The following guidelines have been established by the ComputerINK Graphics Department to ensure successful output of electronic files. Failure to follow the information below may cause delay in services and unexpected cost. If you have any questions or concerns about preflight procedures, please contact your representative at ComputerINK.

Phone Numbers: 1-888-857-6663 or 404-876-4646
               Email: rcampbell@computerink.com

• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe PageMaker
• Adobe PhotoShop
• Macromedia Freehand
• Quark Xpress
• Corel Draw

• 3.5 Floppy Disk
• SyQuest Cartridge (88, 135, 200 MB)
• Iomega Zip Disk
• Magneto Optical Disk
• CD-ROM

• E-mail
• Internet
• FTP Site

• Supply all fonts associated with design, including screen fonts, printer fonts, suitcases, etc.
• PDF files are not acceptable. Send native application files from original software program.
• Supply all supporting or linked files (EPS, TIFF, etc.). Color settings should be saved to match final output.
• Save compressed files as self-extracting archives.
• Use Pantone Color Matching System or 4 Color Process. RGB files are not accepted.
• Proofs must be supplied to verify output of separations. All hard copy proofs should have color information clearly stated. If a white underprint is desired, please include this information on proof.
• Any special requests or additional changes should be clearly written in legible form.
• Include designer's name, phone number and e-mail address for contact if problems arise.
• Place all native format files, fonts, and imported images into a single folder. Send only the files needed for output and label all items in a logical order.
• Technical questions concerning trapping, screen angles, gradients, etc. can be answered by ComputerINK professionals.
  

• Recommended line screen is 85 lines per inch (lpi). Acceptable range is 85 - 100 lpi. Higher line counts tend to produce more interference when screen printing CD's. This could result in distortion and color loss of the printed image.
• Acceptable tonal range for 85 lpi is 15 - 85%. For 100 lpi, the range narrows to 20 - 80%.
• Elliptical dot.
• We recommend that type is overprinted, not reversed out. Reversed out type tends to turn out fuzzy and not legible when printing four color process.
• To reduce moiré, the following angles for color separations are recommended:
  o Yellow (Y) = 15°
  o Magenta (M) = 75°
  o Cyan (C) = 105°
  o Black (K) = 45°
• A contract proof (Chromalin™, Matchprint™, Fujiproof™, etc.) made from the supplied film must be supplied by the customer to ensure accurate color reproduction. If color proof is not provided, accurate color matching cannot be guaranteed. A proof generated from a laser printer is not an accurate color representation.
• A disc printed with 3 of the process colors, will still fall within 4 color process specifications ( angles, provide proof, tonal range, etc.).
• A white background is recommended to accurately color match your proof. Process colors printed directly onto the reflective surface of the disc will tend to be slightly faded. The white background becomes the fifth color. The white background film must match the other films in diameter, format and registration.

• Elliptical dots are recommended. This results in better print quality, especially in the midtone range.
• Recommended line screen is 85 lines per inch (lpi). Acceptable range is 85 – 100 lpi. Higher line counts tend to produce more interference when screen printing CD’s. This could result in distortion and color loss of the printed image.
• At 85 line screen, any dots less than 15% may not print, and any dots over 85% may print solid. At 100 line screen, any dots less than 20% may not print, and any dots over 90% may print solid.
• Printing of gradient tints or vignettes may cause banding (changing of densities in distinct steps instead of a smooth and gradual change), and therefore is not recommended. ComputerINK is not responsible for the quality of print if a vignette is used.
• ComputerINK recommends the screen angles on duotone film be separated at the same angles.

• ComputerINK utilizes the screen printing process for printing labels and graphics onto compact discs and DVD. Up to 6 colors can be produced on any job.
• ComputerINK can reproduce any color from the Pantone™ 1000 color formula guide, including Pantone™ Metallic and Pastel colors. A clear ink, in glossy or matte finish, is also available for overprinting.
• Due to different manufacturing techniques, ComputerINK will not assume responsibility for matching a disc supplied from another replicator.
• Please note that ComputerINK will make every effort to match the Pantone™ guide as close as possible. However, some colors can appear slightly different when printed onto the reflective, silver background of the compact disc. This can be a +/- half shade deviation from the color specified. Printing a white base will eliminate some of these differences. A white base gives the ink a more opaque look and keeps the color closer to what is specified.
• ComputerINK evaluates color and performs quality checks under strictly controlled lighting conditions. A Pantone™ Lightbox is used under a D50 / 5000K light source.

• Film must be in positive form.
• Right reading.
• Emulsion side up.
• Elliptical dot.
• Film must be flat, not bent, rolled or scratched.
• Film must be individually slip sheeted and secured for protection. Touch up should be applied only to the side opposite of the emulsion.
• Ink color should be clearly designated on each piece of film.
• Film size must be 8" x 8" minimum.
• Film density should be Dmin = .06 or less; Dmax = 3.0 or more.
• Include registration marks on the horizontal and vertical axis of the film. This is critical for proper alignment. Registration marks should be at least 1 inch away from outside diameter of image area.
• Recommended font size is 6 points. Minimum acceptable point size is 4 points. Text or logos any smaller may not show up. Minimum size for reversed out type is 6 points. However, it is not recommended that this size be reversed out of multiple colors, especially four color process print. It tends to turn out fuzzy and not legible
• Line width must be at least 0.5 points. Reversed lines must be at least 0.5 points.
• The screen printing process requires a specified amount of overlapping between adjoining colors in order to ensure proper registration. Trapping is dependent on design, colors, and font size. A 1 point (0.014") trap between the positive text and the reversed out (knock out) background is recommended. Contact our Graphic Arts department for more information.
• The printable outside diameter is 116 mm maximum. The printable inside diameter is 22 mm minimum. Please refer to ComputerINK Printing Formats information.