In step with the popularity of computer-to-plate publishing, Data Key Communications, Inc. strongly encourages our advertisers to submit their advertisements in digital, or electronic, form. To assist you in this process, Data Key Communications supports a variety of applications for material creation and submission.
These pages will guide you through the process of creating and submitting digital ads using the applications we support. For general information and help in creating digital files, see "File Creation" below.
File Creation
1. Load/Activate fonts needed for document.
- We recommend loading/activating fonts by using a font management program such as Extensis Suitcase.
- When loading fonts, be sure to use only PostScript Type 1 fonts.
2. Open page in application
- Set document size. Add 1/8" bleed when appropriate.
- Set proper color mode.
3. Check colors, type styles, and images
- For print publications:
- Check that all colors are defined as CMYK unless a Pantone color is specified. RGB colors must be converted to CMYK. Duotone and tri-tone must be converted to CMYK unless a Pantone color is specified.
- Check that spot colors are only defined for items intended to be separated as spot.
- For online publications:
- Check that all colors are defined as RGB. CMYK colors must be converted to RGB. Duotone and tri-tone must be converted to RGB.
- Check that no artificial type styles (menu styles) are used.
- Check the links to images; Make sure that they are linked, proper resolution (300dpi), and updated.
4. If you intend to submit a PDF, please follow carefully the instructions found in the Detail File Checklist below.
5. Collect and send material to the Production Editor at Data Key Communications, Inc.
General Considerations
| Applications Accepted: |
Adobe PDF (Press Ready) - preferred format |
| Image Formats: | Images must be EPS, TIFF or Bitmap. |
| Proof Copy: | Always submit a printed proof copy of the material to ensure color and file content accuracy. |
Detailed File Checklist
Dimensions and Color (Print)
Check dimensions (including bleed, if applicable).
Check for unintended RGB and spot color. If found, convert to CMYK (adjust for
color shift).
For Quark documents, uncheck "Spot Color" in the Edit Color pop-up.
For Illustrator documents, check the CMYK icon in the color pallet.
Make sure any custom colors have descriptive names (do not use "New Color").
Check that blacks made from CMYK builds are the same build when contact with
each other is intended.
Check that the total strength of a custom CMYK build does not exceed 300%.
Check that menu styles are not being used for fonts.
Proofread and spell check your document.
Dimensions and Color (online)
Check dimensions.
Check for unintended CMYK and spot color. If found, convert to RGB (adjust for
color shift).
Check that menu styles are not being used for fonts.
Proofread and spell check your document.
Picture Usage
Check that all images are 300dpi for EPS and TIFF, 1200 DPI for Bitmap images.
* Images are not acceptable from these sources:
Web, screen captures,cell phones,
or
<3 megapixel cameras.
For print publications, convert RGB to CMYK for color printing (adjust for color
shift)
or Grayscale for B&W printing.
For online publications, convert CMYK to RGB (adjust for color shift).
Remove unnecessary channels, paths and masks.
Fonts
Check that fonts are PostScript Type 1 fonts and both printer and screen fonts
are included.
Type converted to outlines is acceptable for InDesign and Illustrator documents.
PDFs
Press Quality PDF files distilled using v1.4 compatibility or earlier are accepted providing strict attention is paid to the creation of the native/original file as described above.
For questions about the above specifications, please contact us at (315) 445-2347.
© 2007 Data Key Communications, Inc.