Expert: Tom Rouze - 5/20/2005

Question
I would like to create business cards in Illustrator CS.  I familiar with using the program - but am not exactly sure what standards I should use for this.  Is it safe to import jpgs, gifs without comprimising on print quality?  What should I avoid doing? Can you possibly provide a checklist of what should be done.  Thank you!  

Answer
Hi Mike,
Let's start with the file formats.  
GIF files are mainly used for web publishing.  Normally they are only 72 ppi because that's all your monitor is!  It also keeps the files small so pages can load quicker.  Bottom line:  Resolution too low.  You have poor print quality.  It will look blurry and have jagged edges.
JPEG -  Because it's file format and a compression format JPEGs can be tricky sometimes.  I'll save that subject for another time.  The best thing to do is check the resolution in Photoshop and print one copy.  Just viewing on the screen is not a true representation of what the file looks like (monitors are low resolution).  Most times JPEG's will be ok to use though.  
TIFF - This is a lossless format meaning that since it doesn't use file compression when saving the file, the data remains in tack.  Of course this means a larger file but most of these files are higher resolution.  It's a good format for high quality.
Here are some tips to get you going...
1.  Stay away from GIF's
2.  With any logo or file you receive for printing, print one copy first.  Even if it's just a b/w you will be able to see any major problems right away.
3.  Resizing or rotating images should be done in an image manipulation program like Photoshop.  The file will stay smaller and you'll have less problems when it comes to outputting the file.  8 or 9 times out of 10 you would not have a problem doing it in Illustrator it's more of a precaution.
4.  Create at least two templates.  One for the file set-up (one up) and the other for printing (stepped for output).  When you step the file in Illustrator you multiply the file size by the number of stepped images.  That could mean a fairly large file for printing.  Not that it creates a problem with the file, it just means it will take longer for you printer to process and print.  Once you're done with the "for print" file you can trash it leaving the one up file for future use.
This should help you for now.  Do you have Photoshop or Quark?  What kind of printer are you going to use?  Laser, inkjet, etc... and is it color or b/w?  Small quanatities?  
Once I know these answers I can help you a little more if you would like.
There are some other tips and tricks we can touch on later also.
Thank you,
Tom