In the News

Production FAQ

Below is a list of frequently asked questions.

Click on the links for answers. If you can't find what you're looking for here, please feel free to contact us with your queries. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you.

  1. What applications / file formats do you accept?
  2. How do I create a press-ready PDF file?
  3. What is "bleed"?
  4. What resolution should my images be?
  5. What colour space should I use when creating my files?
  6. Do I need to send fonts with my files?
  7. Can I use images I've downloaded from the internet?
  8. What is the largest image you can print?
  9. How should I send my files?
  10. Do I need to impose and trap my files?
  11. Do you offer scanning services?
  12. What forms of payment do you accept?

  • What applications / file formats do you accept?

    We can accept files from the following applications:

    • Adobe InDesign CS5
    • Adobe Illustrator CS5
    • Adobe Photoshop CS5
    • Adobe Acrobat v9.0
    • QuarkXPress v6.0
    • CorelDraw v12.0

    We can accept the following file formats:

    • *.pdf
    • *.eps (vector and bitmap)
    • *.indd
    • *.ai
    • *.qxd
    • *.cdr
    • *.psd (minimum 300 DPI at finished size)
    • *.tif (minimum 300 DPI at finished size)
    • *.jpg (minimum 300 DPI at finished size)

    Acceptable file / directory compression formats:

    • *.zip
    • *.sit, *.sitx (Stuff-It) <<

  • How do I create a press-ready PDF file?

    There are a variety of ways to create a press-ready PDF file depending on the application you are using. Please see our Resources page to download a comprehensive guide. Also included is a plug-in for Adobe InDesign CS. If you have any questions regarding press-ready PDF files, please call us at (403) 255-9466, or contact us via email at oilcity@oilcitypress.com. <<

  • What is "bleed"?

    Bleed is the excess image beyond the trim size of any given document. A layout with background coverage which runs to the edge of the sheet must bleed beyond the page parameters to allow for trim variance. The standard bleed dimension is .125" on all sides. Therefore, an 8.5" x 11" page with full background coverage will have a bleed area of 8.75" x 11.25". <<

  • What resolution should my images be?

    Images must be a minimum of 300 DPI at their finished size to print at 150 LPI or when using Satin Screening technology, and 400 DPI at their finished size to print at 200 LPI. Bitmap resolution cannot be increased after the fact without compromising image quality. <<

  • What colour space should I use when creating my files?

    That depends on how you want to print your job. The 3 methods of offset colour printing are "process colour" (CMYK), "spot colour" (usually Pantone Solid Coated / Uncoated), or a combination of both. Layouts containing full-colour images (bitmap or vector) must print as CMYK. Colour images saved as RGB will be converted to CMYK when processed through our workflow, though for best results we recommend saving colour images as CMYK. Because the colour options vary from job to job, please contact your Oil City Press Ltd. representative to discuss the best method for your project. <<

  • Do I need to send fonts with my files?

    Yes. Send all the fonts used in your document along with your document files. We recommend using PostScript fonts, but we can work with True Type and Open Type fonts as well. Exceptions to this rule are files where fonts have been converted to outlines, flattened Photoshop files and PDF files with embedded or subset fonts. <<

  • Can I use images I've downloaded from the internet?

    No. In addition to being illegal if used without permission, the resolution of internet image files is too low for print production. Instead, consider inexpensive stock photography from www.istockphoto.com. <<

  • What is the largest image you can print?

    Our Speedmaster CD74 6-colour offset press has a maximum sheet size of 23.82" x 29.13", and a maximum image area of 23.03" x 29.13". Our HP Z6100 Design Jet Plotters have a maximum image area of 41" x 95". <<

  • How should I send my files?

    We can accept files saved to CD-ROM and DVD-ROM. Files under 10MB may be emailed to your Oil City Press Ltd. representative. Compressed files may also be uploaded to our FTP Server, or by placing an order via our Instant Online Quoting System. <<

  • Do I need to impose and trap my files?

    No. The Oil City Press Ltd. Prepress Department will handle all imposition and trapping. Files should be saved as 1-up, with a document page size equal to the trim size of the job. Multi-page documents (books, magazines, etc.) may include facing pages, but pages must be in consecutive order. <<

  • Do you offer scanning services?

    Yes. The powerful Heidelberg Nexscan F4200 flatbed scanner can accommodate reflective and transmisive originals up to 12" x 18", with a maximum output resolution of 10,000 DPI. <<

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept cash, debit and all major credit cards. <<