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What Desktop Specifications Do I Need In Preparing My Document For Offset Printing?

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The type of printing that you choose to utilize will dictate how the desktop publishing document should be prepared. In considering what type of desktop publishing software to use or purchase, two main considerations need to be examined: color and separations. The colors utilized by computers for on-screen display and graphics on the web are RGB (Red, Green, Blue). As has been discussed previously, the colors used in the plates in offset printing are CMYK - cayan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and K(black) inks. All full-color graphics for printing need to be saved with CMYK colors. Check your desktop publishing software to verify that it is capable of performing this simple.

When you are sending a file to be printed by offset printing, your file must contain a different file or separation for each ink color. These separations consist of only the specific elements that will be printed in that color. Printing plates will then be made from these separations. You need to ensure that you are able to perform these tasks with your particular software program.

These specifications are very important in order to be able to create negatives from your digital file. The plates for printing will be created from these negatives. Some lower end desktop publishing cannot produce the files required for offset printing. In addition, even if you have the appropriate software, you need to make sure that you understand how to properly create the files for printing. Some non-designers will not have the know-how and will need training in properly using the desktop publishing.

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