The following is a checklist for transferring artwork utilizing our FTP. This list is created to ensure a trouble-free Internet-based workflow. Please contact us should you have any questions or concerns regarding this checklist.
Step One: Artwork Preparation
Please include all supporting files used in the artwork. This includes all images, graphics and fonts. The following applications can perform this function automatically and gather all of the necessary files.
- Adobe InDesign: Go to File > Package.
- QuarkXPress: Go to File > Collect for Output…
- Adobe Illustrator requires that the user manually collect all of the supporting files. For a list of imported images / graphics used in the document, go to Window > Links. For a list of fonts used in the document, go to Type > Find Font.
Step Two: Soft-Proofing Using PDF
It is very important to include a PDF of the final artwork so we can check our RIP against it. These PDFs do not need to be at Production/Press Quality. The following are guidelines for creating a soft-proof of your artwork.
- Adobe InDesign: Go to File > Export… > Adobe PDF > Smallest File Size.
- Adobe Illustrator: Go to File > Save As… > Adobe PDF > Smallest File Size.
- QuarkXPress: Go to File > Export > Layout as PDF… > Job Options > Downsample all images to 100 dpi.
Step Three: Before Uploading the Artwork
Once you have prepared the artwork and created the soft-proof, you’re ready to upload the files to the FTP. For faster file transfers and to protect the integrity of the artwork, images, graphics and fonts, please compress the files using DropStuff or another compression software. DropStuff will package these files and produce a StuffIt archive with a .sit or .sitx extension. You may then upload the compressed file to the FTP.