PDF guidelines – at a glance

In order to guarantee a trouble-free processing, please deliver your data according to the following guidelines:

File format: PDF (for example PDF/X-4)
Colorspace: CMYK, all other color spaces will be converted to CMYK in the workflow process.
Spot color: Only in sheetfed printing spot colors are possible, please convert all unwanted spot colors already in the layout process.
Color profiles: Profiles in PDF files will not be respected.
Trim size: Single page PDF files, PDF must be created in the correct trim size. Trimbox must be contained, no spread pages.
Format cover with spine: As panoramic page: cover 4 + spine + cover 1 resp. cover 2 + spine + cover 3
Bleed: Minimum 3 mm. Crop and cut marks must also have a minimum distance from trim size of 3 mm.
Safety margin: Minimum distance from trim size 5 mm, at the binding edge 10 mm. In perfect binding products spread elements that cross over should be pulled back from the binding edge for 2 mm, between the covers and the first resp. the last content page for 5 mm each.
Image resolution: Contone 300 dpi, Lineart minimum 600 dpi.
Fonts: All fonts must be embedded.
Knockout/Overprint: Take care of the correct settings. There is no automatic correction.
Line width: Minimum 0,25 pt, for negative or colored lines minimum 1 pt.
File naming: Pagenumber_Version_Title.pdf (127_DE_JamesBond-Catalog.pdf), also for correction pages.
Varnish- and cutforms: Deliver in separate files, elements in the background are not allowed.
Changeable versions: Three ways of file preparations are possible:
1. Common (4c) and change elements (1c) in separate PDF files.
2. All versions in four-color PDF files (all common elements must be identical).
3. Layered PDF file, Common and change elements on separate layers in the same PDF file.
File testing: File testing in advance of producing is strongly recommended to ensure a trouble-free processing. For versioning jobs file testing is obligatory.
Checking files: Please check the PDF files visually and content-related in advance.
File transfer: Please transfer your files via our portal www.teamwork-net.de. teamwork-
net.de checks the data automatically during transmission. The result of this preflight can be viewed in teamwork-net.de.
Approval: We expect an approval of your submitted files. Please use our portal www.teamwork-net.de free of charge. When viewing, use the „Sort by position“ or use the „Preview“, because only then the pages are visible in the print order and you can approve the pages in the correct order.

Download: PDF guidelines (PDF, 50 KB)

Further information under the menue topic Generating PDF.

If you have any questions about the discussed points or need help with the applications, please do not hesitate to contact us.