Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 9/2/2008

Question
whats the correct proceedure to get an illustrator CS3 file ready for press?  

I have designed a business card and compliments card which i need to send to a print group to print.  Print methods include pvc varnish and foil blocks.  I have created the files in CS3 rgb mode, and am basically a complete novice to illustrator and design!  

Do I need to change from rgb to cmyk - and how do i do this to ensure a good colour match / produce colour plates for cmyk (which for the area which i want to have pvc varnish applied there is no colour required - so how do i do this?), etc, etc, etc!  

I would be very grateful if you could let me have a check list of what i need to do to ensure this job is a success.  I have created outlines for the type, but that is about as far as my knowledge goes...

i know this is a bit of an open ended question, but any guidance would be very helpful!

Answer
Hi Suze,

I would import this into InDesign and then set it up there to the proper specs. Then I would export this out (File>Export) as a Press Quality PDF. Your printer should be able to adjust the PDF as needed to fit their prepress needs.

To ensure that you will have a good color match in CMYK, you should be using the CMYK Palette in AI. If you did not, and have bright RGB colors that are out of the printable range (out of gamut), you may have to adjust them before bringing into ID.

Thanks

Kevin