File Formats – Software

DeLano Service pre-press department supports the following applications:

General Pre-Press Rules

An abbreviated list of standard pre-press rules that apply to all files submitted include:

Do use a page layout application designed for commercial print output for all multi-page documents. We strongly recommend Quark XPress or Adobe InDesign. Do not use Microsoft Word or any other word processing programs. Single page documents, such as a box top, bottom, or card box may be submitted in Illustrator.

Do not set type in Photoshop. Photoshop is primarily used for continuous tone image work, not typesetting. Place your Photoshop files into Quark or InDesign and set the type in that page layout program.

Do not use jpegs, gifs, or picts. There are compressed image formats, not designed for print production.

Submit all files as CMYK. Do not use RGB.

Fonts and Linked Files

Please be sure to include all the fonts and linked files used. Converting fonts to outlines before submission can guarantee that font translation between operating systems or platforms is kept to a minimum.

Preparing Card Files

We require that you prepare your card files in a page layout application, i.e., Quark XPress, InDesign, Freehand, Pagemaker. We require 1 page per card, for instance a 52 card deck would consist of a file containing 52 individual pages, built to final size of the finished card. Upon request, we will supply an Illustrator die line for those cards which require a round corner finish. Please keep all copy at least 3/32" away from final trim of the cards and add 1/8" bleed if necessary. We have a handy PDF document available for download which contains terminology, and guides for preparing your files in more detail. We suggest you refer to this guide when preparing your card files.

Preparing Box and Board Files

It is important to prepare box and board files to the proper size. Upon request, we will send you a die line in which to use as a guide. It is important to keep your artwork at least 3/32" away from the folds of the box.

Custom Die Cut Shapes

Often, custom die cut shapes are used in a game, whether they server as markers, or play pieces. Our pre-press department is skilled at creating die lines for these specialty products. You may request die lines to aid in the preparation of your files.