TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Sure, computers are supposed to be easy to use, and all of your application programs claim to be the easiest of them all. And we know that isn't really true. So here are some useful tips to have before you start sending materials over.

From Powerpoint to InDesign

Pictures

You must always include a copy of your images even if they are "embedded" in the document. If you have a lot of images, that means that you'll have to include all of them.

Fonts

You must always include a copy of your fonts too. We won't always have all the same fonts you have.

It's Easy When You Know How

Most programs will have a function that will be called "collect for output" or "package for service bureau." Use that function and you'll be asked to specify what folder to put all the stuff in. Tell it to create a new folder with a logical name like Project Files or some such thing. You'll then have options to save all the images (say yes) and save all the fonts (say yes).

If you don't know if there's a fast and easy collect function on your graphic program, just save your project on disk and then drag the image files onto the disk also. You can also drag or copy the fonts onto that same disk. In Windows, the fonts will be in a folder in the path C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\. Choose the fonts used in your project and copy or drag them on the disk.

For the Perplexed

Call us and we'll walk you through it with you.

Frequent Asked Questions

• I already have my own artwork. I just need you to print it. What file format should I save it as and what types of files do you accept?
  
  
• I don't have an Acrobat converter, what should I do?
  
  
• What is color separation?
  
  
• I want my finished printed piece to have color up to the edge of the paper. How do I set that up?
  
  
• How can I get my file to you?
  
  
• My file is too big to email. What should I do?

Q: I already have my own artwork. I just need you to print it. What file format should I save it as and what types of files do you accept?

A: Here's a list of the software we have available on our computers:

Although we have these programs on our computers, we still prefer a high resolution PDF (Portable Document File) so we don't have to worry about unwanted page breaks, missing fonts and images.

Q: I don't have an Acrobat converter, what should I do?

A: If you do not have the full version of Adobe Acrobat, there are some websites that offer free PDF conversions like pdfonline.com or freepdfconvert.com. Once you have downloaded the converted PDF, check the file and make sure everything looks alright. Some fonts might be replaced during the conversion. This usually happens if you are using non-standard fonts.

If PDF conversion sounds too complicated, then you can always send us your source files. But remember, you have to send us the images and fonts that you've used. We will also need a faxed copy or a printed sample of your artwork. You can also stop by our shop to take a look at the printed proof.

Q: What is color separation?

A: Color separation is a process of separating a multi-color artwork into its individual printing colors. This process is required if your job needs to go offset printing. We should be able to create a press plate for every color of your artwork.

Q: I want my finished printed piece to have color up to the edge of the paper. How do I set that up?

A: Print or ink that extends beyond the edges of a piece of paper is said to bleed off the sheet. Prints that have bleeds usually cost more because we have to print on larger size paper than the finished size. A print job with no bleeds can usually be printed on a sheet of the same size as the finished piece. So when creating your artwork, please add 1/8 inch of bleed allowance on all four sides. Let's say you want to create an 8 1/2 x 11 flyer with 4-side bleeds. Your document should be set-up as 8 3/4 x 11 1/4. Background color or image should fill the entire document, from edge to edge. Text and other important images that you cannot afford to be cut off should be within 8 x 10 1/2. It's always good to add a 1/4 inch margin on all sides.

Q: How can I get my file to you?

A: The fastest way you can send us your file is via email. Just send your artwork to print@tppinc.com. You can also save your artwork in a CD, DVD, USB drive, Zip disks or floppy disks.

Q: My file is too big to email. What should I do?

A: If your file is too big to send via email, you can upload your files to FTP server. Our FTP link is: ftp://tppftp@tppinc.com. Please contact us for login information.

If you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will walk you through it with you.

The Printed Page
900 N. Stuart Street Suite 101
Arlington, VA 22201
T: (703) 351-7577
F: (703) 351-7579
email: print@tppinc.com