Helpful Hints/FAQ

The following has been compiled from questions and concerns from our various customers. We have tried to include all the major points. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Service Department.

What does Adair need to process your material?

To make sure we meet your requirements, we recommend that you provide the following:

A hard copy of the finished product. This allows us to visually check what we output matches your expectations.

Source files that are in a format optimized for the printing process. These include, but are not limited to PDF, Quark, PageMaker and other page layout software. MS Word is not an application that is optimized for the printing process. If your source document is in MS Word or other non-print optimized application, we recommend creating a postscript file or PDF. The settings for the postscript and PDF are important so please use our Distiller Settings or contact us to walk you through the process. This will collect all the font information and contain the layout so we can make sure your project is correct.

If you supply a source file other than a PDF, please make sure you also send us a copy of any fonts and graphic files you used in the creation of the document. Many times applications only save a low resolution version within the file. This will cause your final piece to look fuzzy or grainy.

What resolution should graphics be?

We recommend that graphics be 300 dpi. This is the optimum quality for a good end product. A higher resolution will take longer to process and does not necessarily mean the end product will look any better. A lower resolution make look fuzzy or grainy.

Will I see a proof? If so what kind will I receive?

Adair may use a few different proofing methods depending on your publication type. A composite laser proof and separated laser proofs are required for all jobs (especially multi-color projects). Check these over carefully! These proofs provide critical information for the production of your job. Are you having problems printing out separations? Chances are that we will not be able to print it out either.

Please, only send the final proofs from the files you are sending. Made a last minute file change? Print a new proof! Separated laser proofs are used to check the color break of your file. Does your file print extra colors? Please correct and eliminate unused colors to avoid extra film use.

How should I handle colors in my product?

Check that Spot Colors and Images are intended to be Spot Colors. Make sure they are labeled with the right PMS color. PMS 199CVC and PMS 199CVU are not the same color and they will each produce a separate color plate. Change the PMS names to match and eliminate this problem. If they are not to be a Spot Color, convert them to CMYK.

Microsoft and other non-print optimized products only create as RGB files. There will be an additional charge to convert these files to CMYK.

How should I handle bleeds, margins and other page layout items?

Please refer to our recommended cover guidelines and our recommended text guidelines.

Should you have further questions please contact your customer service representative or our pre-press department.

On-Line File Submissions

Our On-line file submission allows you to upload files right through your browser. No need to learn ftp applications or worry about where you are.

A customer ID will be required to use this service. Your customer ID can be obtained by contacting our Customer Service Department. Click on the SUBMIT FILE button to submit your file.

On-line Quotations
Submit your print specifications on-line and we will build a quote. Simply click the QUOTE NOW button and complete the following form.