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Detailed File Preperation Guidelines

Applications/Platforms

BPI's prepress includes both Mac and Windows workstations. Supported applications are: InDesign, Quark XPress, Illustrator, FreeHand, Photoshop, PageMaker, PDF, and Postscript. Providing PDF files is encouraged.

Cover Specifications

Please send all necessary application files. The minimum bleed required by BPI is 1/8" beyond the trim. RGB and index colors must be converted to CMYK. If you are unsure of the correct spine size please contact your BPI account executive. Default resolution: 2400 dpi. Default line screen: 175 lpi. Trapping will be handled by BPI. A digital proof will be produced using a Fuji FinalProof.

Text Specifications

The minimum bleed required by BPI is 1/8". Default resolution: 1800 dpi. Default line screen: 133 lpi. A digital proof will be produced using an HP DesignJet 1050C large format, double-sided proofer.

Fonts

BPI requires that digital files do not use menu styles. Please use the manufacturer’s font for styles such as italic, bold, small caps, etc.

Graphics

BPI recommends that you adjust your color and grayscale bitmap images to compensate for dot gain on the press. Our 4 color sheetfed presses yield 21% dot gain in the midtones. Maximum ink limit of 320%. Our web presses yield 28% dot gain in the midtones. Minimum highlight dot of 2%, maximum shadow dot of 90%.

Submission Checklist

  • Laser proofs of all pages must be supplied to BPI.
  • Include all fonts used in your files. It is important that you include the screen fonts and the printer fonts.
  • Do not apply styles to fonts using the application’s style menu (bold, shadow, outline, etc.). Doing this often causes undesireable results. Use only styles created by the font manufacturer. These will appear in the font menu.
  • Include all linked graphics.
  • The minimum resolution of your artwork should be 1.5 to 2 X the line screen being used. Our default line screen is 133 lpi for text and 175 lpi for covers. Note that scaling the image size will adjust its effective resolution (e.g. if an image is scanned at 200 dpi, then scaled to 200% in a layout application, its effective resolution is reduced to 100 dpi).
  • BPI will trap your multi-colored digital files, unless instructed otherwise. Please contact BPI Customer Service for more information.
  • Do not impose your files. BPI will handle all imposition.
  • Set all 4 color images to CMYK mode. RGB and index mode should not be used.
  • Covers requiring a spot ink should include the spot elements in the same file as the 4 color elements. This is to ensure proper trapping of your cover files.
  • Please be sure that the colors you are using in your document are set up to separate properly. An applied color must be defined in the application to either process separate or print as a spot color.
  • Duotones should have screen angles at least 30° apart to prevent moiré patterns.

Digital Workflow

The backbone of BPI's digital prepress is the RAMpage workflow. RAMpage offers BPI automation, control, openness, scalability, and ease of use. It brings efficiency to our entire operation and helps streamline the flow of jobs through production—saving time and reducing costs.

Digital Output
  • Fuji Dart computer-to-platesetters
  • Fuji FinalProof digital halftone proofer
  • Epson Stylus Pro 7600 inkjet proofer
  • HP DesignJet 1050C proofers for double-sided, large format digital dylux proofs
Scanning

Fuji C550 Lanovia for high-end copydot, reflective and transmissive scanning

Conventional Workflow

  • Film Assembly
  • Contacting & Platemaking
  • Conventional Proofing
  • Kodak Matchprint (maximum image 25.5" x 37.5")
  • Dylux blueline (maximum image 23.5" x 39.5")
See also

Read our basic file preparation guidelines.

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