File preparation and transfer

FILE DELIVERY

If you are preparing a publication in Adobe InDesign, we recommend that you perform a preliminary layout check using the Preflight tool before submitting the PDF files. This saves your and our time and preventing possible layout errors. Short instructions on how to do this are available here.
The file should be supplied in PDF format. The file can be uploaded to BALTO Prepress portal https://insite.baltoprint.com. Login details are given by the project manager.
PDF files should be prepared according to the PDF/X-3 standard for optimal compatibility. PDF/X-4 files are also accepted.
Each component of the book should be supplied in a separate PDF file: inlay, end/front sheets, cover, UV varnishing, foil, dust jacket, etc.
All the inlay pages should be supplied in one chain (composite). If the file is bigger than 2 GB, it should be split in two or more parts. In this case, file name should include page numbers (Inlay 001-150pp.pdf, Inlay 151-300pp.pdf).
Inlay file should be prepared page by page, not in spreads.
Cover and dust-jacket files should be prepared in spreads including the spine.
Blank pages should be included into the print-ready file.
The size of all pages must match the size of printed book.
If the book is printed in two or more different languages with changes in black color, constant and change parts of layout must be supplied in a separate files: constant CMYK in one file and changing K parts in a separate files.
If there is more than 3 pages with corrections, new full file must be supplied (not only new pages).
Files must not contain non-printable objects. Such as annotations or objects with an non-printing attribute assigned.

THE QUALITY OF THE FILE, FONTS, TEXTS AND TRANSPARENT ELEMENTS

The recommended resolution for illustrations is 300–600 dpi. The minimum resolution should not be lower than 250 dpi. If the resolution is below this threshold, illustrations may appear low-quality in print. Images with a resolution lower than 150 dpi are not suitable for printing.
For 1-bit (bitmap) illustrations, a resolution of 600–1200 dpi is recommended.
It is advised to avoid illustrations or other graphic elements with a resolution exceeding 600 dpi, as it does not noticeably improve print quality but may significantly increase the file size and complicate the processing.
Black texts and barcodes should be prepared in one color (not in CMYK). No color profile should be attached to such text. Black text in CMYK is a common mistake.
All the fonts used in layout should be embedded to PDF file.
Thinner than 0.2 pt lines (hairline) can not be used in the layout.
Tables, lines, text and other black elements should be prepared in only black color (K).
All the elements must be in CMYK color mode. RGB color mode is not suitable for printing.
All transparent areas and objects must be flattened before submitting the file. Unprocessed transparent elements may cause unexpected visual changes—such as missing or incorrectly rendered components—which can negatively impact the final printed result.
Transparent objects can distort visuals, especially when overlapping other elements. Before submitting the file for printing, ensure that all transparency is properly processed and does not create unwanted visual artifacts.
The design file must contain final, approved texts and design elements – not drafts or intermediate versions.

COLORS

All the elements must be converted to CMYK and Grayscale color modes or/and Pantone, HKS colors. There must be no elements in RGB, LAB, Multi Channel color mode. These color modes are not suitable for offset printing.
The layout for digital printing must contain only CMYK colors.
Overprints can’t be applied to white color. If overprint is applied to Pantone or HKS color, project manager must be informed about this.
It is recommended to apply overprint to 100% black color (K).
Gradients cant be lighter than 3% for one CMYK channel. Lighter gradient won’t be visible after the printing.
Please note, that hue of paper has an impact on colors. This is especially common for yellowish papers (eg. Munken).
Digital color proofs are always printed on semi matte coated paper or uncoated paper. This must be estimated when comparing the print to a color proof.

BLEEDS

Trim Box and Bleed Box marks must be added to each PDF page.
Every page must contain 3-5 mm bleeds. Hardcover file must contain 15 mm bleed. Flexicover file must contain 18 mm bleed.
Trim Box size must match final size of the page.
Trim Box must be the same size for all the pages. If there is a reason why Trim Box size differs between the pages, project manager must be informed about it.
Text, page numbers, and other important elements should be no closer than 5 mm to cutting line (Trim Box).
For softcover books, it is recommended to leave 3 mm-wide unprinted strips next to the spine on the first and last pages of the book block, as well as on the second and third cover pages (inside front and back covers). These areas are used for gluing, so this ensures stronger adhesion between the block and the cover.
If there is any text or other important graphic elements on these pages, it is recommended to keep them at least 7 mm away from the spine.
For hardcover books, it is recommended to leave 5 mm-wide unprinted strips next to the spine on the first and last pages of the book block, as well as on the last (4th) page of the front endpaper and the first page of the back endpaper. These strips are needed for gluing to ensure a stronger bond between the block and the cover.

FOIL STAMPING, SPOT UV, EMBOSSING

Spot UV, silkscreen, foil stamping, embossing and die cutting forms must be supplied in a separate vector file in PDF.
Offset partial varnish must be presented as additional Pantone color (overprint is required) in the same file (eg CMYK + Pantone).
The page size must match the final printed page format.
The file must contain Trim Box.
Objects to foil, emboss or varnish must be prepared in 100% K.
Objects to foil, emboss or varnish must match the printing layout.
Estimating the mismatch in the production process it is not recommended to overlap embossing or foil stamp with printed elements. Possible mismatch is up to 2 mm. Instead of overlap embossing with printed elements, it is recommended to choose embossing with foil.
Avoid using lines thinner than 0.2 mm for foil stamping.
Avoid reversed (negative) elements smaller than 0.5 mm. The recommended safe size is 1 mm.
The distance between elements should be no less than 0.5 mm.
When foil stamping is combined with embossing, embossed areas must be offset 3–5 mm from fold lines and the edges of the hardcover board.

TOTAL INK

In order not to exceed ink amount in the printing, the correct ICC paper profile must be used. Different paper profiles must be used for coated, uncoated and yellowish paper.
Total ink for coated paper should not exceed 330 %.
Total ink for uncoated paper should not exceed 300 %.
According to paper manufacturer, total ink for Munken papers should not exceed 260 %.

APPROVAL TO PRINT, RESPONSIBILITY, TERMS

After the print-ready file is supplied, our repro specialist make a pre-flight checking. The designer is informed about the mistakes found. The designer correct the mistakes and supply new pages. If there is more than 10 pages with corrections, the full file must be supplied (not only new pages).
For the final approval digital print example is prepared (soft-proof). The soft proof shows the book in a digital form. The soft-proof must be reviewed carefully and approved by mail before starting printing.
Resolution is soft proof is reduced to 250 dpi in order to compress the file. On a client’s request, the soft proof can be prepared in higher resolution.
Please note, that two soft proofs and are prepared for free. Third and every next checking and soft proof preparation is charged 50 Euros.
The client can refuse the soft proof by informing project manager by mail. The book will be printed from the file sent.
Production date depends on soft proof approval date. Production is scheduled only when the final approval is received. Standard product production term is 2-3 weeks starting the file approval day. Pre-flight checking should be accomplished within 24 hours.
To review the soft proof, use the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Enable the “Use Overprint Display” mode (Edit → Preferences → General → Page Display → Use Overprint Display). This mode will help identify possible overprint or trapping errors in objects. Do not use mobile devices or devices that do not support Adobe software to review the soft proof, as errors will not be visible. By using the recommended Adobe Acrobat Reader, you ensure that all illustrations, bleeds, text, and various (including unnecessary) elements are displayed exactly as they will appear in print.
BALTO print does not take any responsibility for supplied print-ready layout and soft proof content; entirety of text and graphic elements; colorfulness; pagination; resolution; text and graphic elements critical position with Trim Box; insufficient contrast; spot UV, foiling, embossing position in accordance with layout.
FSC labeling is a way to inform the public and customers that a printed product is produced using FSC-certified paper. The FSC trademarks are essential to the entire FSC system, and any misuse of these trademarks is taken very seriously. Therefore, you are fully responsible for correctly placing the FSC label in your print files, and you assume all risk if the FSC label is present in your design files but FSC-certified paper was not selected or ordered for production.
We do not check the use of overprint or transparency in your files and are therefore not responsible for any visual discrepancies in the final printed product if the files were not properly prepared. We strongly recommend submitting flattened (composite) PDF files and thoroughly reviewing all elements before sending files for printing.

File preparation and transfer

File preparation and transfer

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