To ensure the production process runs smoothly and for a predictable result, it is important that print-ready PDF files are supplied in a uniform manner. Enclosed you will find our guidelines for this.
Check by De Budelse
Upon receipt, the digital file is checked for possible errors. If we detect any ‘irregularities’, we will contact you.
What to supply
A print-ready PDF file per product/article. The PDF must be written according to the European sheet offset standard.
The correct settings for writing a PDF according to this standard are available via GWG (Ghent Workgroup); https://gwg.org/application-settings/
How to deliver
Wetransfer.com.
E-mail (up to max. 10 MB per e-mail message).
Delivery via FTP server.
You will need a username and password for this. With this information you will have access to your own folder, which are available via your contact person.
Technical specifications
If a print has a bleed, then at least 3 mm bleed.
Ensure that the page (the net size) is centered in the PDF.
Page 1 in the document is the outside of the packaging or the first page of a leaflet.
Page 2 in the document is the inside of the packaging or the second page of a leaflet.
Page 3 in the document is intended for packaging for technical matters such as braille, varnish, etc.
The dimensions must be 100% of the end product. Files are not enlarged or reduced in size.
Always supply files with crop marks.
Always supply files with trim box and media box.
Maximum colour composition may not exceed 300%. (The percentages of cyan, magenta, yellow and black added together).
Minimum line thickness positive: 0.12mm / negative: 0.18mm.
Indicate whether additional finishing and enhancements need to be carried out, such as: spot varnish, embossing, braille, foil, etc.
Barcodes
We advise you to read and observe the following before placing barcodes (EAN, data matrix, etc.); GS1 barcodeBarcodes
Barcodes preferably in black or dark support color, no CMYK / RGB structure. And do not place smaller than 80%.
Images
Image used, place 100% with a resolution of 300 DPI. If this is not possible, at least 150 DPI.
Colours
Convert files that are printed in full colour offset to CMYK.
For spot colours (Pantone) ensure that the colours are consistent (same name).
No RGB or LAB colours.
RGB images must always be converted to CMYK and this can lead to significant colour differences. Converting this is at the risk of the supplying party.
Set white text and areas to cut-out and do not use transparency or overprint.
Technical elements and refinements such as spot varnish, embossing, braille, foil etc. may never be in CMYK colours.
Technical elements and refinements always on overpressurize.
Die-cutting shapes
Only use die-cutting drawings supplied by De Budelse.
Do not reduce or enlarge the die-cutting drawing. Always place it at 100% in the layout.
Place the die-cutting shape and/or additional finishing steps in a separate layer.
The lines of a die-cutting knife must be set to overprint.
Call the color of the die-cutting lines “Artios_Cut” and 0.5 Pt thick. Score, slit and perforation lines may be called “Artios_Crease”. Make it a spot color and not CMYK.
Braille
Place any braille dots in a separate layer and give them a clear color indication. (not in CMYK but separate support colour).
BRAILLE GRID AND SAMPLE GRID
Braille grid should be at least 8 mm from the fold edges.
Always place at 100%. Do not reduce or enlarge.
Place the braille text outside the print image as typed readable text. Use the font to set braille, preferably from www.pharmabraille.com. This font must fit into our Braille pattern.
Max 23 characters on one Braille line.
Max 5 Braille lines in one pattern.
Braille fonts have a different character set for each language. So always use the correct character set for a language.
Download example template Indesign template
SUPPLYING OPEN FILES; ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR AND ADOBE INDESIGN
Open files from these software packages may be supplied, but always in combination with a print-ready PDF.
Save
Open files must be saved in the most recent software version of Indesign or Illustrator.
Use the “Package” function to collect your file, fonts and/or images completely. Only then can an open file be used for production
Fonts
If necessary, convert fonts to letter contours / outline. This prevents texts from disappearing or jumping. However, text corrections are then no longer possible
Trapping
Check whether the ‘overlap’ settings of illustrations and logos in Illustrator are correct.
Set white text and areas to cut out and do not use transparency or overprint.
Files for printing created in software packages such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Paint can produce unexpected results.
Do you have any questions about digital delivery? Please feel free to contact us by phone at +31 (0)495 498000.
We will be happy to answer all your questions.