PREPARING YOUR WORK
Ensuring success and quality.
Document Preparation
Print Ready Files
Using InDesign, prepare all files and documents with .125” bleeds and place high resolution images at a scale that keeps images at 200DPI or higher (see Photoshop Image Preparation > Image Resolution for more info). When packaging InDesign files, include links, fonts and any special instructions.
Note: If you are sending RGB images we can convert them for you. When converting RGB images to CMYK, it is best to use our color conversion profile (see Photoshop Image Preparation > RGB to CMYK Conversion for more info).
Photoshop Image Preparation
RGB to CMYK Conversion
For RGB to CMYK image conversion, it is best to use our GracoL2006_Coated1v2.icc profile.
Download GracoL2006_Coated1v2.icc profile.
Load Color Profile
Open your hard drive folder. Then open Library > Color Sync > Profiles, drag and drop in the supplied profile “GRACoL2006_Coated1v2.icc”.
Convert Images to CMYK
1. Launch Photoshop. Open the image, choose Use the embedded profile.
2. Open RGB file, Edit > Convert to profile. In the “Convert to profile” window select the GRACoL2006_Coated1v2.icc profile from the drop down under Destination Space.
Use Conversion Engine: Adobe (ACE) Intent: Relative Colorimetric. Click on both boxes below.
3. Save as a “.tif” file, be sure embed profile is checked and set at GRACoL2006_Coated1v2.icc.
Image Resolution and Size
Check Resolution and Size of Image in Photoshop
1. In the toolbar click on Image > Image size, the “Image Size” window shows width, height and resolution.
2. When placing the image in a document, size matters! For example when placing an image at 200% it cuts the resolution in half, scaling it to 50% doubles the resolution.
Exporting PDF's from InDesign
There are two possible workflows using PDF’s in InSite. You can upload individual PDF’s of each page, or you can upload one PDF of all you text pages, and if applicable a separate PDF of the cover. While uploading a single large PDF is easier, compare features in InSite will not function correctly.
Image Resolution
To check an image resolution in InDesign, go to the Links palette > Panel Options > Click on the Effective PPI. Now in the Links palette you will have a column for Effective PPI (which is the resolution). All images should be at least 200PPI or higher for quality printing. If an image is low resolution you can place it at a smaller size and the resolution will increase. If image is not at least 200PPI, the image will print pixelated.
Meridian Export Setting
Download Meridian_400DPI.joboptions export settings.
How to Load Meridian Export Setting
In InDesign select File on the toolbar > Adobe PDF Presets > Define. Click “Load” and navigate to the Meridian export settings file: “Meridian_400DPI.joboptions”. Then click “Open”
Note: These settings will now be available when you export a pdf from Indesign.
Single Page Exporter Script
Download Export Script: PageExporterUtility5.0.1.jsx
Installing Single Page Exporter Script in InDesign.
First open your Hard Drive folder. Then Applications > Adobe InDesign > Scripts > Scripts Panel. Copy the file “PageExporterUtility5.0.1.jsx” to the Scripts Panel folder. Next open your InDesign file.
Note: Make sure your Scripts panel is open, if not go to Window on the toolbar > Utilities > Scripts. In the Scripts window you will now see “PageExporterUtility5.0.1.jsx”.
How to Properly Name Automated Workflow PDF’s
Enter a base name for your files, less than 12 characters. The Page Exporter adds “.P01” etc. to the base name. Page 1 will be named “basename.P01”, page 2 will be named “basename.P02” and so on. Documents over 100 pages will start with “basename.P001”. In the “Start[-End] Page” field the default is “All”. You can specify a range (1-10,30-38) or singles separated by commas (1,3,7,8,44,88).
Note: Use the same basename for corrections. This naming convention is critical in an Automated Workflow.
Exporting Single Page PDF’s
In the Scripts Window, double click on “PageExporterUtility5.0.1.jsx”. A dialog box will open, name your pdf and select PDF under the Output Format. Then click OK. Next you will see a drop down menu to select your “PDF Export Preset”. Choose “Meridian_400DPI”.You will then be prompted to choose the output location. Create a new folder. Then click open. Upon export completion you will see a successful message.
InSite
InSite Overview
InSite is very intuitive, easy to use, and works with most current browsers. Using the actual processed files, you can flip through your piece in a preview mode; review and compare corrections from previous versions; make edits and annotations; and mark pages for corrections or final approval once everything has been reviewed and is OK to print. The system allows you to upload files and download a PDF or image of a page. Up to 10 users can collaborate or review the same document, without delays or email. These are just some of the features that are available through InSite.
How to Log In
Request a Username and Password
Request a user name and password from your salesperson, Customer Service Representative, or from our website at meridianprinting.com/login. You will receive an email notification with a username and password. Multiple users can be set up to review the job, however only one person can take the role of Customer Approver.
Note: If you see this red warning screen upon login, please update your browser or use Google Chrome.
Uploading
Uploading Files
Once you log in, you will be presented with a list of active jobs. To upload or download, click on the job you want to view. For Simple Uploads it will be the one that has “UPLOADS” at the end of its name.
Note: You must zip font files to avoid font corruption.
Simple Upload
After clicking on the “Uploads” Job, select the “Upload Files” button. In the Upload Files window enter a name for your upload. Add any necessary notes. Drag your files into the upload area. Click “Upload” to proceed.
Automated Upload
If you have pre-arranged our automated imposition setup you must follow the instructions below. If you are interested in learning about your automation options, please contact your salesperson.
Prepress will need specific info in order to set up job Automation. Page Size, Page Count, Binding style, Customer Approver and possibly a Customer Reviewer. Automating a job requires single page PDFs with .125 bleed. Exporting single pages please review our InDesign tab > Single Page Exporter Script. When exporting the cover and inside cover do not use our single page exporter. Images must be converted to CMYK unless they are grayscale in that case convert images to Dot Gain 20%. Files must be uploaded all at once into the upload area. Any corrections must be uploaded with the exact same name as the original file. Once files are processed you will receive a notification email requesting Approval. You can review, approve, or reject pages. (Add notes for rejections)
Downloads
Downloading InSite Preflight PDF’s
From the job screen, click the “Downloads” down arrow on the top right. A list of files will appear, select the files you want to download and click “Download Selected”. A window will pop up to let you know when the download is complete and where to find the files. Usually you can find your files in the ”Downloads” folder on your computer.
Note: To download a pdf of a page on InSite, right click on the page and select the quality and type of file you want. If you do not see a file you need, please contact us. Edge and Internet Explorer have a 2 GB maximum file size, we recommend using Google Chrome.
Page View
Page View
On the main job list page click the job you wish to review. In Page View, you can view pages as list or gallery to review and approve/reject each page of your document.
1. Slide icon to enlarge pages.
2. View pages as a list or gallery.
3. Sort by name, date or position.
Note: You can view the history of the job by clicking on the history icon.
Smart Review
Reviewing Pages
On the main job list page click the job you wish to review, then select Smart Review. Below is a list of ways to thoroughly review and approve/reject each page of your document.
1. Page List
2. Page Preview
3. View and zoom tools (Top Center)
a. Single View
b. Spread View
c. Compare view
Comparing corrections (See “Compare Mode”)
d. Rotate Tool
e. Zoom Tool
f. Best Fit
g. Fit to Width/Actual Size/ Full Screen
4. Annotation Toolbar (Top Right)
a. Move Tool
b. Text Tool
c. Ruler
d. Square Ruler
4. Annotation Toolbar (Continued)
e. Horizontal Guide
f. Vertical Guide
g. Densitometer
5. Information Panels (Right Panel)
Info – Page size, trim, crop and bleed.
Preflight (See “Preflight Reports”)
Separations – View color separation.
Annotations – Notations made by page.
Collaboration – Shows notes to other reviewers.
(Can not be used in “Compare Mode”)
Chat – Comments to others reviewing the job.
6. Approver/User Status Panel (Bottom Center)
a. Approve
b. Status of Collaborator
c. Reject
Approve or Reject Options
If you have a Customer Approval role you will be able to Approve or Reject pages. If you have a Reviewers role you may only Review. Once a page has been Approved or Rejected an email notification will be sent out to all interested parties.
Approve: No further action is needed. Once approved it is locked.
Reject: You will need to upload a new version with the exact same name to replace it.
Request Correction: You can annotate the page to explain corrections. Once “Request Correction” is applied you cannot annotate the page.
Note: In Page List View you can select all or multiple pages to Approve or Reject.
Compare Mode
You can compare different versions of a page side by side or stacked with the Synchronized View or Align Views. The third panel will show the difference between the two pages. It can be viewed in Toggle, Absolute or Difference mode. The information panel to the far right will show both pages simultaneously.
Preview Mode
Preview Mode
On the main job list page click the job you wish to review, then select Preview. In Preview Mode, you can view pages as a flip book to review and approve/reject each page of your document.
1. View Pages as singles or spreads with these icons.
2. Toggle this icon to view pages with or without bleed.
Preflight Reports
Once preflight is completed on each page a small plane icon will display with the page status. Green for good. Yellow for issues that do not meet our standards, possibly RGB or low resolution images. Red for pages that need attention. Any corrected pages must be uploaded with the exact same name as the original file.
Note: In Page View you can change the “Status” to “Approval Requested” to view only pages that need approval. In Smart Review, specific information about a warning or error will be listed in the Preflight panel to the far right.
