FILE PREPARATION

How to Prepare Files for Printing in Colour

1. Save your files in TIF format when using bitmap-based programs such as Photoshop.
2. Save your files as PDF when using vector-based programs such as AutoCAD and Illustrator, or when using mixed bitmap and vector-based programs such as InDesign and Quark Xpress
3. Print your files to PDF when using word processors such as Word or Pages.

For more information and application-specific instruction, see the related articles in this section.

In the interest of serving as many people as possible, we cannot accept native InDesign, Pages or Quark Xpress files.

How to Save CS4 Files for Printing at the Digital Print Centre

PDF from Illustrator CS4 (OSX)

1. File > Save As
2. Format > Adobe PDF
3. Save
4. Adobe PDF Preset > High Quality Print
5. Compatibility > Acrobat 8
6. Save PDF

PDF from InDesign CS4 (OSX)

1. File > Export
2. Format > Adobe PDF
3. Adobe PDF Preset > High Quality Print
4. Compatibility > Acrobat 8
5. Export

TIFF from Photoshop CS4 (OSX)

1. File > Save As
2. Format > TIFF
3. Un-check the Layers tick box
4. Check Embed Color Profile
5. Save
6. Image Compression > LZW
7. OK

How to Print Word or Pages Documents to PDF in OSX

1. File > Print
2. Printer > Adobe PDF
3. Preset > Standard
4. Print
5. Save As > YourFileName.pdf
6. Save

How to Save Photoshop CS4 Files for Printing in the Lab

The main objective before printing a file to the printers in the lab is to decrease file size. If you want high resolution prints that require a large file size, please visit the Digital Print Centre.

The first step is to save the file as a TIFF. Make sure you have saved your original file before you begin this process.

1. File > Save As
2. File Format > TIFF
3. Check "Save as a Copy"
4. Uncheck "Embed Color Profile"
5. Save
6. Image Compression > LZW
7. OK

Next, reduce the resolution of the file.

1. Image > Image Size
2. Check "Resample Image"
3. Resolution > 150 or lower
4. OK

Finally, flatten all your layers.

1. Layer > Flatten Image

How to Save Illustrator CS4 Files for Printing in the Lab

The main objective before printing a file to the printers in the lab is to decrease file size. If you want high resolution prints that require a large file size, please visit the Digital Print Centre.

The best way to do that is to save your file as a PDF. Make sure you have saved your original file before you begin this process.

1. File > Save As
2. Format > PDF
3. Choose a file name different from your original file
4. Save
5. Adobe PDF Preset > Smallest File Size
6. Save PDF
7. If a dialogue box appears about preserving Illustrator Editing Capabilities Appears, press OK.

If you are trying to make a layout with multiple high resolution pictures, Illustrator will likely create a file that is too large to send to the printer. Use InDesign instead for this type of document.

How to Save InDesign CS4 Files for Printing in the Lab

There is a conflict between InDesign and the OSX Snow Leopard print drivers. As a result, InDesign files do not print to the printers in the labs. The solution is to save as PDF:

1. File > Export
2. Format > PDF
3. Save As > Choose Your File Name
4. Save
5. Adobe PDF Preset > Smallest File Size
6. Export

If you require a high resolution print that requires a larger file size, please visit the Digital Print Centre.

How to Save AutoCAD Files for Plotting

Plot all files to PDF from AutoCAD:

1. Output > Plot
2. Printer/Plotter > Name > Adobe PDF
3. Paper size > Select appropriate paper size
4. Plot area > Window
5. Plot scale > Deselect "Fit to paper"
6. Plot scale > Scale > Select appropriate scale
7. Plot offset > Select "Center the plot"
8. Ok

How to Combine your files into a single .PDF using Adobe Acrobat

Similar files (same colour mode/size and type of paper) MUST be combined into a single .PDF. Follow the file preparation instructions and prepare your individual files according. Combine the files before bringing them to print. 

1. File>
2. Combine>
3. click "combine files into a Single PDF
4. Select you files (through finder or drag and drop into window)
5. Put your files in the desired order
6. Cilck "Combine files"
7. Save as> Choose Your File Name
8. Save

How to Transport Your File to the Digital Print Centre (Storage Media)

USB Key/Flash Drive

A portable USB key is the fastest and easiest method of transferring files. Make sure your key is formatted for Macintosh computers.

Print Centre USB

If you have a laptop but are unable to supply a USB key, The Print Centre can provide one for the transfer of files. If you are in line waiting to print, you may request to transfer files prior to your arrival at the front of the queue. In order to make this service accessible at all times, the USB Key is unavailable for lending outside of the Print Centre.

Portable Hard Drive

The Print Centre supports both USB and FireWire hard drives. If your hard drive requires an electrical outlet, we can provide that too. Make sure it is Macintosh Compatible.

CD/DVD

The Print Centre supports CDs and DVDs for file transfer. After a while, you may find using discs to be expensive. Most students purchase an inexpensive, reusable USB key to take the place of CDs and DVDs.

How to Transfer Your File(s) Using Temporary Storage

All OCAD students have access to Temporary Storage, a large common storage server. To keep the server within capacity, all files are deleted every Thursday night. Temporary Storage is useful for transferring your files to the Print Centre for printing.
To access Temporary Storage, select the Finder in the dock. Then select the following, beginning with the 'Go' menu at the top of the screen:

1. Go > Connect to Server
2. Server Address > smb://gaia/temporary_storage
3. Connect
4. Name > SIGNOUT1
5. Password > Leave this field blank
6. OK
7. Create a folder with your name on it. The Digital Print Centre can access this folder to print your files.
8. Once this has been completed, come to the Digital Print Centre to print your file.

How to Transfer a File Using Laptop Direct/Firewire Target Mode

The Print Centre is able to take files directly off your Macintosh Laptop. While you're waiting in line, do the following:

1. Restart your computer
2. Wait for the screen to go completely blank
3. Quickly hold down the 'T' key.
4. Keep pressing until the FireWire symbol appears on your screen.
5. The Print Centre can connect to your laptop using a FireWire cable and retrieve your files for printing.

How to Transfer a File Using Email and FTP

If you must download your file from an email or FTP account, you may do so from any of the desktop computers in the labs, library or Information Commons. Once the download is complete, place the necessary files in Temporary Storage. Due to security reasons, we are unable to oblige requests to download files using Print Centre computers.

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