File Preparation: Generating PostScript Files

Generating Reliable PostScript Files

The PostScript page description language makes good sense for both document storage and output, so most commercial printers and service bureaus have output devices that utilize PostScript. In order to process your digital file for copying or offset printing, it should be saved in the PostScript page description language which is the standard for the computer graphics arts industry.

The EPS format is native to most Adobe™ applications and other desktop publishing applications such as Quark Xpress™ and Corel Draw™ include "Save Page as EPS" functions. We highly recommend that you use professional desktop publishing applications that allow you to save an EPS file directly from your File menu. However, it is still possible to generate reasonably reliable PostScript files from applications such as Microsoft Publisher™ that do not support PostScript via your computer's PostScript Print to Disk utility, or even better – creating a "Press Ready" PDF using Acrobat Distiller™. Click here to learn more about creating PDFs.

Saving your file as a PostScript/Print to Disk file eliminates the need for your printing company to have the original software application. They can use the PostScript Print to Disk file as the computer equivalent of "camera ready art". Since the main desktop operating systems provide drivers for PostScript printers, it is easy to set up such a print driver and print to it. Select the link that is appropriate for your operating system to learn how:

[ PostScript for Macintosh OS ] [ PostScript for Windows ]

Please keep in mind that PostScript Print to Disk feature is not a universal substitute for professional desktop publishing applications that are designed for creating PostScript-compatible digital art. Documents to be "Saved as PostScript" files must be correctly prepared. Though some utilities now make it possible to modify some elements of these documents, they are generally considered uneditable and the customer is ultimately accountable for their content.

Before creating a PostScript Print to Disk file, all selections for printing must be modified to match the requirements of our particular output device; i.e., imagesetter driver selected, right reading, emulsion down, etc. Talk with us to be sure the file is set up properly and that it will work with our equipment. Trapping issues might need to be addressed, as well as APR/OPI workflows. Sometimes it may be required to pre-separate the pages. Font information should be included as well. Because they bundle all elements into one file structure, these files can get fairly sizeable. The advantage, however, is that when these "Saved as PostScript" files are well-prepared, they can move efficiently through processing and require little intervention. We typically request that you send along an open or original file as well as the "Saved as PostScript" as added insurance in case modifications are necessary.

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