1. Use approved graphic file formats and images

• Save logos, photos, and illustrations correctly as either
• TIFF or EPS.
• (Unacceptable file formats include PICT, GIF, BMP, WMF.)
• Convert JPEG files to TIFF. Convert RGB images and photos
  printing infull color to CMYK.
• Save Photoshop EPS files using the EPS Options dialog box
  during the Save As process.
• Mac users:
• Select Macintosh (8 bits/pixel) Preview and Binary Encoding.
• Windows users:
• Select TIFF (8 bits/pixel) Preview and ASCII Encoding.
• DO NOT USE JPEG ENCODING,
• because your file will not print and will require resaving steps.
• Check to make sure each image has a resolution of at least
  200–300 pixels per inch (ppi) after enlarging or reducing
  to proper size.
• Supply images printing in one color in the appropriate mode: grayscale, bitmap, or spot color mode.
• Supply duotones and files with clipping paths as EPS.

2. Construct documents properly

• Make sure the page size in the Document Setup menu of the file is exactly the same size as the piece.
• Do not place cropmarks with in the document. Instead, place cropmarks from the Print menu.
• Specify thin rules as 1⁄4 point, not Hairline.
• Check panel sizes and adjust them for folding allowances.
• Extend elements that bleed at least 1⁄8 inch off the page.
• For process color printing: Use only CMYK/Process values,
  and uncheck Spot Color in the Edit Colors menu.
• For spot color printing: Use only Pantone color numbers or
  names, such as Pantone 287 or ReflexBlue, and select Spot Color
  in the Color menu.
• Remove unused colors from the Color Palette of the page
  layout file.
• Mac users: Define a font correctly; choose the appropriate font
  from the Font menu instead of incorrectly applying a style to a
  font; ie: choose Helvetica Bold rather than applying a bold
  style to Helvetica Regular.

3. Send all elements used to create the file

• Collect and send all screen and printer fonts used in the file.
• Send all original graphic files. They are needed to maintain the links and to perform any fixes or last - minute edits.
• Send the master page layout file(s), removing unnecessary versions or files that don’t pertain to the job.

4. Provide clear and complete file instructions

• Print a laser proof of the file at 100% (from the final version of
  the file) to verify the integrity of the file when opened by the
  pre-press staff.
• Note special instructions or concerns about the artwork on
  the proof.
• Provide the contact name and phone number(s) of the file creator.
• If it’s a folded piece, create a folding dummy or sample of the completed piece.
• Print a directory of the contents of the CD or disk.
• Provide the names of the colors to be printed(four-color process, Pantone185, varnish, etc.) so our staff can check this against what’s in the file.

5. Check spelling and proofread the project one last time run the spelling command again.

• QuarkXPress users: Go to Utilities and select Check Spelling.
• PageMaker users: Go to Edit Story then Utilities and select Spelling.
• Proof read from a hard copy, not the screen.
• Ask someone unfamiliar with the project to proof read the piece.