File Preperation
What file formats do you accept?
NER accepts a variety of native file formats. PDF files are the preferred format because they require less time and software to process through the RIP process and are billed at a lower processing fee than native files (ie. Word, InDesign, PLT files). We do recommend providing both a PDF and native file (including linked art and fonts) for your job in the event of a problem with the PDF file. NER will always use a PDF file if it has been properly created for printing.
| NER supports both Mac & PC platforms of the following software: | |
| • Adobe Acrobat • Adobe InDesign CS2 • Adobe Illustrator CS2 • Adobe Photoshop CS2 • Auto Cad |
• Auto Desk • Microsoft Office XP • Quark XPress 6 • Vectorworks |
Do you accept Microsoft Word or Publisher documents?
We support Word documents but do not support Publisher documents. We may require you to send the fonts for your Word document for it to print correctly. If not, the fonts may be substituted, causing the text to reflow. We may advise you to have us recreate the document if it includes photographs or if you would like to enlarge the images. If you have a text only document, please save it as a PDF.
What type of architectural files do you accept?
We accept DWG,DXF, PLT, PDF, PS, EPS.
How do I create a Plot file?
In the AutoCad / File / Plot window, from the dialog box, select the printer or plotter driver. Select paper size output. Apply appropriate pen settings (CTB). Select scale and orientation of the drawing. Preview drawing for ensuring correct print output. Make sure to check the plot file box.
Where do I get my drivers to prepare Auto Cad files for printing?
Follow these links for support and drivers for use with AutoCad. Please download and review all of the AutoCAD driver documentation before installing.
> Kip printing drivers
> Océ printing drivers
> Océ HDI printing driver (NER specific driver)
> PDF drivers
I don’t have a plotter and want to print to file using an HP driver. What do I do?
Click here to go to the HP website and select one of the following drivers: 650C, 750C, 1050C for black and white printing. For color printing, files must be printed from the native DWG or PDF formats.
How do I install the drivers?
Open Auto Cad / File / Plotter Manager / Add a Plotter and follow the wizard steps.
Do I need to include fonts?
When providing a native design file please include all fonts with the job. Page layout programs like Quark XPress and InDesign can collect the file with all the necessary components for reproduction. Other programs like Illustrator and Word require you to find the fonts and create a copy manually. If your fonts are not provided with your job it will be delayed.
How should I send fonts with my job?
If fonts are used in your document, include them in a “Fonts” folder.
Mac OS X (Hard Drive > Users > Library > Fonts)
Mac OS 9 (Hard Drive > System Folder > Fonts)
Windows (WINNT Folder)
Note: Postscript Type 1 Fonts require two files, a screen font and printer font. Both files are required for the font to print correctly. TrueType and OpenType Fonts require only one font file. Do not use the stylization palette to bold or italicize fonts as our RIPs may have problems interpreting them. If you do not have bold version of the font, please choose an alternative. When working in Illustrator, please save your text to outlines or provide your fonts with the job.
Why shouldn't I use the layout program to bold or italicize a font?
Our RIP does not recognize this treatment as valid changes to the font; therefore doing this will delay your order and may increase your costs.
Why should I flatten my images?
NER requests all images be flattened so they take less time to process and so they output as you intended. This applies to images for placement in page layout programs and images for print. We strongly advise you to save a layered file as a backup for yourself.
How much resolution is required for printing graphics?
Each printer has its own limitations for print resolution whether it is 300dpi, 600dpi or 1200dpi. Printing an image with excess resolution only slows processing time and may not increase the quality of the image. The following guidelines are based upon your final image resolution. If an image is to be enlarged 200% it will require more resolution than the same image printed at 100% and less for reducing an image.
NER suggests large format images be set to 150ppi and small format images be set to 300ppi. NER will not be responsible for output quality if images are set lower.
Can I use the images from my website for printing?
No. Images for websites contain much less information (dots) than images for printing. An image downloaded from a website will print with blurry or jagged edges even though it looked fine on the monitor.
Since NER suggests printing from a 300ppi image, can’t I just change the size in Photoshop?
No. Interpolating an image only adds to the file size. Photoshop cannot create data or
sharpness where there is none. A professional photograph or scan might be the solution. If the image is a logo our designers can often recreate the artwork as a vector image
How much of a bleed is needed for printing?
Please extend your image ¼ inch beyond the page size to allow for trimming.
Why did my files become corrupt?
Any file sent over the Internet is susceptible to becoming corrupt and therefore unusable. If corruption occurs, try uncompressing your files and re-uploading via FTP or emailing them to us. You can also try to re-save the document and send it again.
