We primarily work on Macintosh systems which have few restrictions. However, keep in mind that file names should normally not be longer than 18 characters and should be in lower case. Also, it is safer to use underscores ( _ ) instead of spaces in a file name.
Example Good File Name: file_name.tif
Example Bad File Name: file name.tif

Do Not Use:
Spaces, dashes, periods, capital letters, slashes, dollar signs, hyphens, commas, etc.

PC Users- Check your file name:
Ensure that your final file is one of the following formats that we can accept if you are not submitting a PDF as your final file. Your file name must end with one of the following examples:
a_fileExample.qxd
a_fileExample.pdf
a_fileExample.psd
a_fileExample.ai
a_fileExample.indd
a_fileExample.jpeg
a_fileExample.tiff

Do not change the file extensions such as .tif, .eps, etc. Files cannot be read by our Mac system without these extensions and if there are too many characters it will shorten the name and then may require the files to be relinked in the document. The following file name is acceptable: pic_boy.tif

We accept a variety of software applications. Greenwell Chisholm fully supports the following:

Adobe InDesign
This application has become a more widely acceptable program for page layout and design. The majority of our staff specializes in this program. To collect all files and fonts necessary in order to send to Greenwell Chisholm, choose FILE > PACKAGE >. The program will automatically preflight the document and then it should give you a "Printing Instructions" box. It would be very helpful if you filled in as much as that information as possible. After you do this, click on the "Continue" button. It will ask you to name your folder and let you choose where to save it to. When you click on the Save button it will give you a Font disclaimer. Click OK. It should then begin saving (packaging) your files. After this is complete, you will see a folder with the necessary contents. This folder is what you need to send to Greenwell Chisholm in its entirety for us to go to press with.

QuarkXPress
Once you have completed the layout of your document, save it in a separate folder. Then choose FILE > COLLECT FOR OUTPUT and collect that report and file in the newly created folder.

Adobe Illustrator
Be sure that your artwork is selected and converted to CMYK process. This is the recommended program if your file has special finishing such as die cutting.

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Acrobat

Other Applications:
Please call if your file is Corel Draw, Freehand, PageMaker or Microsoft programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher etc.). Often Microsoft programs present obstacles which are sometimes difficult to overcome. Publisher can be acceptable, but please contact us for details on how to prepare. Some versions of Corel Draw, Freehand, etc. allow you to save your artwork as Illustrator formats.

IMPORTANT: Opening earlier versions of software may result in reflowing of text and other elements. Include a printed sample of your layout as a guide and color samples of images or artwork for color matching. These items are important for verifying that the final product closely matches the concept of the designer. We will not be responsible for the finished product if these samples of layout and colors are not included with your order.

Documents may be converted to PDF files but must be saved in PRINT format and embed the fonts and graphics in your Save preferences. Please contact us for specific PDF options.

Linked Artwork:
Designs created in drawing programs like Illustrator should be saved in EPS format and included with the layout.

Scanned and Digital Images:
Your scanned or digital images and artwork should be 350 dpi placed at 100%. Images that start off as 350 dpi and are reduced will have a higher resolution. Images that are 350 dpi and are enlarged will have a lower resolution. We don't recommend enlarging images over 30%.
Change the color mode to CMYK (for 4 color process printing) and save your file as an .eps, tiff or (.psd if your file contains layers). Make sure to scale and rotate your images before placing them in the document. Allow at least a .125" (1/8 inch) bleed for trim when design is required. We are not responsible for color reproduction from customer supplied scans.

• PROOFREAD thoroughly before submitting your file to GC for printing. Greenwell Chisholm can not be responsible for typographical errors.
• Include a printout of the most recent saved file.
• If you are submitting a PDF, please make sure you follow the specific PDF creation job options.
• If you are submitting native files (Quark, InDesign, etc.,) please follow your programs job collection feature (i.e. QuarkXPress’ “Collect for output”, or InDesigns “Package”). This feature will gather fonts and linked graphics or images used, and place them in a folder for you to send to GC. (See “Media” below media types accepted)
• Talk to your customer service representative about what type of final proof you will require as your final proof. All 4-color process jobs must be reviewed and approved by the client prior to print production.

Proofing:
Although Greenwell Chisholm makes every effort to ensure the quality of your printing project, it is the customer's responsibility to check that the following is correct;

1. Proper Layout
   
2. Color Breaks
   
3. Final Size
   
4. Image Placement
   
5. Copy and for Typographical Errors. Greenwell Chisholm can not be responsible for any typographical errorrs.

IMPORTANT NOTES: If you have any questions about file preparation, please don't hesistate to contact us for specifics BEFORE you send your files. It can save you money on costly edits. Please contact us for specific information.

Media
We support the following formats
• USB Memory Stick
• DVD
• CDR/CDRW
• Via FTP your customer service representative can provide you with login information.

NOTE: If you are placing files on FTP site or emailing files, please zip or stuff the files to avoid possible corruption of file data.

Other Important File Preparation information:

• Create documents at actual size.
  
• Apply bleed as necessary.
  
• Import links or images at 100%.
  
• Indicate fold lines, score lines, perf lines.
  
• Consider fold lines, etc. when placing type in your document.
  
• Allow 5/8" for hole punching and keep copy and pics from this area.
  
• We recommend no less than 3/16" margins, 1/4" for catalogs with more than 40 pages.
  
• Check font usage and include all screen and printer fonts used in all files.
  
• Include all files linked to your document. DO NOT store files in your document.
  
• Include a printed sample of your layout and a color sample of images and artwork.
  
• Allow at least 3/8" margin on envelope and postcard designs. Our presses require this for gripper.

For additional questions or support please contact us via email or (270) 684-3267

The following are the most common mistakes made in submitting a disk for your product. These can cause costly delays that may not be expected.

Keyboard Fonts
This happens when you select the Bold and Italic from the Style list instead of selecting the Bold and Italicized font. The imagesetter may not recognize keyboard fonts and type could possibly default.

Bleed
We require 1/8" bleed (.125") for any picture or color background that bleeds off the edge of the piece. This means the picture or background must extend past the trim line 1/8". Copy / Images 3/16" from trim line: Copy or images that do not bleed should always be at least 3/16" (.185") inside the trim line.

Stored Files
When files are imported into your document such as images or scanned artwork, we need the original file you imported. These files should be LINKED TO not STORED IN your document. Even if you store them, we need the original scan or artwork to be able to process your file. In most layout applications, you are normally only viewing a PLACEHOLDER.

4 Color Process (CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
While most, if not all, programs will allow you to place RGB images, it is required that you convert all RGB images to CMYK format. Since our presses are four-color, it is necessary that they have the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (K) plates intact. Colors in the scanned images or other artwork in the layout must be converted to CMYK process colors to print.

Pantone Matching System (PMS)
What Is Spot or PMS Color?
If a designer needs to match a particular color (a logo color perhaps) in a printed piece or has a limited budget, then spot color is something to consider. Spot colors can also be used alongside process (CMYK) colors for greater flexibility.

To ensure that a printer uses exactly the color that a designer intends, color systems were developed. The most common of the spot color standards is the Pantone Matching System or, PMS as it is more commonly known. All of the modern image-editing, vector-drawing and page-layout programs come with a full library of thousands of Pantone colors as part of the program.