Note:
For ads that require type changes such as key-codes, addresses, phone numbers, etc., a complete new file and corresponding color contract proof is required to show these changes.
Resolution Requirements:
Raster (DCS2, Tiff/IT-P1, CT/LW)
• 2400 DPI
• Compression preferred or JPEG-Maximum Quality
• LW files – 72 resolution (dot per mm) or minimum 2000 dpi
• CT files – 12 resolution (dots per mm) or 300dpi at 100% size
Vector (PDF/X-1A, PDF)
• 300 dpi
Accepted Media:
• CD-Rom (created using ISO-9660)
• DVD (created using ISO-9660)
• Digital FTP (Please contact your Production Traffic Supervisor for FTP site instructions)
Proof Requirements:
• Supply a minimum of one composite SWOP certified proof for color
• Proof must be made from supplied file
• Proof must be 100% of size.
• Proof must be SWOP certified.
o For an up-to-date list of SWOP approved color proofs, please visit:
www.swop.org/certification.html
• Color bars are required on all analog or digital halftone proofs. Color bars should include:
o SWOP color bars at 100% size as found on SWOP website (above)
o A solid and 25%, 50% and 75% tints of each process color
o Solid overprints
o At least one gray balance patch (cyan-50%, magenta and yellow 39%)
o Two-color overprints at 25%, 50% and 75% are also recommended.
o The color bar can be a GCA/GATF Proof Comparator, or a GATF/SWOP Proofing Bar or digital
equivalent.
• Proof must indicate the proofing product or system used, prepress supplier contacts and information
showing conformance to the manufacturer’s Application Data.
• Ad should be proofed on Publication grade stock unless proper printer stock is known at the time of
proofing.
• Proofing systems requiring line screen-use 133 line
If the above guidelines are not met, the color and quality of print reproduction may vary. Proofs that are not SWOP compliant will be referenced for content only. Meredith will try to achieve a reasonable match to the supplied proof.
File Specifications:
• Single page ads should be built to 100% trim size. If ad bleeds, extend bleed a minimum of ⅛˝ beyond trim.
• Partial page ads should be built to 100% of their actual trim size. If ad bleeds, extend bleed a minimum of ⅛˝ beyond trim.
• All non-bleed ads should be built to 100% of the non-bleed specs.
• Standard trim, bleed and center narks should be included but not in the “live” image area or “bleed” area.
• Spread ads: keep live matter ¼˝ away from each side of center or ½˝ across the gutter. For spread ads with a headline crossing over the gutter, contact production department if the visual spacing between words or letters is critical.
• All elements must be placed at 100% of size.
• Do not apply style attributes to basic fonts.
• Include and/or embed all fonts, images/scans, logos and artwork.
• Font information should include manufacturer, font name and version. Multiple Master fonts will not be accepted. True type fonts are not recommended and may cause unexpected reproduction problems on press.
• Do not nest EPS files in other EPS files.
• Use of illegal characters in file names will not be accepted (example: &, /, -, ~, %, (, ), #, ‘, $, etc or anything after the extension).
• On 4/C ads, Pantone colors and other spot colors must be converted to CMYK.
• Four color solids should not exceed SWOP density of 300%.
• 100% black elements should either be knocked out & trapped or overprint using 100% K and 60% C to create a rich black.
• Color type, reverse type and/or line art should not be less than .007 at the thinnest part of the character. Single color type should be no less than .004 at the thinnest part of the character.
Retention of Materials:
Materials for all processes will be held for one year then destroyed, unless otherwise notified.
Meredith Corporation is a member of the DDAP Association and subscribes to and supports all digital exchange standards developed by CGATS/SC6, the accredited graphic arts standards committee.
