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Support » Guidelines » Preparation of Files for Printing

It is important to understand that the quality of a finished print depends on the quality of its source files. You can print virtually any image, whether the photograph is taken by an amateur or a professional photographer. However to achieve the best results, files from a camera or scanner are usually regarded as raw material, which requires further interpretation and processing.

As a rule, any image can be improved to varying degrees by simple or complex computer processing. The result of the improvement depends on the quality of the source file, the type of image, creative tasks, experience and the time available. Improvement of files when printing large format photographs is especially important. The tasks making up file preparation include checking, analysis of problems and possible means of improving the original, colour correction, control of contrast, brightness, saturation, sharpness, correction of selected areas (for instance, images of people), and so on.

To ensure the highest quality of any print, we recommend that you prepare the files, improving them through processing or at least controlling the colour rendition. This can be done in two ways:

1. Independently

If you are a user of graphics editors (for instance, Adobe Photoshop), you can process a file on your computer. An necessity for such independent file preparation is a calibrated monitor. To control out of range colours (the ones that go beyond the printing colour range) and subtle nuances of colour, we recommend using the paper profiles for our printing machines. You can find detailed information about the types of files and digital media in the "Support" section.

2. With the help of an operator from our digital department

You can use our paid service "additional image processing". In this case, when arranging an order you should specify your requirements i.e. what you would like to improve in the source file.

In case of Noritsu printing (and only in that case) colour correction is available free of charge. In all other cases, if you want us to check your files and, if possible, correct them you should order this additional processing. It is important to understand that in this case, the result will depend on the individual preferences of the operator performing any additional processing. Our company employs experienced specialists. However, if you feel it is necessary, you can of course check the result displayed on the monitor of the digital department or via the proofs.

• Technical Requirements for Files