KA-BestPractices

Tips & Hints
PACKAGE
In InDesign, go to File › Package when job
is finished. “Copy Fonts”, “Copy Linked
Graphics”, “Include IDML” and “Include PDF”
should all be checked.
Watch out for any warning messages. If any
changes are made to the document after it is
packaged, it must be re-packaged.
Compress the packaged file and avoid using
special characters or spaces in the file name.
BLEEDS
If the project bleeds, include 1/8” bleed on
every element that touches a page edge.
CLEAN UP
Remove all unnecessary elements, including
unused colors, hidden or non-printing layers
and pasteboard items.
IMAGES
Make sure images are CMYK or PMS spot
colors and at least 300 dpi at 100%. Do not
use JPEG or RGB images.
PANEL SIZES
Check all panels for even folding, and set all
inside folding panels to trim 1/16” shorter than
the panel they fold into.
RICH BLACK & INK LIMITS
Our preferred rich black build is C=40, M=30,
Y=20, K=100. Use it for large, solid areas
of black ink. If creating your own black mix,
make sure the total ink coverage does not
exceed 280% ink.
NEVER use registration black.
Optimal ink coverage is never more than
300% in any area or on any element in the
design
Coated papers can have coverage up to 330%
ink coverage, though 280% is recommended.
Exceptions to this are specialty coated papers
such as Stardream, Petallics, etc. These
papers should have no more coverage than
200%.
Uncoated papers should have no more than
240 - 260% coverage
Envelopes cannot bleed on 4 sides unless they
are converted.
Coverage on conventional envelopes can also
be limited. if conventional envelopes bleed, Ink
can build up and offset to the back on large
runs.
DIELINES
Create all dielines, varnish plates, spot UV,
embossing, and foil dies in Adobe Illustrator
as vector files (EPS, AI or PDF) and set them
to overprint. Make them spot colors and name
them (i.e. “Dieline”). Cut lines are solid, fold
lines are dashed and perf lines are dotted.
See “Producing Dielines” for further
instructions.