VC 246 File Prep

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Builds knowledge of readying digital files for offset printing. Presents common file problems and their solutions, including issues with page geometry, vector and raster files, application of color, image color correction, PDF files, and final proofing and output.

Prerequisite: VC 115 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe the various types of offset printing processes.
Prepare and troubleshoot files for output offset printing.
Prepare digital layout and graphic files for print in-line with current industry standards.
Use vector and raster art according to industry standards in documents to be printed on an offset press.
Discuss the various models of digital colors and color management, and apply them to digital images for both print and web.
Analyze and create PDF files for soft proofing, digital distribution, or offset press output.
Send files to a print provider with all necessary components and instructions.
Adjust photographs for color, contrast, and quality for optimal offset printing.
Work and communicate with others in a graphic arts production environment.

Content Outline

Printing
- Commercial printing
- Sheet-fed vs. Web-fed
- Ink jet printers
- Laser printers
- Paper
  - Common paper categories
  - Weight, sizing, finish and grain
  - Opacity, whiteness and brightness
  - Dot gain
File Management
- Folder management
- File naming
- Preflight
  - Roles and responsibility
- Installing and Using Fonts
  - Postscript
  - True type
  - Open type fonts
Page Geometry and Imposition
- Page size
- Crop and registration marks, bleed
- Reader’s spreads and printer’s spreads
- Imposition
- Crossovers
- Bindery and finishing
Vector Art and Raster Art
- Vector art
  - Transparency
  - PostScript and resolution independence
  - File formats
  - Font use in vector art, fonts as paths
  - Linking issues
  - Blends and gradients
  - Use for logos and illustration
- Raster art
  - Transparency
  - File formats
  - Color modes and inks
  - Resolution, effective resolution
  - Working with color management.
Colors
- Working with color panel
- Spot colors, process colors, and RGB colors
- Troubleshooting overprinting and knockouts
- Understanding and creating traps using spot color
- Knockouts and overprinting
- Understanding CMYK color builds
- Creating separations
- Understanding and working with color management for raster images
PDFs
- A brief history of PDFs
- Version history
- Features and limitations
- Creating PDFs from Adobe applications
- PDF creation options from InDesign
- Understanding PDF/X
Preparing Files for Output
- Removing extra elements
- Type box overruns
- Proofing
  - Laser prints
  - Color digital proofs
  - High-end digital proof
  - Press checks
- Packaging Elements for Output
  - Built-in collection utilities
  - Print provider and printer’s forms
  - Communicating with graphic arts service providers
Photo Color Correction
- Adjusting with curves and camera raw
- Color and contrast adjustments
- Overall image manipulation
- Adjusting sharpness for output
- CMYK conversion of raster images
- Correcting images for the printed page