These instructions assume a proficiency with the graphics programs used to create final artwork, as well as access to Acrobat Distiller for creating print quality PDF files. Unless otherwise noted, the assumed platform is Mac OSX, other platforms will follow similar instructions, but not match exactly.

Some programs allow for print ready PDF creation without using distiller. Instructions for generating PDFs without distiller are available for the programs listed below. You can bypass the general PDF instructions by following the instructions contained in these links. Otherwise, please proceed below.

  Adobe Illustrator®
  Adobe InDesign®

If you are submitting PDFs,
the following files will need to be downloaded:

1. SharpDots PDF Distiller Settings

Acrobat 5 (PDF 1.4)

~ OR ~

Acrobat 6 (PDF1.5)

~ OR ~

Acrobat 7 (PDF1.6)

~ OR ~

Acrobat 8 (PDF1.7)

~ OR ~

Acrobat 9 (PDF1.8)

2. Load the Sharpdots PDF Distiller Settings
For Acrobat 6.0: Navigate to Primary OS Volume >Users > Shared > Acrobat PDF 6.0 > Settings.
For Acrobat 7.0: Navigate to Primary OS Volume >Users > Shared > Acrobat PDF 7.0 > Settings.
For Acrobat 8.0: Navigate to Primary OS Volume >Users > Shared > Acrobat PDF 8.0 > Settings.
For Acrobat 9.0: Navigate to Primary OS Volume >Users > Shared > Acrobat PDF 9.0 > Settings.
Drag the Acrobat PDF 6 (PDF 1.5) or Acrobat PDF 7 (PDF 1.6) settings into this folder; the settings will load automatically into your Distiller program. For OS 9 users, drag the Acrobat 5 (PDF 1.4) settings into the Settings Folder of your Acrobat Application Folder, then load the settings within Acrobat
.

Once these settings are loaded, they can be utilized for future orders.

PDF Inspection Checklist

Verify all Points Below Prior To Submitting

• Complete the General and Program specific checklists for your file

• Write a postscript file with the following qualifications:

1. Composite File (not separated)
2. Registration marks activated with a 12pt offset
3. Do not print spreads
4. Printer Description/PPD: Use “Sharpdots Generic PPD”
5. Set Paper size to 1” greater than job/file size (i.e., 8.5x11 Brochure is set to 9.5x12)
6. Center page and do not reduce or enlarge
7. Print only CMYK colors, no spots (Unless job has a Die Line separation from a Sharpdots template, in which case, print CMYK + Die Line)
8. Use Binary Data
9. Set bleed to .125” on all edges

Once the postscript file is written, process it through Distiller using the SharpDots PDF settings. This will create a qualified PDF for submission to Sharpdots.