to Outlines

All text within files must be converted to outlines with the outline set to zero to eliminate the need for fonts.

Edit>Select All
Type>Create Outlines

4. Show Hidden Characters

Show Hidden Font Characters

You must make sure there are no hidden characters in your artwork.

Every font field ends with an infinity symbol . If there are symbols in your artwork without any type before then delete those type fields or make sure those fonts are outlined.

Type>Show Hidden Characters

5. Set Black Text to Overprint

Set Black Text to Overprint

Filter>Colors>Overprint Black
Unselect Stroke
Select Include Blacks with CMY

6. Adding Images

Adding an Image

Place your hi-res file (File>Place)
Check the resolution of your file and make
sure it's set at 300 ppi

Determining resolution in Illustrator.

What is Resolution?

For an image to print properly, the image must be at least 300 pixels per inch (PPI) at the final output
size. DO NOT tryy to change from a low resolution to a higher one by increasing the DPI in your imaging program. More information about resolution.

Changing resolution the correct way.

7. Color

Convert RGB file to CMYK`

Filter > Colors > Convert to
CMYK

What is CMYK color mode?

The color mode of submitted files must be CMYK. If your files are submitted using any other color standard, such as RGB or Pantone, they will be converted to CMYK. Conversion from one color standard to another may cause colors to shift. More information about CMYK color mode.

Does your artwork contain gradients?

Gradients are commonly used in printing and in most instances produce good results. Gradients can be represented in a file as a mathematical equation (Vector) or rendered by the application into a series of pixels (Raster). Whether created as rasters or vectors, gradients below 10% may not reproduce accurately. More information about gradients.

Does your artwork contain solid black?

When you want an area of solid black within a document, 100% black (K) will not result in a solid, saturated black. Instead, use Rich Black, as represented by C:50% / M:40% / Y:40% / K:100%.

8. Save as EPS or PDF

Illustrator EPS

Note: Hidden font fields in your artwork will register as fonts that are not outlined. Our system will reject this file as a bad file. Please make sure to to delete hidden characters and outline your fonts.

Save as EPS

Save file as Illustrator EPS

File>Save As

Illustrator CS Users:

You must "Export" your file to an EPS. Using the "Save As" will not work with our system.

File>Export
Choose "Illustrator Legacy EPS" from the drop down menu
Save as Illustrator 8.0 version

Acrobat 4.0

Save as Adobe PDF

If you are exporting your file to a PDF, please make sure that the PDF version is Acrobat 4.