Tools & Tips > Instructions
Instructions
This page uses Adobe Acrobat Viewer for documents - if you do not have the viewer, please download for free - 
What does Adair need to process your material?
To make sure we meet your requirements, we recommend that you provide the following:
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 might 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. We often send a low-resolution PDF file to you via the internet for approval. Proofs are handled on an individual basis. Many of our customers do not need to approve a proof as the approval is completed at the design house.
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, page layout and Distiller Settings?
Please refer to our specifications page - click here. If we have missed something or you have questions please contact your sale representative or Adair Digital Services at Toll Free: 800-637-5025.
Recommended Text Guidelines
Ever have trouble remembering how much bleed to leave or how far into the bind area you can place text? Adair has put together text guidelines for you to use when designing your text pages. Click here for text guidelines.
Adobe Acrobat Distiller Settings
A majority of our customer base is using the latest postscript technologies to submit copy. PDF technology is very easy to work with and provides a method for different system types (Windows or MAC) to transfer and share files without fear of font or layout changing. Adair has made a commitment to follow this trend and has updated our facilities with new imaging equipment and systems to make the most of the PDF technology. With this change, we are asking our customers to use PDF technology as much as possible.
To support our customers, Adair has provided downloadable settings for Adobe Distiller and instructions. Adair also provides work groups for our customers to assist them in using PDF technology. Adair will still accept other source document formats. Turn-around time and pricing for other formats may be changing in the future as customer needs for other formats decline.
Click here for settings guideline.
If you are sending the file via mail - please fill out this form Digital Media Submission Form and mail it with your media.