PREPARING FILES FOR US TO PRINT FROM

Download templates

Proofing Checklist

 

If you (or your designer) don't know what we're talking about in this section then consider having us do the job quickly and professionally.

COPYRIGHT POLICY: When providing artwork or files to Crescent Music Services, you represent you have the right to use and reproduce this image. You may not reproduce copyrighted materials from artists, photographers, or other authors of original works without express written permission from the author. Crescent Music Services is not liable or responsible for any inappropriate uses.

Please have your designer contact us before starting. We suggest you print this page for reference.

ALL FILES WILL BE OUTPUT AS IS, unless adjustments are requested in advance. Changes and adjustments will be charged at published rate.

You will need to provide two different types of files – one type for the paper parts and one type for the disc.

Please note: we do not use film anymore - the standard in printing has become "computer to plate" technology to bypass the traditional process of film and matchprints.

STEPS FOR PREPARING YOUR FILES

1. Download templates

INSERT AND TRAYCARD, DIGIPAK OR JACKETS
2. Create artwork for Paper Parts
3. Proof and check files
4. Generate PDFs

DISC
5. Create artwork for Disc Label
6. Proof and check file
7. Save a "curves" version

8. Submit all files to Crescent Music Services. Please provide the name and contact information for the designer in case we have questions.

 


INSERTS AND TRAYCARDS, DIGIPAKS AND JACKETS (paper parts)
See DISC Label Files below for specs on submitting files

Click here for Templates

  • Choose the correct template according to the fold/style you desire - there are different dimensions for different fold configurations.
  • Note that the template for the inside of 6+ panel folders must be FLIPPED horizontally (left to right) so that the corresponding panel size lines up with the one on the outside.

WE PREFER TO RECEIVE YOUR FILES AS PRODUCTION READY PDFs with crop marks and bleed, ready to print.

    • OTHER FILE FORMATS: If you must provide files in native format (Indesign, Pagemaker, etc.) there will be a prepress charge for creating the production ready PDFs based on the hourly published rate.
    • WE CANNOT ACCEPT QUARK, POWERPOINT, OR PUBLISHER.
    • If corrections need to be made to your files, an hourly charge will apply.
    • Do not use Word to layout your design. Word should only be used for wordprocessing.
      • FILE FORMATS WE CAN ACCEPT: InDesign, Pagemaker, Corel Draw, Freehand, Photoshop, Illustrator, EPS, TIF.
      • Send us the actual working document with editable layers in case we need to make adjustments to your file to get it to match our templates or make last minute corrections you may request.
      • Do not flatten Photoshop layers.
      • We work on a PC (Windows) operating system. We can read MAC files, but may not have the same fonts.
      • Include all linked image files (tif, psd, jpg, eps).

File Submission: We accept files the following ways:

  • CDR
  • DVDR
  • FTP (File Upload)
  • Email (files should be zipped or stuffed) 5MB limit
  • USB Minidrive (thumbdrive)

Color Mode: Files should be CMYK or Greyscale. NO RGB or Spot Colors. No indexed or lab or multichannel.

  • There is no discount for all black and white only printing.
  • RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS:
    • Page Layout: We strongly recommend that you use a "Page Layout" program such as Adobe InDesign or Quark for layout and text instead of Photoshop.
    • Support Files: Use programs like Photoshop for images (photographic) and Freehand, Illustrator, or CorelDraw for vector art (logos) and then import (link) into the page layout program. Photoshop is a great photo-editing program. However, it was not designed for page layout, and is not the best choice for final artwork, especially with a lot of text or small text. Process (color correct, crop, clean) your images in Photoshop and then import them into one of the layout programs listed above.
    • Avoid low-priced page layout programs like Publisher. We cannot read or output from them.

  • We recommend referring to a Pantone Process Color Guide for Coated Paper for color matching.
    • Do not rely on your screen or inkjet printer to provide accurate representaions of color.
    • IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIFIC COLOR MATCHING, please alert us. We can arrange for custom proofing and printing.
  • Create a “Rich Black” by setting it up with 100% Black and 40% Cyan.
  • Print out and fold a mock up to be sure all the folds line up correctly.
    • Provide us with that mock up.
  • Bleed: 1/8 inch
  • Inside Margin: Don’t allow type to come any closer than 1/8 inch from the cut edges or folds.
  • Proof carefully, especially for typographical errors, missing elements, and font issues. You will be charged for any changes. (See our "Proofing Checklist")
  • Do not assume the files you provide will automatically output correctly just because they print fine on your inkjet printer.
  • Booklets 8+ pages must be IMPOSED as Printer's Spreads. Booklets received in reader’s spreads will incur additional charges. Please also provide a reader's spread version (non-imposed) for them to reference page sequence.
  • IMAGING TIME: Keep your files as small as possible without losing resolution. 15 minutes imaging time is allotted per page or per plate for color separations. Jobs running over the allotted time will be charged for imaging time. To avoid excessive processing time, keep your images within 80-125% of final size at 350dpi. The extra resolution will not improve quality, just slow things down.
  • IMAGES:
    • DO NOT EMBED YOUR GRAPHICS! LINK them. Depending on which program you are using, the menu item (usually the FILE menu) will say GET PICTURE, IMPORT, or PLACE.
    • Never use GIF or BMP
    • Be sure color images are CMYK (not RGB), and scanned at adequate resolution - the final image must be able to maintain 350 ppi (175 line screen).
    • Do not use images that start at 72 "dpi" (such as something off the web) and then try to up them to 300 – you’ll get garbage.
    • A 5" x 5" CMYK TIF file at 350 "dpi" should be about 8.6 megabytes. If it isn't, there is probably something wrong.
    • Save TIF files without LZW compression
    • Avoid JPGs if possible - this format compresses the image causing color loss and blur. If you need to edit a JPG, save as a TIF first.
    • Digital cameras should be set to the highest uncompressed format your camera has. Avoid using cameras under 2.5 megapixles.
  • Text in Photoshop:
    • Text in Photoshop will not print as crisp as text set in a page layout or vector program.
    • If you must create your text in Photoshop, try to stick to large font sizes and fonts that are relatively clear, set all type as anti-alias, and consider increasing your image resolution to 450 dpi to preserve some of the detail the font would normally have.
  • Design Tips:
    • Less is more. White space is your friend. Don't complicate things just for the sake of filling in all the available space. White space helps the reader to focus on the images and text that is there and actually draws attention to them.
    • Fonts: Limit your fonts to two or three different typefaces.
    • Look at some CDs in your collection for inspiration and guidance.
    • Use the right software for the job! Each program has its strengths and weaknesses: PhotoShop was never intended for page layout, but it's the best application for image editing. Design your logos and vector (line) elements in Illustrator, Freehand or CorelDraw.
    • Learn your software!
    • Upgrade your software!

       


With your FILES, you MUST include:

    • Hard copy (printout) of all pieces for our reference so that the files can be checked against your copies.
    • A "mockup" of your insert the way you want it cut and folded. Please tell us what type of fold it is (barrel, accordion, gate, etc.)
    • If you are providing native files (Pagemaker, etc.), we also need:
      • Font files (TTF) of all typefaces you use.
      • Include a list of fonts and images used in your publication.
      • All linked graphic files (eps, tif.)
        • Suggestion: keep all final images for your project in a single folder, and name them so you know which is for what so that when it comes time to save everything onto a disc, you won't forget something.

 

 

DISC

FOR SHORT RUN DISCS (DUPLICATED)

Creating artwork for disc requires different techniques than creating artwork for paper printing.

Click here for Templates
NOTE: Manufactured and Short Run disc templates are different.

  • Preferred format: PDF. Can also take PSD (layered), TIF, JPG.
  • CMYK or Greyscale, 300-350 dpi

 

FOR MANUFACTURED DISCS

PREFERRED FILE FORMAT: ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR (any version).

First: Click here for CD/DVD label templates.

Second, determine whether you will use CMYK or SPOT colors. Our discs come standard with CMYK or spot at no additional charge. CMYK printing the way magazines are printed. The 4 colors visually combine on the disc to create the color you want. Spot color disc printing is similar to how T-shirts are printed. Each color gets its own screen and is laid down one color at a time like painting a wall. You canot create "new" colors like with CMYK - you only get the colors you indicate.

CMYK disc printing:

Create your disc art as you would for paper printing using Photoshop and/or Illustrator.

Colors can shift from how they look printed on paper because of being printed on a reflective surface (plastic/silver).

Using a white flood fill underneath is standard to help avoid color shifts and effects from the silver beneath. You do not have to indicate this in your file.


or

Spot Color Disc Printing:

 

    Use standard PANTONE (PMS) numbered colors only. Use a PANTONE "solid coated" chip guide - this is not something you can just run out and buy. It is an expensive swatch book ($70-100), which you can see at a local service bureau or printer, or come by our office. It looks a lot like a paint chip book at your paint store.

    Please alert us if you choose Metallic, Flourescent or Pastel PMS colors.

    Do not use RGB or CMYK or hexachrome colors.

    Be sure to tell us what PMS color numbers you use.

    Tif and Jpg files cannot maintain spot colors.

    Spot color process is best chosen when you have solid backgrounds or other simple designs. Spot color printing is more even.

    Click here for a tutorial on including an image with spot colors in an illustrator file for use on a disc.

    Do NOT rely on a screen or inkjet printer representation of PMS spot colors, as your results will vary. That's why they make the swatch books.

MORE DISC DESIGN GUIDELINES:

  • Avoid thin fonts or fine lines and detail. Remember, this will be printed much rougher than the paper parts.
    • Lines: minimum thickness for lines within positive images is .25 pt; and for reverse or negative images, .5 pt.
    • Type: No smaller than 6 points. The use of serif type faces for small text is not recommended. Consider using bold type to increase the legibility of small text. Use bolded 8pt or larger for reversed text (light on dark).
  • Keep screened areas between 20-80%. Lower values will not be visible, higher values will fill in. Screen printing is a relatively coarse output. Complex designs are possible, but the simpler designs tend to look better. Avoid gradients.
  • Trapping: Multiple spot-color designs are printed in order of lightest to darkest tonal value. We recommend that wherever two colors meet, you provide a .5 pt. stroke. This will guarantee that no silver disc (or under-color layer) is visible between colors. A final black layer may always be overprinted.
  • The ink appears differently on the clear inner hub, the mirror hub, and the main silver surface of the disc.
  • Leave your image as a rectangle in the photoshop file then MASK the image inside and out in Illustrator.
  • All images will be printed on the silver reflective disc unless indicated that a flood fill background needs to be printed first. Whatever is white on your computer screen or printout will be the silver background of the disc. If you want a solid color background, just request a “flood fill” and tell us the PMS color number. You do NOT need to create a layer for this color since no film will be output (as long as you use one of our standard template sizes). A flood fill does count as a color. Use caution with colors other than white, since it can alter the shade and tone of other colors printed on top of it (because the inks are slightly transparent). If you are concerned about this, then don’t use a flood fill - create a new layer under so that it separates and knocks out.
  • Design Tip: Print a clear matte finish over the top of a coated ink to achieve the look of uncoated ink. Not recommended for small or highly detailed imagery. (Matte finish is considered an additional color.) Get fancy and apply the Matte Finish over only parts of your design for a two toned effect. Varnish counts as an additional color and will have additional charges.
  • NO BLEED! - what you see should be exactly what prints with no inner or outer bleed. Knock out the outside and inside.
  • REMOVE ALL EXCESS GUIDELINES, TEMPLATE MARKINGS AND MEASUREMENTS. The only thing that should be visible is what will print on the disc, the registration marks, the center cross hair, and any identifying text such as release number, color names, etc, (set outside the image of course).

 

PREPARING DISC PRINT FILES

  • Delete unused layers and colors.
  • Save Illustrator file for submission

    1. Make a backup of the finished layout. Once you create outlines there is no going back to re-type words and sentences. A string of letters is no longer a string so save a version of the non outlined layout before proceeding. You'll need the original file with text as text in case you need to go back to fix something.

    • Save the file, then Save As and call same name plus "curves" at the end of the name.

    2. Convert all text to curves:
    Select, Objects, Text Objects
    Type, Create Outlines
    3. Remove all circle guidelines in the template - again, what you see is exactly what prints. Leave cross hairs and registration marks (center and outer)
    4. Save File (with the "curves" in the name)

  • How To Check Spot Color separations (Print the file to PDF)

    1. Go to Print
    2. Select Output, Mode: Separations. You should see your PMS colors in the list at the bottom
    3. Change printer to Adobe PDF
    4. Print - you can call the file anything you want since it's an in house test file
    5. Open the PDF file and look at the different plates.

    • Check if each plate contains the objects (image, text, logo) that should be in that color
    • Check that the PMS color number is correct for that plate
    • Check that there are no extra plates with stuff on them.

SEND PRODUCTION READ FILES: Send CD or upload (please request ftp instructions and password)