Constructing files for newsprintBack to Specs

Colour Modes

CMYK vs. RGB

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the additive colour space used to display images on a computer monitor. The RGB color mode is not used in printing. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) is the subtractive colour space used in printing images. It is also known as process colour. All images, type and graphics must use the CMYK colour space.

Spot Color vs. CMYK

If spot colors are to be printed they must use Pantone uncoated solid/spot colour space and must not be edited to CMYK. Gazette Press will convert these files to CMYK as required. Please be aware that significant colour shifts may occur.

Colour - Total Ink Coverage

Total ink limit requires consideration when printing several colors on top of each other. Do not use a combination of inks exceeding 200% total ink coverage.

Image Resolution

Web offset printing (newspaper)

The resolution at which you scan your images is very important. As a rule, all continuous tone pictures should have a resolution of 200 dpi at actual size used. All line art should have a resolution of at least 600 dpi at actual size used. 72dpi images taken from the Internet will produce very poor results and must be avoided.

Images - total Ink Limit

Web offset printing (newspaper)

The maximum density in color photos should not exceed 200% newsprint, electrabrite, book stock. Exceeding this percentage will cause images and screens to plug and cause offsetting of inks. Use our Photoshop colour setting file (download below) when converting from RGB to CMYK and RGB to Grayscale and embedding the profile, you will ensure that total ink doesn't exceed 200%, apply the proper GCR and appropriate dot gain to your images.
To download GPL200limit.cs file click here
To download "how to install GPL200limit.cs" tutorial file click here

Image Manipulation

Highlight and shadow

Web press printing (newspaper) should have a highlight not less than 2% and a maximum of 95% in the shadow area. This will give the greatest amount of detail. Line screen is 100 lpi.

Type

Black text

Black text/type must not be created using a multi-colour build (CMYK). Do not apply "rich black" to any text. Text that is to appear "black" must contain black ink information only. Multi-colour builds will result in poor registration, offsetting and a generally dirty print job.

Reverse text

Reverse text/type out of single colour screens should not be smaller than 12 point. When reverse san-serif type is used in multi-colour builds, type should be a minimum of 14 point. Serif reverse type should not be smaller than 18 point. When using the same colour type in a graduated screen, the screen should not exceed 40% at the location of the type. Fine black type and/or graphics should overprint background elements rather than knocking out the background.

Colour text

Colour text/type should be a minimum of 14 point for san-serif type. Serif type should not be smaller than 18 point.

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