There are many ways to create PDFs from your document in today's layout applications, however when preparing them for an LSC Communications Digital Solution Center it is important that they are prepared according to the Digital Solution Center's specifications to ensure proper printing.
The below information is specific to the Magazine Digital Solution center in Pontiac, IL however many of the same rules apply to other LSC Communications DSCs. If you have any questions regarding file preparation please contact your Technical Systems Analyst for assistance.
A file that can be prepared and viewed on-screen, by anyone, anywhere, is a powerful tool in the arsenal of print production. The Portable Document Format (PDF) is just such a file. PDF files give a good impression of how the page will look upon output; however, keep in mind that merely generating a PDF will not fix a poorly constructed page. To ensure its suitability for print, take it a step further and make it a PDFx-1a file - a focused subset of PDF designed specifically for reliable prepress data interchange - which can help you realize the full potential of this flexible and efficient file format. PDFx-1a file format is the preferred file format of the LSC Communications Digital Solution Center.
Find out how to construct pages for offset plate
Read our type and rules requirements
Read about trapping
See guidelines on preparing colors
When supplying the cover and spine to the LSC Pontiac DSC it is important that they be assembled together into a single PDF file. Not only will this ensure that they are laid out correctly but it will also make upload processing quicker. You will be able to proofread and approve your cover faster so that your cover can be exported on time.
When building a document in your layout application it is important to make sure it is prepared correctly. Here is a check list of items to review before creating your final PDFs.
You're ready to submit your files!
Files received at an LSC Communications Digital Solution Center (DSC) must be accompanied by a composite laser proof. If separations are not provided, mark composite lasers for color breaks and spot color usage. Mark "for position only" (FPO) graphics with "FPO." PDF / PDFx-1a received at a DCS must be single-page only and undamaged. Include page folios in the file name. This makes it easier to identify which document to process for a specific page (see File Naming Guidelines).
All component files and resources (linked EPS and TIFF images) must be embedded. Embedded raster files must be in composite TIFF or EPS format. Do not place a pre-separated element in a page that will be output as composite.
To create a good PDF file from an approved application file:
Do not "menu-style" your fonts. These styles may not have matching printer fonts available and may not print correctly. For effects such as bold or italic, select a bold or italic font.