Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 9/26/2008

Question
Hi Kevin, I'm so confused as to which is the best way to prepare a file for
commercial printing. Tiff, Eps, Pdf, Ai? Everyone tells me something different.
My tri-fold brochure is an AI file (CS3) containing Hi resolution photos, a
downloaded vector background from a stock house, and copy. File size is
high (65 MB). What is the number one best way to send this to the printer.
Also, how and when should I "compress" a file. Thanks, I appreciate your
advice.

Answer
Hi Becky,

The only way you should send a file for print, unless your PRINTER tells you otherwise (always listen to them - they know their workflow best) is to save this as a PDF.

Now, with that said, your preset for PDF X-1 or Press Quality should suffice (make sure you add any bleeds or crop marks that may be necessary via the options at right).

When it comes to compression, your PDF is going to be LARGE. However, that is ok because this is a top quality file for printing.

If you do need to compress a file, I use Stuffit or ZipIt to zip my files. Zip files are readable by both Windows and Mac.

Your PDF however, will still be large after zipping so I would forego the compression and just burn directly to CD/DVD.

Thanks

Kevin