Please take a moment to read through some of our most commonly asked questions. One might just answer that burning question you have right now.

1. Can Megee Print & Document Solutions handle my Microsoft files?
Yes! We support conventional and digital printing for Microsoft programs such as: Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel (charts and graphs with color!).

2. What programs do you support?
We handle all of the major design programs on both the MAC and PC platforms. These include but are not limited to: Quark Express, Illustrator, Photoshop, PageMaker, Adobe Acrobat (Pdf’s), Freehand (Mac only), and Corel Draw (call for conversion requirements).

3. What does it mean to convert Fonts to Outlines / Paths / Curves?
A good standard practice when working with traditional design and layout programs such as Illustrator, Freehand, and Corel, is to convert fonts into graphics. This ensures that text will appear exactly the way they are intended and bypass the need for inclusion of any fonts. Depending on the program used, the terminology changes, but the results are the same. When working in Illustrator, highlight all, and then use Create Outlines. Similarly in Freehand convert text to Paths, and in Corel convert text to curves. (Note: to avoid problems with Corel files, always convert type to curves then save as an Illustrator.ai file.)

4. What is the difference between RGB and CMYK, and will I notice a difference?
A common question when working with electronic files is whether they have been converted to CMYK or corrected for color. The availability of inkjet color desktop printers allow quick color “proofs” but often misleads the designer as to how the colors will look when printed with commercial printing equipment. The source of the problem is that many times artwork is available on CD or scanned into the computer in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) format. RGB is the format of visible light, whereas commercial printing using process colors that are comprised of the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) spectrum. The conversion of one color scheme to another can cause significant differences in the printed piece. It is best, therefore, to design in the CMYK format, and convert all scanned and stock artwork to CMYK before proofing to ensure that results are consistent when printed. When time permits, it is usually a good idea to request a proof of the piece for approval prior to going to press.

Digital printing from Microsoft programs historically has been the most problematic. With advances in digital “rip” engines, as with the engine that converts electronic files on our Indigo Platinum press, RGB conversions are done on the fly, and the resulting color consistencies have improved.

5. How do I setup my file for 2+ color printing with specific colors?
When setting up a file for printing in two colors or more, it is important to remember to specify the color before you begin designing the piece. Consistency in a color table is important. If you are separating colors into blue and black, use the same spec for blue (i.e. Pantone 072) and don’t mix it. If you separate part of the layout in Pantone 072 then accidentally change to Pantone Reflex Blue you have now created a three color project. You may not notice the difference on the screen depending on your monitor, but the resulting costs to have the piece re-separated in Prepress and the risk for errors to occur increase.

And remember, you can contact us any time you have a question. We’ll have the answer.

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