Pre-Press Graphics and Artwork

In addition to high quality commercial packaging, Topsyn provides end-to-end solutions for pre-press and artwork processing. We are proud to have some of the best talent and technology to handle all of your pre-press, graphic and artwork needs.

Contact Topsyn's Pre-Press team directly to speak with one of our pre-press specialists by email at prepress@topsyn.com or by phone. In Winnipeg call 1-204-594-5388, or toll free at 1-888-886-7796

Please be advised: delivery of final product is most often within 4 to 6 weeks from the date images are received and accepted by our Pre-Press department. This speed of delivery is possible depending in part on a client signing approval for quote, once artwork has been provided, as well as the final approval of a color proof sent to the client before printing plates are created to produce the final graphics.

To help you get the best results from the artwork or graphics you wish to be processed, below are some suggestions for:

  • Supplied Artwork
  • Production Marks and Requirements
  • Prepress Requirements for;
    • Fonts
    • Supplied files and proofs
    • File compression

If you find any terms you do not understand, feel free to consult our Packaging Terms Glossary.

Supplied Artwork:

Artwork is preferred in one of the following formats: Adobe Photoshop CS2, Illustrator CS2, Acrobat 7, or Adobe Distiller 7;

Images provided should be high-resolution (300 DPI) layered Photoshop files, as this will ensure correct Flexo color representation;

A minimum size of 7pt, with a line weight of 1pt, is required for all text;

Where white is required as part of an image, separate the white plate in a new layer, and ensure a gap of at least 0.010" from the edges of other image components;

If a varnish or lacquer is required, include a separate layer in the image file for the varnish/lacquer plate, which exceeds all other image areas by at 3mm or 0.125"

Any UPC codes in images must be no less than 80% of readable size, non-truncated, and placed with bars running in press direction

 Drop shadows should be at best a single color. Two color shadows or gradients are acceptable, depending on the colors used.

Gradients in any placement on the image should not exceed two colors, and must finish with a minimum 8% dot.

Gradients cannot fade completely to white, or be made to create a white space, as this may cause an unexpected hard line in the edge of an image.

Production Marks and Requirements

Topsyn includes a standard earmark positioned 1/4 inch from the end of the film, at 1/4 inch from the side seal. Poly roll stock can be earmarked to the client's size and positioning requirements. Earmarks should match the darkest color used in the graphics, unless the film is clear. In this case, white should backup the darkest color.

Density targets are required on all screened Process and orders Density. Squares need to be 1/8'' minimum with 100%, 50%, 5% sections for color verification on proof and press.

MOUNTER microdots are required to be shown on proof for final approval. Microdots must be 0.010" minimum in size. Whenever possible hide microdots within design.

An information bar (legend) is required on proof and must indicate the colors required to print the job. Please ensure all PMS numbers are correct and correlate to the colors contained in the file.

Prepress Requirements

The following should be reviewed before final approval of proofs for processing to ensure all necessary requirements are met.

  • Color Target Proof (Waterproof, Kodak Approval, etc.)
  • Film for plates and or proofs 1 Bit Tiffs for proofing or plates Minimum trap tolerance: 0.010"
  • Maximum line screen: 120 LPI* *please note that solid and screens on the same plate need to be addressed with a lower line screen count. This must be determined prior to the start of any Prepress work 85 line.
  • Dot Shape: Round with a minimum 4% to a maximum of 98%. Minimum value is a guide and can be modified if necessary. Approval from TOPSYN FLEXIBLE PACKAGING PREPRESS Department is required prior to final Assembly, Color work and Plates.
  • Microdots: 0.010'' minimum. Must be on proof for final approval. Hide microdots is design when possible.

Fonts

Our standard for fonts includes the entire Adobe fonts folio. Including screen and printer fonts with your design will ensure that the design is output properly. Any fonts included in your design which do not fall into the Adobe folio are considered your property and are returned to you with the outgoing materials. Please note: Topsyn cannot be responsible for any type changes required if fonts are outlined. A new file must be supplied, or a review of the original quote will be required, which could result in revision of pricing.

Supplied Files and Proofs

If a proof is not sent in final print size, reduction or enlargement percentage must be indicated. A color proof at final size is required for all process jobs. All line print jobs, colors must be matched to the Pantone (PMS#) palette. Images which are "For Position Only" must be indicated - those not marked will be considered "Live."

File Compression

Non-compressed files are preferred. However, if necessary "Self-Extracting" files are acceptable. Disk Doubler and Stuffit are capable of creating these file formats. File transmission method and address are to be confirmed with our customer service representatives.

Before sending large files electronically, consider sending a smaller test file to ensure connections are reliable, and that file formats are compatible. Mac files can reliably be sent in either .hqx or .bin format, PC files should be sent in .zip format created by a program such as WinZip, or the "Send To... Archive" feature built into newer versions of Windows.

All electronic files sent by email should be less than 2MB in size, as some mail systems have limits on sending and receiving for attachments.