Design Pitfalls:

All graphics files submitted for imprinting the disc face and paper parts will include a full preflight (analysis) in an attempt to identify issues or 'show stoppers' that will prevent your project from continuing.

Our operators are fully versed in optical disc packaging artwork and can fix any minor issues for a nominal fee which may be easier than having your designer deal with it.

It is critical you carefully check for changes made to your designs during proofing stages. Once proofs are created it costs additional for you to send new files.

Common mistakes found with client supplied electronic templates:

• Client did not use our templates

• Client did not read the tutorial

• Missing fonts

• Templates were exported as EPS files. Keep all templates in their native file types.

• Images were pasted or dragged into the layout. Always use File | Place or Import

• Placed images resolution too low or too high (300 dpi recommended)

• In CMYK mode you colored something 400% density. (Too much ink)

• Images saved in RGB, JPG, GIF, LZW

• B&W images saved as RGB or CMYK

• Corrupted or missing Post Script printer fonts

• Spelling mistakes and typos (e.g. Order of tracks, names of band members)

• Placing text in a 300 dpi Photoshop image. Publishing programs should be used for text placement.

• Fonts and misc. items left from design experimentation never deleted.

• "Faked" bold used. You must use bold only if the font supports it.

CD Label Specific:

• Gradient fills for label too detailed (need slow transitions)

• Image or information inside the non-printable area of the disc label

• Image outside printable area (no bleeds on a CD label please!)

• PMS colors not separating properly. (Do test separations at your end first)

• Florescent colors specified (don't use them)

• Hexachrome values used (do not use a number with a dash: e.g.. PMS156-7)

• Writing "Made In USA" or "Printed in USA" (we are in Canada)

Paper Parts specific (booklets tray cards etc.)

• Missing "Made in Canada" on tray card or pouch

• Using "Printed in Canada" (should say "Made")

• Using "Made in USA" or "Printed In US" (not allowed by US customs)

• Image files not supplied

• Tray card spine text upside down

• Bar code placed on nonwhite background

• Pantone colors specified in CMYK output (paper parts) without prior warning.

• No mockup supplied for booklets and CD label

• Text too close to cut marks (1/8" gutter margin recommended)

• No bleed around booklet panels (extend color past cut marks)

Common mistakes found with client supplied films:

• Client did not use our templates

• Client did not read the artwork tutorial before designing a CD project

• No crop marks with supplied films

• No registration marks with supplied films

• Registration marks colored in black only (should be set to registration color)

   

CD Label Specific:

• Client did not read our customer-supplied film specifications.

• Label film not sized to spec

• Emulsion down on label film (should be up)

• Square dots on label film (should be elliptical)

• Line screen not respected (120 max)

• Using film negatives for label (need positives)

• CMYK proof not supplied with films ($50 charge will apply)

• Gradients used (very hard to reproduce accurately)

• Using "Made in USA" or "Printed In US" (not allowed by US customs)

   

Paper Parts specific (booklets tray cards etc.):

• Missing "Made in Canada" on outside films (tray card or pouch)

• Using "Printed in Canada" (should say "Made")

• Using "Made in USA" or "Printed In US" (not allowed by US customs)

• Measurements of booklet panels completely wrong

• Multiple films specified to print at the same screen angle