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All your files should be CMYK. The printing world operates in subtractive color, or CMYK mode. Cyan, magenta and yellow are subtractive colors; when printed on white paper, they absorb the light shining on the page. Since our eyes receive no reflected light from the paper, we perceive black. The K component in CMYK printing is used to indicate black instead of a B to avoid possible confusion over Blue ink. Every file submitted for production will include a full pre-flight analysis to identify issues that will prevent your project from looking how you want it to. We will then produce PDF proofs for you to review and approve before your job is run. It is much easier for all involved if you are aware up front that minor adjustments may be made to your files to ensure smooth transfers to the printing plates. It is critical you carefully check for changes made to your designs during proofing stages.

RGB

Additive color, or RGB mode, is optimized for display on computer monitors. If we combine red, green and blue light you will get white light. This is the principal behind the T.V. set in your living room and the monitor you are staring at now.

Tips

Illustrator
DMA prefers to work with Illustrator. Send us EPS files and stick to CMYK and Grayscale color modes when working on the paper parts of your project (booklets, traycards, etc). Outline your text and stay away from RGB. If you use Pantone Coated colors on anything paper, make sure that you notify us as well as provide the appropriate values (ie. PMS #___)

QuarkXpress
Familiarize yourself with the Edit | Colors dialog box. Use only CMYK mode and ensure that the spot color checkbox is off. Make sure that you are in control of which colors should separate into CMYK by installing a post script printer and using the output tab in the Print dialog window. Be aware that Quark's ability to represent color accurately is, shall we say, less than ideal. (use a swatch book!)

Photoshop
Your scanner almost certainly generates RGB information. Leave your color files in RGB mode until you need to finalize your project, or until you need to know CMYK ink values so you can match colors in another program. While you are working you can check how your files are going to look by turning on the "CMYK preview" mode. Don't make repeated changes between RGB and CMYK mode, every time you switch, valuable info may be lost. One switch is no problem; 20 switches makes a difference. So why not simply switch to CMYK mode as soon as possible? The SWOP CMYK gamut is pretty small. If you ever want to reproduce those files for a different medium such as the web, you will have thrown away some potentially useful information.





		HOME PRODUCTS About DMA Services available Product info Packaging options Samples QUOTES TESTIMONIALS FORMS and FILE UPLOAD HOW TO GUIDES/TIPS Replication vs Duplication CMYK vs RGB Other things you need to know DMA FAQ Glossary of terms LINKS LOCATION CONTACT
			Toll Free 1.877.736.5596
	Do you want to go green? DMA’s New Years resolution is to help our clients adopt a greener attitude. We now offer you the possibility of printing your packaging on eco-friendly material. Make your next CD or DVD with a “green” Digipak, where both the tray and the board are 100% recycled. Feel free to contact us		CMYK All your files should be CMYK. The printing world operates in subtractive color, or CMYK mode. Cyan, magenta and yellow are subtractive colors; when printed on white paper, they absorb the light shining on the page. Since our eyes receive no reflected light from the paper, we perceive black. The K component in CMYK printing is used to indicate black instead of a B to avoid possible confusion over Blue ink. Every file submitted for production will include a full pre-flight analysis to identify issues that will prevent your project from looking how you want it to. We will then produce PDF proofs for you to review and approve before your job is run. It is much easier for all involved if you are aware up front that minor adjustments may be made to your files to ensure smooth transfers to the printing plates. It is critical you carefully check for changes made to your designs during proofing stages. RGB Additive color, or RGB mode, is optimized for display on computer monitors. If we combine red, green and blue light you will get white light. This is the principal behind the T.V. set in your living room and the monitor you are staring at now. Tips When designing for CMYK printing there are a few application tips to follow: Illustrator DMA prefers to work with Illustrator. Send us EPS files and stick to CMYK and Grayscale color modes when working on the paper parts of your project (booklets, traycards, etc). Outline your text and stay away from RGB. If you use Pantone Coated colors on anything paper, make sure that you notify us as well as provide the appropriate values (ie. PMS #___) QuarkXpress Familiarize yourself with the Edit \| Colors dialog box. Use only CMYK mode and ensure that the spot color checkbox is off. Make sure that you are in control of which colors should separate into CMYK by installing a post script printer and using the output tab in the Print dialog window. Be aware that Quark's ability to represent color accurately is, shall we say, less than ideal. (use a swatch book!) Photoshop Your scanner almost certainly generates RGB information. Leave your color files in RGB mode until you need to finalize your project, or until you need to know CMYK ink values so you can match colors in another program. While you are working you can check how your files are going to look by turning on the "CMYK preview" mode. Don't make repeated changes between RGB and CMYK mode, every time you switch, valuable info may be lost. One switch is no problem; 20 switches makes a difference. So why not simply switch to CMYK mode as soon as possible? The SWOP CMYK gamut is pretty small. If you ever want to reproduce those files for a different medium such as the web, you will have thrown away some potentially useful information.
			Feel free to contact us anytime! 1.877.736.5596 or customerservice@dmadiscs.com

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CMYK

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Tips