converting to CMYK to send to a printing co?

[Carrie]

Don't have need of this yet, but came across it in making book covers.

Publisher (2000) can convert it to CMYK which I've read is what printers
want it to be. Or, they will convert it themselves (some say) If so, I would
still have to send the image separately along with the overall design?

It says embedded images have to be linked to the document and sent
separately. The image file. I can understand this though I've never used a
linked image in a document before. I put images on from my files (or clip
art) (using a picture box and import, which I assume is embedding) but, I
don't always leave them the same size as the original file.

If I change the file to a link, and convert it to CMYK color (to send to a
printer) and send image file with it, what if the image isn't the same size
as it is on the documnet? Or, will it auto adjust to this when linked (by
the printer)?

And, if I use clip art, I still would have to send an original of the
file?

This is all totally new, and I don't have (at this point) any documents,
image files, and printing companies to test it with. To see if I have it
set up right for sending to a printer (or maybe a publish on demand company
to use for a cover on a book) And, in that case, where they usually offer
downloads (of the book) as an ebook, will the cover image(s) set up for a
printer download okay?

Can I use my home printer to test it (linked and converted to CMYK)? Or,
will it just print it the way it shows on the monitor, like always?

I guess I can set up a test with a linked image, converted to CYMK, save
it as pdf and send it to myself to see how it comes out (like downloading an
ebook)?

Just making sure I'm going in the right direction with this.

~ Carrie

 

[Matt Beals]

Good printers will take an RGB PDF or the Publisher file because the way
Publisher creates CMYK from RGB is abysmal. And that's being generous... You
have to be careful about how you make the PDF. If you don't use the right
settings then it doesn't matter if it is a RGB or CMYK PDF because the net
result will be less than pleasing. If you have Distiller then use one of the
following settings:

Press Quality - Everything gets converted to CMYK. Including your RGB black
and RGB grays. The net effect is that your blacks are now made up of C, M,
Y, and K. That also means that any grays you picked won't be shade of black
rather they will be comprised of C, M, and Y. When printed those grays will
generally have a blue or red caste too them. Your printer *should* be able
to handle that without any problems. If it's digital printing you should be
okay.

High Quality - Same as Press Quality but it leaves RGB as RGB for your
printer to fix. If done right (and not all printers can get it right) this
is the best way to go.

PDF/X-1a:2001 - Same as Press Quality but will fail to make a PDF if the
fonts cannot be embedded.

If you're using Publisher 2007 them Commercial Press will work but you'd
really be better off with High Quality and keeping the RGB as long as you
can so that your printer can do it right. Hopefully then can do it right...
Oy...

Matt Beals
Consultant
Enfocus Certified Trainer
Markzware Recognized Trainer
(206) 201-2320 - Main
(720) 367-3869 - eFax
mailto:[email protected]

Come visit me at:

http://www.mattbeals.com
http://forums.mattbeals.com
http://blog.mattbeals.com

Friends don't let friends write HTML email

 

[Mike Koewler]

Carrie,

Much has changed since 2000. Most printers these days want pdf files,
normally ones that are CMYK, though they can convert them if you give
them an RGB pdf.

But you really need to find a printer you will likely use before going
through a lot of work. They can suggest little things that will help you
reproduce better looking images.

Mike