Expert: Amy - 6/21/2006

Question
Hey there,

How do I collect for output in Illustartor?  When I send files to a
printer, do I need to collect files for output, or are all of the
pictures and fonts embedded?

Thanks,
Candice :)

Answer
hi Candice.

Don't know what version you're using; I use version 9. As far as I know, there still isn't a "collect for output" feature in later versions.

When I send files to my printer, I save as EPS. When you save as EPS, you get the option to include linked images and include fonts. You only see these options after clicking SAVE AS, choosing EPS, and clicking SAVE. Note: If there are no images, you won't see the images option. "Including" these things is equal to "embedding" them.

You also get these same options when you save as AI.

Some newspapers/printers don't want you to embed things, though. I have been told that it can cause issues if they are popping your document into another [Quark] file. Even if they aren't using your file in this way, there might be other issues between embedding and specific rip'ing software, too, I suppose.

Anyway, talk to your printer and ask if they prefer linked or embedded. If they want you to link, you need to manually collect the fonts and images to send along with.  I think most printers are coming around. I do work with one, though, who can't handle embedded stuff.

Hope this helps.
Amy Pace