Lithographix, Inc. Prepress Center

Supplied Digital File Guidelines

Digital File Formats (in order of preference): Trap at .04mm unless specified. Single pages, centered horizontally and vertically. Readers spreads are acceptable if the job contains crossovers. Foldouts and gates can be stripped as spreads. Ask us to give you a layout for these.

Scitex Job (CT/LW)
LW res 100, CT res 14.

TIFF/IT P1
LW res 100, CT res 14. More than 4/C will need another TIFF/IT file.

PDF
4/C process and/or spot color. All fonts embedded, no downsampling. If applicable, Lithographix will provide Distiller job options containing specifications for producing correct PDF files.

DCS2
Pre-separated or composite, embedded high res and fonts.

Copy dot (1-bit tiff)
Must be res 100 (2540 dpi)

Note: We recommend that you send a test file prior to the live job in order to ensure workability.
We also recommend that you send us a backup disk containing the layout files with all high res, links, and fonts required to produce the job. Collect for output. (All files should be directed to Lithographix's Production Department)

Make sure the file names do not have any illegal (for UNIX machines) characters such as slashes (/), ampersands (&), or blank spaces. Keep all file names to 20 characters or less.

Bindery:

All pages to have 1/8" bleed all around. Shingling on saddle-stitched books is the responsibility of the supplier. Lithographix will provide shingling information.

Proofs (should include the following):

Bluelines
All supplied digital files must be accompanied with two (2) final trimmed and backed up Bluelines.

Final color proofs for press ok's and color breaks: Imation Matchprints (digital and/or analog), Fuji Color Art (digital and/or analog), DuPont Waterproof (digital and/or analog), and Kodak Approval. Proofs must be clearly labeled and produced in accordance with the manufacturers recommended specifications. All proofs must also include Process Control Strips (i.e., all colors must have a solid patch, 25/50/75 screen patch, and process trapped colors Y/M - Y/C - C/M)

Note: All furnished proofs must be generated from the furnished files supplied to Lithographix.

Screen Ruling
Lithographix's standard is 175 line for coated papers. Customer or Lithographix Sales Representative to specify if different.

Screen Angle
Lithographix's Sales Representative to specify.

Dot Shape
Composed, round, square, elliptical, etc. Customer or Lithographix Sales Representative to specify.

Max Density
Max density is determined by the substrate you are printing on. This would range from 290 to 360 covering offset papers to gloss coated. (contact Lithographix Production Department if you have questions).

Paper and/or Folding Dummy should be included.

Note: When supplying digital proofs, we highly recommend getting the Lithographix digital test file with accompanying digital proof to set tonal curves.

Media:

CD is the preferred method for transferring files, but Lithographix will accept other forms of media.

Electronic File Transfer:

FTP
ftp.lithoxprep.com

Web Upload:
http://www.lithoxprep.com/cgi-bin/upload

WAM!NET:
Site number 8658201

E-mail
prepress@lithoxprep.com

Scheduling:

Digital files should be supplied to Lithographix with enough time to review files, proofs, and any other supplied information. Lithographix recommends a minimum of 48 hours prior to press date. (changes to this must be agreed to in advance).

Corrections:

Corrections to the job will be the sole responsibility of the supplier unless otherwise specified.

If you need assistance please contact our prepress department at (323) 770-1000 ext. 521