Tips & Tricks

The following information is intended to help you create print data for digital printing and cut films, in order to achieve quick and extensively error-free transfer and printing within the scope of a sound and reliable process.

The transfer of open file formats often gives rise to irritating errors if fonts or images are not also provided. That’s why we prefer to work, although not exclusively, with PDF files.

All fonts and images in the document are embedded in the PDF in a fixed format. Nevertheless, a final check before printing is always recommended.

If you’re not entirely sure how your data can be used to produce the best possible printed result, then take a look at the answers given here to some frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, simply give us a call. You can find our contact details under Locations .

Or contact us.

Please read our instructions first and then prepare your data accordingly.

If you work with ICC profiles, please set ISO Coated to Fogra.

Please create your print data in the range

The dimensions of the page ratios to be created should correspond to the final printed format. If it is not possible to create the page in the file 1:1, it should be proportionately reduced, e.g. to 10%.

Please set a cutting tolerance of 5 mm all round.

For formats larger than DIN A1, select an image resolution of 100 dpi with regard to the final print format. For smaller formats, the pictures should have a resolution of 150 – 240 dpi. Define your colours to the Eurostandard / CMYK colour space – not to RGB. Pictures with an image resolution > 300 dpi do not increase the print reproduction quality, but slow down the printing process.
Line drawings that are not available as vector graphics require a resolution of 600 dpi with regard to the final print format.

Attention: Interpolation of excessively low image resolutions cannot improve the print quality of your image data.

Ideally, you should send us logos as editable EPS files on a vector basis. Define your colours to the Eurostandard / CMYK colour space – not to RGB.
Logos that are supplied in pixel formats (TIF, Photoshop EPS or JPEG) need a resolution of 300 dpi with regard to the actual print format, colour space CMYK, as above. Here as well, interpolation of the data quantity cannot improve the quality.

We use our printing systems to try to achieve an optimum reproduction of the Eurostandard / CMYK colour space. Your data should therefore always be prepared in CMYK, in order to ensure an optimum result.
Special colours must be defined in the HKS or Pantone colour system and marked on your attached control print-out.

Attention: Special colours can only be simulated, therefore please supply colour samples for print matching, or request a proof.
Colours of logos that are supplied in pixel formats (TIF or JPEG) can only be amended to a limited extent and will incur a processing fee.

Please note that the CMYK working colour space in your default Photoshop settings is not defined in SWOP, but in EUROSCALE coated.
For detailed information on colours and default PDF settings visit www.cleverprinting.de.

Please convert your fonts into paths/curves and embed the fonts fully, incl. sub-groups.

For open file formats, please send us all the screen and PostScript or TrueType fonts used. The fonts from inserted EPS files can also belong to these. If possible, convert your fonts into curves / vector paths. You must comply with the existing licence agreements of your font manufacturer.

Please reduce the transparencies, as these cannot be reproduced in each RIP and slow down the production process.

The simplest form of data exchange is via the PDF format. Certified PDFs (PDF/X) are no guarantee of error-free PDFs. Please check the PDF in Preflight (Acrobat 8 – 10). Please also see under fonts and images. For detailed information on PDF settings visit www.cleverprinting.de.

If you send us open format files, please discuss this with your nearest reproplan office, which will inform you of the programs (including program versions) available to you.
Please note that data from software programs that are not intended for the pre-press stage can only be produced with a loss of quality. In particular, these include Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

Complete print shading – Nothing has to be observed.

Partial print shading – create the white space / object as a full-tone colour and with overprint.

Partial print shading for images – create an alpha channel and set the opacity. (50 % opacity = 50 % white overlay)

For the overprinting and backprinting of white spaces, please use two different full-tone colours.

Please create the contour as a separate vector path on the same page.

Describe the path as a hairline in a special colour (e.g. HKS XXX) without filling, but where possible with “CutContour”.

Pixel data must be vectorised first (additional cost).

Please do not load a Photoshop Magic Wand selection as a vector, because the cutting edge will then be unclean (pixellated).

Leave at least 3 mm between the content/text and the cutting line of the final format. Please leave a 5 mm bleed, to avoid technical tolerances resulting in “streaks”.

The smallest element must not be smaller than 6 mm. Deviations from the minimum size may arise with serif fonts and narrow font faces.

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