The Evolution of Digital • Design • Copy • Print

Call Us: 905-333-4132

3525 Mainway, Burlington, Ontario • Astra@astragraphics.com

1. File Transfer

Use FTP to send larger files

Please call or email us for ftp information. For those familiar with using Mac and PC FTP Clients (We recommend the free Filezilla for Windows and Cyberduck for Mac):

ftp.astragraphics.com
login: astracustomer
password: public007

Please email us at astra@astragraphics.com or call us when you have uploaded your file, please include your name, phone number and details of your project.

2. Xerox Click-to-Print

Use our Xerox Click-to-Print Service

Choose from our selection of professional templates or use the service to send us your files. Click here.

3. Drop-off

Come in, in person

Come to our shop [View Map] and drop off a CD/DVD disc, a USB stick, Hard drive, etc and we'll copy your files, and return your device safely. Be sure to leave your name and contact information, name of the program and version, file specifications (full-colour, black and white...) and job specifications (quantity, deadline...)

Are Your Files Press Ready?

Here are a few simple guidelines to follow:

Quark (PC and Mac)

1. All graphics should be CMYK and saved as TIFF files
2. Graphics should be actual size and 300 dpi
3. Include all fonts used in the document

Coral Draw (PC and Mac)

1. All graphics should be CMYK and saved as TIFF files
2. Graphics should be actual size and 300 dpi
3. Include all fonts used in the document. Another option is to convert your type to curves. To do this you select all your text. Goto the menu bar at the top of the document, select the menu title called "Arrange" and select the option called "Convert to Curves" you will then not need to include fonts.

IMPORTANT - This feature converts your text into graphics and therefore the text can not be edited. Remember to save this version under a different file name so you still have original in case you need to make changes.

PhotoShop (PC and Mac)

1. File should be CMYK and saved as a TIFF file
2. File should be actual size and 300 dpi

Illustrator (PC and Mac)

1. All graphics should be CMYK and saved as TIFF files
2. Graphics should be actual size and 300 dpi
3. Include all fonts used in the document. Another option is to convert your type to curves. To do this you select all your text. Goto the menu bar at the top of  the document, select the menu title called "Text" and select the option called "Create Outlines" you will then not need to include fonts.  IMPORTANT - This feature converts your text into graphics and therefore the text can not be edited. Remember to save this version under a different file name so you still have original in case you need to make changes.

PageMaker (PC and Mac)

1. All graphics should be CMYK and saved as TIFF files
2. Graphics should be actual size and 300 dpi
3. Include all fonts used in the document

Common Errors

Art and Text Too Close to Trim

Text, borders, or images that are not meant to go the edge of your card must be 1/8" from the bleed edge of your layout. Images that are meant to go to the edge of your card must extend to bleed.

Low Resolution Images

Raster graphics such as TIFF's and JPEG's must have a resolution between 300 and 355 dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will definitely reproduce poorly on any press.

RGB Color and Mismatched Color

REMEMBER: RGB (red, green, blue) must be converted to CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) prior to printing. Check your color after you do the CMYK conversion, it may not look the way you expected. Colors on your screen will sometimes not match the final printed color exactly. If you are unclear as to how to match the colors please give us a call. Regardless of your settings, we do not guarantee color matches unless you request a color proof.

Wrong Size

Digital files must be built at the correct bleed size.

Wrong File Type

Our production process is such that we can only accept specific file types from specific professional graphic design applications. It is important that you prepare your files as suggested in the preparing your files section. If your application is not listed as an accepted format, your design will need to be redone in an industry standard graphic design application.

The Importance of "stuffing" or "zipping"
As your files travel across the internet, they can get stripped of vital code that identifies them as valid TIFF's or EPS's or whatever the original file types. Without packing or compressing your files, you run the risk of sending us incomplete or "corrupted" digital files.

Missing Images

You must supply ALL images used in your layout (we cannot print your order without them). If you do not supply your images, you will be asked to resubmit them.