Need help laying out projects for printers!!!

[ross ky2]

Can anyone help me?

I am about to start up as a freelance Graphic Designer after years at college, however the one thing i never got taught was how to layout my completed design projects for commercial printers. Has anyone got any advice or examples of work that they can share with me, experiences they have had, etc.

I need all the help i can get!

My email for the moment until my site goes live is rossw119@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks!!!!!!!

[Cwilk]

Ross...this is kind of an open ended question. Most design work that is printed can be actually set up for a print company in a number of ways. Sometimes it really depends on the print company because they don't all do the same things.

If you're not familiar with print jargon, I'd start with a business card layout and go from there. Publications are more difficult because there are so many more links involved.

Do you have a specific project you need to set up for a print company? If you do, we can start with that. Otherwise your question is too general.

[ross ky2]

Thanks for the reply,

Its actually a A5 booklet with 8 pages, so two A4 sheets together and halved (if that makes sense). I was just wanting to find out about setting it up in photoshop and preparing it for print, with cut guides, bleeds and showing the folds. I don't know if each printed side should be a separate file. I know this is a bit general but having never worked with a printer before i feel lost.

Thanks

[Cwilk]

I hate to break the bad news to you, but you really shouldn't be setting a booklet up in PS. It's not meant for that. One of the problems you'll run into is that you'll accidentally make the text 4 color black and most print companies won't accept a file where the text is 4c.

You should set your file up in ID or even Quark, make a file with 8 pages (side by side). You'll notice the first page will be by itself and so will the back. These pages will print together on press. Lay out each page into the layout software with proper bleeds and set your text in the layout software too.

Do you absolutely have to send a PS file? Make sure that your text is 100% black and all your files are CMYK at 300DPI.

No matter which way you submit the file, you'll need a dummy book for the print company so that they know which page goes where.

If all else fails, talk to the print company themselves and explain your final file.

[ross ky2]

Thanks,

I have checked and they actually prefer it sent to them as pdf. In the case of business cards or flyers, (designs on one sheet of paper) would you also create these in indesign? Sorry if these are obvious questions!!!

[Cwilk]

Yes, PDFs are the standard, but usually from a layout software. : )

Basically ID is where you bring all of your art together to organize it. You have an Illy (EPS) file, a PSD or TIF and your text....they all get designed in ID. It makes it easier for format text properly and even have more control over it.

It's not unheard of to do ads, flyers, business cards and such in PS, but the text comes out cleaner in a layout software than when it's rasterized in PS.

[ross ky2]

Thanks for your help really appreciate it!!!!!