1. Application Preferences

We prefer files created in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop or QuarkXPress. We will accept files from Corel Draw, Publisher, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, however these files may be subject to additional charges. For a PDF with a full listing of accepted applications, please click here.

2. Missing Links

We cannot process files with missing links because lo-res preview images are all that remain to print in their absence. The following techniques offer a few quick ways to get past this problem. When finished, compress your files with Zip or Stuffit to reduce the size and to protect the data during internet transfers.

• InDesign: Select "Package" from the File Menu to gather all of the files and fonts used to create your job. This will create a folder with all the files needed to print your job. Compress and send this new folder.
• QuarkXPress: Select "Collect for Output" from the File Menu to gather all of the files and fonts used to create your job and place them in a new folder. Compress and send this new folder.
• Illustrator: Convert all fonts to outlines so you don't have to send them separately. Then select "Save As" under the File Menu, choose Format "Adobe Illustrator" and check the "Include Linked Files" option in the Illustrator Options window before saving. We can accept either Adobe Illustrator .ai or .eps files.
• Other Programs: Most other programs automatically embed images and vector art. To be safe though, gather everything and send it all. That way we can edit your files if problems are encountered without delaying your job.

3. Missing Fonts

Most font problems can be avoided either by converting text to outlines, using the "Package" or "Collect" methods listed above, or by including the fonts used along with your files. We do not recommend converting text to outlines or curves in QuarkXPress as type tends to shift position without warning.

4. Damaged Files

Occasionally, files are damaged when transferred over the internet, but sometimes they do come damaged from the source. Avoid unecessary delays by opening your final file as a test before sending it, then compress your file(s) with Zip or Stuffit to protect them during transfers...even as email attachments.

5. Damaged Fonts

If you encounter a damaged font on your system, don't use it in files you send us even if it looks good on screen. There is no guarantee it will work on our system unless you can convert the type to outlines/curves.

6. Lo-Res PDFs

If you are able to create press-ready PDF files, please download our PDF Preset File to avoid lo-res output, or try our interactive checklist for FastTrak Priority Proofing.