There are thousands of computer applications. Each produces a unique file. We call this a "native" file. For example, Microsoft Word creates a ".doc" file. To help you save money and time, we prefer a standard file format produced by our print driver, SCOOP. The SCOOP print driver has been installed on your computer through the university's IRT department. Print your project using SCOOP and your project will automatically be converted to a pdf. You then will be taken to the SCOOP Web site to complete a job requisition, which automatically will be sent either to the university's Minneapolis or St. Paul Service Center for production. You will receive an e-mail when there is a proof ready for you to view. Examine a proof of the job by going to your "my jobs" page; click on the job tracking number, then look for the "view my proof" tab. After viewing the proof you may accept or reject it.
Tip & Tools
To ensure your artwork looks great on paper following a few helpful tips will ensure you get the job done right.
resolution
The resolution of an image refers to the amount of detail in the image; the higher the resolution, the more detailed the image. To make sure your printed piece turns out great, black and white line art should be scanned in as line art or bitmap at 600 dpi. Photos, color CMYK or grayscale, should be scanned in at 300 dpi. If your image is less than 300 or 600 dpi, you should replace it with a new image instead of trying to fix it. To guarantee the best quality, do not enlarge images beyond the original size of the design process.
Submission Guidelines
• Make sure the document is the actual size being printed. We often receive files where the page size is larger than the size of the job. For example, a customer might make up a business card on an 8.5x11page, or want an 11x17 poster created from an 8.5x11 page. This can create a slower turnaround time for you, and may mean we need to return the file to you for adjustment. If your document is to be printed right to the edge of the page you need to understand about bleeds.
• When a page or a cover design extends to and off the edge of the paper it is called a “bleed.” In print design, the artwork or block of color must extend past the edge of the page. The artwork or block of color is then printed on larger-size paper and trimmed to the desired size. In MS Word or Publisher, you must create a custom page size that is .25” larger than your finished size.
• Imposition is the term used for arranging multiple copies of a document on one sheet of paper to gain economies in printing. We have software that carries out this task for us very quickly and accurately, and we ask you not to do it for us.
• If your job is going to be folded, then fold your printout to see if the elements on the page are positioned correctly on the panels, and to see if there are any problems with folding it the way you intend.
• Make sure the page order is correct and that we are aware of the page order. Adding “folios” (page numbers) to booklet-style documents assists both the printer and the reader.
• When selecting saddle stitching, always divide your page count by four. If not divisible, add blank pages. This is always faster and less expensive than inserts.
• Supply the minimum number of files - i.e., not one file for each page.
