PDF Production Specifications
Collection Process
File Setup
- Open last version of layout and open the File Info panel. Type in internal tracking number - job number - version number. Hit "Save As" and delete the internal tracking number and replace the version number with "FIN". Save this to your desktop.
- Ensure final file is set up in the correct color profile
- Now clean up the file by delete unused swatches, styles, extraneous elements on the pasteboard such as notes, spacer boxes etc.
- Next, run spellcheck
Images
- Check all image. Make sure that any images that need to be purchased have been purchased and that the hires photo is placed into the layout. Please make sure that the image is filed either in PHOTOS-LOGOS if this image does not require job specific retouching or sizing or the BUILD folder if it does. An example of job specific retouching would be changing the color of a person's shirt, extending a canvas and adding background, adding a fade.
- Since the credit based stock houses allow us to download images at any size for the same price, we always download the largest image available. Often, we do not need to use the image at its full size in the layout. If this is the case, please place the image and then see how big it is used in the layout. Then size the image in photoshop appropriately and save the resized image in the BUILD folder as [image number]-[stock house]-[small description] _sized.
- Log expenses for any images purchased on seeker
Packaging
- Package file to desktop (This will prevent server issues from interfering with the collection process. Once you have completed collection you will copy the finalized files to the server)
- In packaged folder, export a MEG press-ready PDF and IDML file
- Take note of any client-specific production requests (i.e. Quest Diagnostics "Creative Portal PDF Creation"
- Review files and naming conventions, upload to Server under job number in "PRODUCTION > Final"
- Provide file path to proofer for double-checking
Reviewing Process
When you are set to review a file, please take note of the following:
- Make sure that everything on the page is aligned properly
- All unused swatches, styles, extraneous elements on the pasteboard such as notes, spacer boxes etc. have been deleted
- Color profile matches what has been speced out by the job and that all swatches and logos follow this profile
- Ensure all layered working files are in the BUILD folder and all images have been purchased, are in the correct color profile and are large enough to reproduce well. (In InDesign, print projects should have an effective PPI of 300)
- Ensure all images are placed in at a proportional size. Sometimes when scaling the proportions get slightly tweaked
- All styles are properly accounted for an that nothing in the layout breaks those styles
- Once all this is check, fill out the QA and confirm that the specs are correct on the QA as well and send a timestamp either approving or pointing out that you need to re check.
Quest Diagnostics
- All gradients are made as placed PSDs unless otherwise specificed or templates do not require this (i.e. ICD-9/10 gradients will stay as is)
- All dot clouds are only rotated at 90 degree increments. If you see otherwise please note
- All dot clouds fall off the edge of the page in between rows of dots rather than cutting a row of dots in half