Images for press:

RASTER images (working in Photoshop):

1. Ask for original images.
2. Request .tiff, .raw, or .psd files. Avoid .jpg, .png, and .gif.
3. Review for quality.
4. Image Size Rez min: 250dpi + at dimension(s) it will need to print
5. Over compressed .jpg results in artifacts. Try to get original image.
6. Typically used color profiles (check with your printer):
   1. U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2 for Magazines
   2. ISOnewspaper30v4GCR4 for NYTimes newsprint
   3. U.S. Sheetfed Coated (SWOP) v2 for packaging and brochures
   4. U.S. Sheetfed Uncoated (SWOP) v2 for packaging and brochures
7. Change images with 16 bits/channel down to 8 before sending to press.
8. Newsprint total ink coverage: Add C+M+Y+K, if the sum is more than 240 then it is too much ink. Typically Magazine paper can handle 280-320 or even higher.
9. Do NOT multiply too many layers in PS … this can result in creating colors that are unprintable (see 8). If you do work this way, then create a final flattened file and merge the layers, then apply the appropriate color profile.
10. Adjust colors using levels or curves in adjustment layers.
11. Avoid using brightness/contrast … levels (or Curves) are far superior for adjusting contrast. They can also be used to adjust colors separately.
12. The major issues with Newsprint involve the higher end of mid tones … simply making whiter whites and darker darks does not make it better.

VECTOR images (working in Illustrator):

1. Unless printing SPOT colors, convert them to CMYK.
2. Convert RGB to CMYK.
3. Be sure white is NOT set to overprint.
4. Colors can be set to overprint if you want that effect of transparency. Also edges of shapes can be set to overprint for trapping.
5. If printing BW, be sure that black is NOT a Rich Black (built of CMYK).
6. Be sure there are no embedded or raster images.