FAQ

The best file format to use is PDF, which, in accordance with our File specifications was created by you.
You can create this PDF file using almost any standard graphics program, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign or CorelDraw, etc.
There are also plenty of video tutorials on how to create print-ready PDF files at: YOUTUBE

Alternatively, you are welcome to have this created by our graphics and typesetting department (Subject to a charge depending on the amount of work involved).
To provide a cost estimate, we require some information in advance via email, including layout details.

Colour space/mode:
Always use CMYK colours with the correct colour values for your print files.
The maximum ink application for the four channels should not exceed 320%, as this may otherwise result in colour shifts.
Colours should therefore be adjusted for black-and-white print jobs.

Mounting and trim marks:
During further processing, cutting tolerances of up to 2 mm may occur, which cannot be avoided.
When preparing your print files, please ensure that important elements are at least 3 mm placed at a distance from the edge.
You should also allow for a 5 mm bleed beyond the final format and ensure that all images and coloured backgrounds extend into this bleed area.
In the case of printed materials that are intended for Brochure/The pages to be bound into the thesis are at the binding edge (page margin)  2–2.5 cm to stop.

Image resolution:
The resolution depends on the viewing distance from the printed material:
The shorter the distance, the higher the resolution should be – and the greater the distance, the lower the resolution can be.
As a general rule, we recommend 300 dpi.

PRINTED MATERIAL	VIEWING DISTANCE	IMAGE RESOLUTION
Wallpaper, tarpaulins	a considerable distance, approx. 2–5 metres	75–120 dpi
Posters	a good distance away, approx. 1–2 metres	250 dpi
Flyer	close, approx. 30 cm	300 dpi
Business cards	very close, about 10 cm	600 dpi

Embedding fonts:
To ensure that your print file is ready for printing, the fonts must be properly embedded in the file or converted to curves.
Otherwise, selected special fonts may be replaced by standard fonts, resulting in a printout that looks incorrect.

When creating a cut (CUT) or kiss-cut contour as a PDF file, it is best to use Adobe Illustrator

In this context, a distinction is made as to whether you wish to create a print design with a cut-out outline or whether you just want to create a contour cut file.

Create a contour cut file for an existing print file:

1. Open an existing print file in Adobe Illustrator
2. Select the Drawing Pen tool
3. Trace the print design along the desired cutting path
4. Once you have traced the desired cutting paths, these paths must be converted to a solid colour. To do this, select the tab: Window -> Colour Fields. In the Colour Fields window, insert a new colour field using the + sign; in the pop-up window that appears, name your contour cut, e.g. CUT or KISSCUT, in the colour field name.
   
   Under the ‘Colour’ tab, select ‘Spot Colour’, set the colour mode to CMYK, and then move one of the colour sliders to 100%. For example, move the M slider (Magenta), then click OK.
5. Using the Direct Selection tool, select the cutting paths you have created (step 3) and set the colour using the spot colour (Magenta) created in step 4.
6. Now save the print file, including the cut path, as a PDF file as follows: File tab -> Save -> File type: Adobe PDF
7. Done 

Create a contour cut file:

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and, via the File tab, select New to create a blank canvas with the appropriate dimensions (total width x total height).
2. Tools: Choose a drawing pencil, stencils or other tools (depending on the desired shape and type)
3. Draw the desired shape or outline on the white surface using the appropriate tool
4. Once you have drawn the outline (the desired cutting paths), these paths must be converted to a solid colour. To do this, select the tab: Window -> Colour Patches. In the Colour Fields window, add a new colour field using the + sign. In the pop-up window that appears, name your outline drawing, for example, CUT or KISSCUT in the colour field name.
   Under the Colour tab, select Spot Colour, set the colour mode to CMYK, and then move one of the colour sliders to 100%. For example, move the M slider (Magenta), then click OK.
5. Use the Direct Selection tool to select the cut paths you have created (step 3) and set the colour using the spot colour (Magenta) created in step 4.
6. Now save the file as a PDF file as follows: File tab -> Save -> File type: Adobe PDF
7. Done