FTP Upload (e.g. Fetch)

For uploading files using FTP software, simply press the password request which will set-up an auto-answer email. Send the email to us (no message necessary) and the instruction and password information will be emailed back to you immediately 24/7. Instructions contain information and password for direct FTP software uploading. Or call your Customer Service Representative if you need more information about FTP file uploading:

PASSWORD/INSTRUCTIONS

 

 


Midstate File Transfer Site

Our File Transfer Site is the easiest way to send us your files. Use the link below to access the File Transfer Site. Send files immediately with no password necessary using the DROPBOX option at bottom of login window.

If you want we can set up a private User Account with dedicated Workspace just for your projects. Contact your Customer Service Representative and request a dedicated workspace and supply them with names and email addresses for the people who should be given access to your files. We'll set it up and each user will receive an email notification.

SEND FILES NOW NO PASSWORD NEEDED - click on dropbox

Any problems or questions can be directed to our Prepress department via email at prepress@midstateprinting.com or by calling prepress direct at 315-428-9605. We'll be happy to walk you through additional functionality or set-up a private project site for your exclusive use.

File Preparation Guidelines

Midstate has the capabilities to accept a wide range of file formats from various applications. Our prepress department utilizes Macintosh workstations to prep files and produce PDF files for our EskoArtworks prepress systems.

Following is a list of programs and the versions we are using on a day-to-day basis. Earlier version files will be accepted but are processed by Midstate using the more recent software versions.

With the following programs our Prepress staff has the capability to fully edit files and make most changes and adjustments that may be necessary. Our staff has extensive experience in color correction, image retouching and typesetting procedures.

Most jobs require only minor adjustments to make them usuable for press and bindery reproduction. If extensive or time consuming changes are required the customer will be informed of the changes and the costs involved for Midstate to correct the files. You will have the option to submit new files with required adjustments.

Document Programs

Indesign CS4 (Version 6), CS3 (Version 5), CS2 (Version 4)

QuarkXPress Version 8, 7, 6

NOTE: Although we can work with files from earlier versions of these programs, problems may be encountered. Laser print-outs must be provided with earlier version files.

Illustration Programs

Adobe Illustrator CS4 (Version 14), CS3 (Version 13)

Macromedia Freehand MX (Version 11)

NOTE: Using Illustrator or Freehand for full document preparation (type, picture placement, full pages) can add significant time to prepress requirements and is not recommended. Freehand is presently a discontinued program that we do not recommend.

Image Retouch/Color Manipulation

Adobe Photoshop CS4 (Version 11)

PDF file submission

Our EskoArtworks Prepress systems accept PDF files for imposition and plate production. The most common PDF format is PDF/X-1a:2001 but we can accept the most up-to-date PDF versions available. The main issue with PDF is the fact that the customer is preparing the files and has to supply PDF files properly prepared for print reproduction. This includes issues such as: Image bleeds, embedded fonts, and high-resolution CMYK images (see "File Prep Guidelines" for more information). Midstate has the ability to edit PDF files in some cases using our Pitstop and NEO software, but depending on the complexity or quantity of the changes, this may not be the most economical route and sometimes simply can't be done. In these cases we will request new PDF files or the original source files (Indesign or QuarkXpress with Illustrator and Photoshop image files, and any fonts used). These issues can be greatly influenced by the project requirements and knowledge level of the file creator.

Other file formats

Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher – The Microsoft Office programs are intended to create office documents, slides and spreadsheets. Although, they are supposedly good at what they do, they are not good at creating files for print reproduction.They are strictly RGB based programs, so we have to convert all colors and images. Second, they are not good at replication from one computer to another or one platform to another. Yes, we do work on Office files when necessary. No, we do not consider it a good idea to use Office to create your "final" reproduction files.

If you must use Office to create your project, we would prefer receiving PDF files created from your final files. Make sure to check the PDFs to make sure they are what you want. These files will still need to be converted from RGB so the colors will not look identical to what you see on screen. Even with PDF files, problems can arise, particularly type issues.

File Prep Guidelines

Bleeds – .125" beyond any trim edges. Do not build bleed into your document page size. Use the bleed functions of your document program.

Cropmarks – Crop marks, registration marks and page information should be offset at least .125" from page.

Printer Spreads – For small folding brochures (4-, 6- and 8-page folding brochures) printer spreads can be supplied. For booklets, catalogs, multi-page brochures, do NOT prepare files in printer spreads. Prepress systems work based on single pages in sequential page order.

Reader spreads – Multi-page documents are best supplied in reader spread format, sequential page format. Facing-page format is preferred. Do not build your document page size to be the size of a 2-page spread. Use the facing page functions of your software to place pages in spreads.

Image formats – CMYK and Grayscale images in PSD, EPS, TIF, JPEG are best. BMP, GIF, PNG and other Web or Windows based formats will need to be converted. Illustrator files can be PDF, EPS or native AI. PDF files can be used as pictures (e.g. pdf of brochure cover), however the PDF must be prepared for print compliance (e.g. PDF/X-1a:2001).

Grayscale and Continuous Tone Image sizes (dpi) – Grayscale and Continuous Tone Image files should ideally be 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the final size. The lower your image DPI, the worse it will look in final reproduction.

Images with fine detail (e.g. picture of a circuit board) are best when sized to 300 dpi at the finished size.

Files significantly larger than 300 DPI can cause excessive processing time and in some case may be too big to process at all. Making your images 1200 DPI will NOT improve their image quality, only the processing time.

Bitmap (b/w lineart) images – Lineart images should be supplied at 600 dpi or higher. With lineart the higher the dpi, the better the image produces. 1200-2400 dpi is ideal. Lineart at 300 dpi will look like it was printed using a 300 dpi printer, with some pixellation being visible.

Dielines – If building dielines, the page size should be the outer most dimension of the dieline, including glue tabs and flaps. Dielines should be .5pt rules using a special spot color for the stroke color. Place dies on a separate layer and set to overprint.