CLIENT TOOLS

Welcome to the Client Tools page. Here you can find resources for prepping and uploading your files, and helpful print design tips with examples.

UPLOAD MY FILES

with FTP software such as Fetch or Transmit

I don't have FTP software...

UPLOAD FILES VIA BROWSER

PHOTOSHOP for NEWSPAPERS

prepping files for newsprint

SFNM COLOR GUIDELINES

for color replication on SFNM printing presses

Print Design Tips & Guides

Digital vs Offset Printing

What's the difference, and which method is best for my product?

Bleed, Trim, Safe Area

What do these mean, and why are they so vital?

Re: Color Management

Black vs Black

100% Black and 4-Color Black on a single line of text.

Hold your finger over the image for a close up of the 4-Color Black.

Mixing inks to achieve a rich black will result in fuzziness, especially when applied to text. Perfectly sharp text and details can be created by using one process color value. 100% black (k) is as crisp as you can possibly get.

This is exactly how black should be configured in your design program:

0% Cyan

0% Magenta

0% Yellow

100% Black(K)

CMYK vs RGB

what you see on screen

how it will print

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) refers to the 4 primary colors of pigment used in 4 Color Process Printing, and is the standard color mode when designing and exporting a file for print. Any design intended for a physical product must be in CMYK for the colors to translate.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is a prefix tacked on to computer motherboards and peripherals that display colors for a visual effect. Only use RGB if your design or document is exclusively intended for digital consumption.

Re: Putting It On Paper

Ink Is Layered

CMYK inks are applied in layers of set patterns of tiny dots that appear to create a solid color. For this reason, it’s important to keep your total ink coverage under 260% (out of 400%).

Newsprint Color Gamut

This chart represents the entire visible color spectrum, and the limits of reproducing them with ink on uncoated and coated paper.

Why does paper type affect color vibrancy?

MATTE PAPER & NEWSPRINT: Ink is absorbed into the fibers of water-soaked paper as it passes through the press. The paper air dries, but the ink never truly does, which is why your fingers might look a little dirty after holding a newspaper. The colors will slowly fade over time, but that’s what gives newsprint its distinctive character.

GLOSSY PAPER: Ink is cured on to the surface of the paper with ultraviolet light or another heat source as it passes through each process color on the press. The ink is permanently bonded, resulting in a durable product with vibrant colors.

Questions about print design or file management?

Send them to inquiry@sfnewmexican.com

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Offset vs Digital Printing

OFFSET

The process of transferring ink from an etched plate to a rubber sheet, known as a blanket, before being transferred onto the printed surface.

Best for High Quantities

Offset web printing can produce up to 74,000 copies per hour. The higher the quantitiy, the more money you will save.

Great Color Accuracy

Offset printing achieves color reproduction by utilizing ink & water to print the high quality images. There is a high level of control over the color output.

Longer Set-Up Time

Offset printing requires aluminum plates and an involved set-up process. Ideal for higher quantity jobs with further deadlines.

Not Variable

With offset printing, inks are transferred from pre-imaged plates, and does not allow for variable printing or piece-by-piece personalization.

DIGITAL

The process of printing digital-based images directly onto a variety of media substrates. Methods such as inkjet and laser are known as digital printing.

Best for Lower Quantities

Digital printing is best for low quantities and is more cost-efficient for smaller runs than offset.

Highest Quality Color

Digital printers use toner, leaving less control over the color output. However, digital printing achieves vibrant colors, high contrast, and consistent color reproduction.

Fastest Turnaround Time

Digital printing can be done on-demand without much prior notice. The toner is immediately fused to the paper, making the printing process quicker and requires less set-up.

Ideal for Variable Printing

Variable printing is the method of producing personalized versions of print collateral. Digital printing is the only way to go for individualized pieces.

Bleed, Trim & Safe Area

Bleed

Bleed is the area of space around your final product size that will be trimmed off, usually .0125” on each edge, though that can vary. Artwork that reaches the edge of a page must extend into the bleed area even though it’s going to be trimmed off. This assures a perfect print-to-edge look.

Trim

Trim is where the edge will be cut off, resulting in the final size of your product.

Safe Area

The Safe Area is well inside the trim edge and marks the area where all essential elements should be within. Anything inside the safety margin is guaranteed to never get trimmed away.