PDF: Portable Document Format, you can create your own PDF or download our One-Click Print Driver and create, proof , approve and send your PDF to us as easily as printing to your office printer. Details available here.

NATIVE APPLICATION FORMAT: A native application file is supplied to the printer in the original application format it was created in, for example, Quark, Pagemaker or Microsoft Publisher (a complete listing of software we support is listed under PLATFORMS). When you supply a printer with a file in native application format it is very important that you also supply the fonts (please include both the screen and printer portions of all postscript fonts) and graphics used in the file, as well as a hard copy of the file to proof output against. Files submitted without hard copy will require customer proof and approval before printing.

POSTSCRIPT FORMAT: Postscript is a page description language developed by Adobe Systems, Inc., that describes fonts, graphics, and page layout. In other words, it tells your output device how to print your page, fonts and graphics. By supplying us with a postscript file you eliminate the need for collecting the graphics and fonts utilized in a document because they will be embedded in the postscript file. The main drawback of a postscript file is that it cannot be edited by Fast Print

Platform refers to the type of computer your file was created on, either a Macintosh or IBM PC, or Windows PC. At Fast Print our prepress department is Macintosh driven, however we can also handle your PC files as long as we have the same application and version in which your file was created. The applications we accept files from are listed below along with the platform(s) and
version(s) we support.

There are two main color models (methods of defining and modifying colors) in use for reproducing continuous tone graphics such as color photographs or logos with a color gradient. They are RGB & CMYK/Process as defined below. A third color model, Spot Color, is used to produce objects containing up to three colors. Before producing your graphic check with your printer to see which of the following is supported by the output device needed to produce your job.

RGB: An additive model signified by the acronym RGB which stands for red, green, blue. This model is mainly used in video driven technology such as your television screen or computer monitor. For instance, almost all graphics viewed on the Internet are based on the RGB color model.

CMYK/PROCESS: A subtractive model signified by the acronym CMYK which stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black, the standard colors used in four color process printing. This model is used to create full color printed pieces such as magazine ads and brochures.

SPOT :   Custom colors produced by the use of premixed inks. Spot colors are used in projects containing up to 3 specific colors. Specifying a spot ink means that any page element assigned that color will print on the same color separation.

A NOTE ABOUT CHOOSING YOUR COLORS
It is important to consider how your project will be printed before you choose the colors you will use when creating digital artwork.

Use Spot Colors When
- You need three or fewer colors and you will not be reproducing continuous tone art such as full color photos or multi-color gradients
- You want to print varnishes or special inks such as metallics
- You want to print logos or other graphics which require an exact color match

Use Process (CMYK) Colors When
- You need more than three colors in your designs
- You need to reproduce continuous tone artwork with multicolor gradients or full color photos

Use Spot & Process Colors When
- Your project contains full color photos or art work as well as a logo or other item requiring an exact color match. Many colors look different when printed with spot or process inks, so if you need an exact color match, using both types of colors may be necessary.

If so, feel free to email your questions to us or contact us at (260) 484-5487. One of our customer service representatives, or one of our design staff will be happy to answer your questions.