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Checklist for
Printing Specifications
Success in printing requires scrupulous attention to
detail. Organize all information related to your
printing job on a "spec sheet" so you and your
printer know exactly what you want. Spec sheets are
important for filing Request for Quotation forms and
purchase orders.
Client name, job title, job
description, date.
Item
For example, a 16-page self-cover
brochure, catalog, etc. Note that one sheet equals
two pages. Use pages when "specifying" a bound
piece. All others use sheets and indicate if
one-sided or two-sided.
Quantity
Include number of samples and percentages
of overs you'll accept. (The industry standard is
plus/minus 10 percent.)
Size
Include both trims and folded sizes.
Stock
Brand name, color, finish, weight; is it
text, cover, bristol, bond, etc.?
Ink
Include Pantone numbers, varnishes or in-line
coating (spot or overall) for front and back.
Design features
Describe art: line art, tints (how many colors
per tint), bleeds, reverses, solids, crossover, butt
fits or traps, special-built tint colors, etc. Note
if keylines print. Let the printer know in what form
he will receive artwork - art boards or electronic.
Halftones
Number of halftones and/or duotones and the line
screen. If duotone, indicate which color will be
dominant. Indicate if photos are to be resized and
cropped, straight-edge crop or silhouette-outline
halftones. Note if they butt to keylines and if
keylines print.
Separations
Specify number of seps and if using
transparencies or reflective art. Show sizes of
originals and final images. Indicate line screens
and whether emulsion is side up or down. Indicate if
images butt to keylines or if they are outlines. Any
crossover concerns? Retouching: or color correcting
needed? Include type of color proof preferred, grade
of color preferred (e.g. product match, commercial
color, etc.). Also, if you are supplying the seps,
check to see if your printer should be given two
sets for crossovers.
Proofs
Loose color, final stripped color laminated
proof or color keys, blueline, folded dummy.
Indicate if stock samples are needed and if a press
check is required.
Bindery
Trim, fold (type of fold), die cut, score/perf (lithoperf/score
or letterpress perf), collate, number, drill (number
of holes and hole diameters), stitch, shrink-wrap.
Finishing specialties
Embossing, foil stamping, UV coating,
laminating, etc.
Packaging
Carton weight, padding, pallet and labeling.
Due date and delivery
instructions
Include address and phone number to call for
verifying shipment.
Return-artwork instructions
Specify number of boards and/or disks and
photo/transparencies to be returned along with
number of samples.
Quoted price
Be sure to understand the printer's terms and
conditions of sale.
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