Expert: Amy - 3/28/2007

Question
I work in the Automotive Industry, and we send our files to the local paper to print to advertise offers, is there antway that i can force my colours not to misregister on their presses

Answer
Hi Jason!

Unfortunately, web presses are still sometimes unreliable. My company does a sort of expensive catalog a couple times a year using one of the best printers in town and there are registration issues.

Things you can do (some of these may be obvious - sorry):

Don't use hairlines.

Avoid the use of fonts with really fine serifs.

Use 100% black text and rules where appropriate (not rich black)

Use overprinting techniques wherever possible in your artwork; send files that retain overprinting settings.

Avoid the use of 4-color mixes in fine details and especially in text.

Talk to your rep at the paper and ask where the reg issues are most likely to occur. At my local paper, ads at the bottom of the page are more likely to mis-reg. Maybe you can negotiate a better spot on the page?

Talk to someone in the art department about which application they prefer you use. If you send PDF files, make sure to ask for the recommended Distiller settings.

And lastly, discuss the problem with the person who knows the most about the paper's press quirks. NOT THE SALES REP. Request someone in the art department. For the price paid for newspaper ads these days, you shouldn't need to trap manually, in my opinion. But I don't know what software you're using or how high-tech your printer is, either.

If you have questions about anything I've mentioned here, follow-up at my e-mail address AmyLynPace@yahoo.com

Cheers!
Amy