Importing Images:

Importing Images : Your pictures are going to suck up the most amount of hard drive space in your project, so for portability sake, try to size them in a 1:1 size ratio. That is, if you know the final target size of the image being printed is, say, 1 1/2 inches w x 3" h, then re-size in Photoshop to the same dimension. Avoid stretching images in your layout. If an image imports into Illustrator really tiny, then you'll need to start over with a larger image. Any images pulled larger than 118% will start to see pixilization which is pretty ugly (unless that is your intention of course).

Digital Cameras

Test images downloaded off your camera by opening them in Photoshop. Check the menu IMAGE | IMAGE SIZE. If you see ~72 dpi you'll need to squish the image on your layout to at least 1/4 their original size to have an effective resolution approaching 300 dpi. If the camera image is 72 dpi you'll need to compensate it's printing size. Once a printed image on a high definition offset press sees less than ~ 250 dpi things gets grainy, 180 dpi marginal and printing an image at 72 dpi looks pretty crappy at 1:1.

Scanning:

Set the scan resolution to 300 dpi. The best dpi for moving files around easily without being HUGE is 300 dpi. This is a very acceptable resolution for a CD jacket or cardboard pouch. Your scanner hopefully will allow you to save as an uncompressed TIF (tagged image format. ) Do not save as JPG as JPG settings generally tend to reduce color depth. Set to use RGB colors which makes Photoshop filters turn all on, then do your color balances and levels. After you have done all your image editing, convert to CMYK or add Spot colors, or greyscale. Be sure you don't save as RGB.

Getting images off of Web Pages:

Don't do it! Most web image files use reduced color depth and only 72 dots per inch (dpi) Looks great on a monitor displaying teeny pixels but no so great in full blown color print. If the file has a JPG or GIF ending then don't use it unless extremely desperate or just don't give an expletive.

Getting images sent to you by associates:

If you are transferring a logo image with spot colors or vector based graphic elements, Ask for 300 dpi PHOTOSHOP file (PSD extension) or EPS files. WARNING! GET THE FONT FILES IF NECCISARY. PSD and EPS files are like mini page layouts which can call up external fonts files. PSD and EPS files can also contain PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors. All images destined for the paper parts should be colored as CMYK or Grayscale mode unless you want to pay extra for corporate spot colors.

Don't have Photoshop? Then you could get us to do everything for you!

• Certain page layout programs and versions do not support PSD files so be aware of this important issue when saving / sending files.
  
  
• Spot colors are generally used for CD labels. Spot colors used on paper parts do carries additional charges.
  
  
• You can convert PSD and EPS images to the correct color mode but be sure you know your stuff before you do.
  
  
• Spot colors inside TIF image don't work.
  
  
• Avoid Windows BMP format -they are really big and bulky.
  
  
• Say no to JPG or GIF files.
  
  
• Confirm that the number of colors in the image is the same as the colors you have been quoted for. eg: don't put a color image inside the B&W panel if you have been quoted 4 over 1 printing.

Verify your images are ready for printing using Photoshop:

Color recap: The last step before sending images to your page layout program is to choose the menu Image and then Mode. Ensure that the image is either CMYK color or Grayscale. If your using Spot colors they should be listed under Duotone or Tritone and saved as PSD files.

Certain page layout programs and versions do not support PSD files so be aware of this important issue when saving/sending files. TRY TO USE TIF IMAGES RATHER THAN PSD FILES IF USING CMYK OR GRAYSCALE COLORS.

• Verify the size and resolution by choosing Image and then Image Size. The resolution should be 300 dpi (dots per inch) for optimum printing results. You can use less but unless you make it very clear to us, your job will go on hold for the dreaded "Lo-Res Image File" alert causing delay in your project. Don't go more than 300 dpi. -files become very large at hi-res so this can cause excessive ripping time on our machines. An up-charge can be expected if you send Monster image files.
  
  
  
  Whoops! This image should not be used for your project
  

  Try to avoid adding text to images within Photoshop. 300 DPI is fine for photographs but not so great for text. If you must include text in your images from Photoshop you could save them out at 600 dpi. but use on small images or selections

Illustrator and Indesign: Use the File > Place command. Refrain from using "cut" and "paste" commands.