Preferred File Formats

The ColorCentric manufacturing process is based entirely on a PDF (Portable Document Format) workflow. PDF files allow ColorCentric to effectively manage imposition and to reduce RIP (Raster Image Processing) times, thereby improving our throughput from job to job.

A PDF workflow means that no matter what file format we receive, ColorCentric will convert that file into PDF, therefore, it is preferred that we receive PDF files from our clients from the outset.

Application Files

Understanding that there is some hesitancy to provide PDF files based on previous experience, or through uncertainty, ColorCentric has provided this guide on how to best prepare PDF files that will work the first time through.

However, we are also cognizant that for a variety of reasons we may be required to receive an application file from our clients. Because this requirement exists, ColorCentric has provided the following list of application files that are acceptable from our clients, in their desired order.

1. Adobe InDesign
2. QuarkXpress
3. Adobe Illustrator
4. Adobe PageMaker
5. Microsoft Publisher (though not recommended for color critical documents)
6. Microsoft Word (though not recommended for color critical documents)

The application list above is available for both Macintosh and PC Operating Systems. However, the ColorCentric network is a PC based network and it is important to note that when emailing or sending files via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) from a Mac-based operating system that the files are either "zipped" (using WinZip) or "stuffed" (using Aladdin Software's Stuff It application).

* ColorCentric Corp. uses a PC-based network. It is important when sending files from a Mac-based system to ColorCentric that the files are either "Zipped" or "Stuffed". This process will eliminate the concern of fonts and other files being corrupted when they are received by ColorCentric.