| Bleed
Extend artwork beyond page edges by 1/8" or more. Don't forget thin lines and rules, they are often overlooked as they are difficult to see on screen.
Page Size
When creating new documents, set the page size in document setup to be the same as the desired trimmed size. As an example a 6" x 9" book page should have the dimensions entered as 6" x 9" in the document setup dialog, as opposed to random or centered placement of that page on a default document page of 8-1/2" x 11."
Spot Colors
Only use spot colors if your project requires spot colors. Spot colors used in artwork that will be printed as four color (CMYK) will be translated to CMYK. This can cause unpredictable results when imanges and/or transparency is used.
Single Pages vs. Spreads
It is not necessary to organize pages as "Printer's Spreads." Modern prepress software is designed to process single pages organized in reader's spreads.
Page Sequence
Keep pages in the same order in your document as they appear in your finished book. Some designers prefer putting the outside back cover (the last page) at the beginning of their document, this practice is acceptable.
Font Styles
Applying the styles of bold and/or italic to type is not recommended unless you are sure there is a supporting font file on your system and your software recognizes it. Although type styled as bold or italic or both may appear on screen as intended, it may RIP as plain styled text or as a crudely simulated style.
Fonts
PostScript Type1 and OpenType fonts are preferred over TrueType fonts. Avoid having multiple copies or versions of the same font open at the same time, better yet avoid having multiples on your system altogether. Use the suitcases (MacOS) from the font foundries as supplied, modified suitcases can be problematic.
Margins
Different printed products will require different margins. Consider the binding method, for example, Perfect Bound books are easier to read if the copy doesn't extend too far into the binding edge. Another consideration would be punching, whether 3-hole or punching for Wir-O binding, copy and type needs to be clear of punched areas.
Color Space
The color space used by offset and digital printing is CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), therefore RGB (Red, Green, Blue) artwork and images are translated to the CMYK color space when processed for offset and digital printing. In order to achieve predictable results in the printed piece it is safest to work in the CMYK color space. Doing so eliminates the unpredictable translation or conversion process.
The Color "Registration"
Do not use this color in your artwork. Objects in this color will print with a halo of colors around the edges, and solid areas are likely to cause press sheets to stick together when printed.
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