GRAPHIC DESIGN

- Includes flatbed scans of images
- Time to design and layout from your concepts
- Opening and inspecting files
- In person or phone consultations

LAYOUT REQUIREMENTS

Preflight to inspect outside files - $30.00
(if changes need to be made this will be at the hourly design rate of $60.00 per hour)

Programs we use on the Macintosh platform:
- QuarkXPress 6.5
- Adobe InDesign CS2
- Adobe Illustrator CS2
- Adobe Photoshop CS2
- Adobe Pagemaker (will be opened in InDesign)

- Graphics & photos must be at least 300 dpi for color or grayscale and 600 dpi for line art
- Color files must be converted to CMYK
- All fonts and graphics need to be included along with the file
- Please DO NOT embed imagines in the layout
- If not using one of the above applications, save files as a hi-res PDF, EPS or 300 dpi TIF

File Preparation for Paper Printing:
Project design is the place to begin. Each project needs a catalog number (any letters or numbers will do, ex: ABC-001) and a decision about a bar code. Once your files are in the proper format they will be output Direct to Plate. This allows us to maintain high quality printing with less setup costs than film.

It is important that the size of your layout fits our templates to ensure a professional look. Contact us for templates BEFORE you begin your layout. Insert, booklet and traycard layouts must include bleeds, CD and DVD face labels should not. Any bleeds need to extend 4mm or .125 inches around all edges. This allows for a margin of error in the cutting process so no blank paper will show.

COMPACT DISC LABEL FILM REQUIREMENTS.
You can supply the film for the compact disc label, or use this as a guide in the layout.

Lion Recording will be more than happy for you to supply the compact disc label film. Please follow these detailed instructions before having the film output at a service bureau.

Overview:
This film is for the printing (silk-screen) that goes on the compact disc. Most projects are 1-3 spot colors, but compact discs can be printed in CMYK+W as well. CD-Audio or CD-ROM can use the same film. Not all compact disc replicators can use the same film.

Film Preparation for the Compact Disc Label:

Once you have completed your design the files will be taken to a service bureau for the film output. Each design needs a catalog number (any letters or numbers will do, ex: ABC-001) and the compact disc logo.

1. Registration Marks
   The center point of the label is very important. A registration mark is needed in the center of the label and four registration marks are needed around the outside of the label, (registration marks need to be outside the print area). These marks are needed for one color or multicolor CD's.
2. Positives
   The film needs to be "RIGHT READING EMULSION SIDE UP POSITIVE". If the film is not "RIGHT READING EMULSION SIDE UP POSITIVE" it will not be usable. The film should be mostly clear with black indicating where the design is.
3. Line Screen and Trapping
   The line screen needs to be 120 lines per inch. The positive film needs to be output this way. A higher line screen will not be usable because the images will not print clearly. Trapping should be stipulated at 0.35 points, most service bureaus can do this for you.
4. Line Widths and Type Size
   Minimum line width is .15mm for lines or type face. Minimum type size 6 point.
5. Images and Donuts
   Halftones and images are OK. Keep in mind that a compact disc is silver. The image will look different on a compact disc than it will with a background on white paper. Many designers produce a background solid of white and have the image printed overtop that. Since 2-color printing is no more costly than 1 color, a solid donut of any color can be laid behind text to enhance a label. A piece of film needs to be supplied for each color. Even a solid color donut.
6. More Than One Color
   Multicolor labels require a separate piece of film for each color. Label each piece for the color desired. Use the "Pantone Matching System" numbers to indicate colors.
7. Laser Prints
   Laser prints of the artwork are nice but not required. They can be helpful for multicolor designs that are very abstract and proper orientation (top and bottom) are difficult to determine.
8. Bleeds
   The film cannot have any bleeds. The film needs to be in final form. Which means, it is ready to be shot for screens. Any bleeds will not allow the screens to be made.
9. Size
   The film needs to be the correct size to be usable.

Summary:
Common mistakes when producing Compact Disc label film are: 1) making a negative instead of a positive, 2) leaving off registration marks, 3) leaving the outside ring circle on the image once the film is output correctly the compact discs can be printed without delay. Feel free to have your service bureau or graphics designer give us a call with any questions.