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Pre-Press Responsibilities

The prepress department at a printing house plays a crucial role in preparing digital files for printing. Here is how we add to your team:


Preflighting: Our team meticulously verifies all manufacturing specifications required for printing. Such as image resolution, color, quality, fonts, and formatting.

Raster Image Processing (RIP): Our specialized software efficiently converts digital files into a format compatible with printing presses. This step guarantees the accurate reproduction of the layout and design.

Color Correction and Separation: Adjusting images to achieve the desired color balance and consistency across all print materials.

Proofing: Generating digital proofs for client approval and making adjustments as needed, based on feedback.

Imposition Layouts: Arranging the pages of a layout to ensure efficient use of paper and proper alignment during printing.

Plate Making: Producing printing plates using computer-to-plate (CTP) machines.

Troubleshooting: Resolving any issues that may arise with the digital files, such as file corruption or incompatible formats.

Boxes

Printing Basics

RGB Box

RGB

RGB is a device-dependent color paradigm that can only be effectively used on screens. This relates to the colors you can see on the screen right now; they do not translate the same way when printed.

  • RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue.
  • RGB on the digital space will not create the same output on the physical print.
  • RGB color space is usually converted to CMYK before creating the artwork.
CMYK Box

CMYK

The CMYK color model refers to the four fundamental pigment colors used in four-color process printing and serves as the industry standard for all print-related mediums.

  • CMYK blends four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) to create new colors. 
  • This is also known as the four-color process.
  • Printing with CMYK allows for a larger color gamut.
  • Is much more affordable than Pantone.
Image Resolution

Image Resolution

Image resolution refer to the amount of detail or clarity in an image, video, or display. This means that the content seems less sharp and detailed than its high-resolution counterparts.

  • Resolution can significantly impact image quality and sharpness.
  • Colors can also appear less vibrant and accurate.
  • Low resolution can affect the quality of printed materials.
Pantone Color Matching

Pantone Color Matching

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a global leader in color language and design. It is a regulated color matching system that provides precision for a certain type of color and is coded through a numbering system, often known as Pantone numbers. This color is blended in house and validated for each production run.

  • It has an incredibly high range of tones offering exact color matches.
  • PMS is excellent for designing branded packaging as it creates a uniform color code.
  • Recognized globally as a leading source of color expertise.
Offset Printing

Offset Printing

Offset printing is a method favored for its high-quality output, making it ideal for custom paperboard packaging. It excels in producing sharp images, vibrant colors, and intricate designs, ensuring that packaging meets professional standards. Compared to flexographic and digital printing, offset printing stands out for its superior image quality, color accuracy, and material compatibility.

  • Offset printing delivers higher resolution and finer detail than flexo and digital printing. 
  • It provides superior color fidelity, essential for maintaining brand consistency. 
  • Offset prints are more durable and resistant to wear, making them suitable for packaging that endures handling. 
AM vs FM printing example

AM vs FM printing

AM and FM printing are two fundamental techniques in the printing industry, each offering distinct methods for creating images. AM printing, or amplitude modulation, utilizes varying dot sizes to represent different tones, while FM printing, or frequency modulation, employs uniform dot sizes with varying frequencies to achieve tonal variations. Understanding these techniques is crucial for selecting the right printing method for specific needs.

  • AM Printing uses varying dot sizes to create images, with equal spacing and consistent ink density, resulting in seamless tone images when viewed from a distance.
  • FM Printing employs uniform microdots that vary in frequency to produce tonal values, effectively reducing moiré patterns and enhancing halftone reproduction.
  • Both methods involve strategic arrangements of dots to prevent visual issues, with FM screening providing early identification of potential problems through thorough evaluations.

What We Use

Epson Printer with Spectroproofer

Epson Printer with Spectroproofer

An advanced in-line spectrophotometer was created in collaboration with X-Rite. Enables automated color measurement directly on compatible Epson printers when utilized with a supporting third-party workflow RIP. The Epson Spectro Proofer features automatic color calibration and generates proof verification, ensuring that your proofs adhere to the selected color accuracy standards.

  • The In-Line Epson SpectroProofer® automates the processes of color calibration and proof verification for proofing applications, seamlessly integrating with third-party RIP and workflow software.
  • Introducing the advanced 12-channel PrecisionCore printhead designed for exceptional speed and efficiency.
  • Wide range of colors.
  • Exceptional durability in print quality.
Global Vision

Global Vision

Automatically inspect artwork files with precision down to the pixel with GlobalVision’s Graphics Inspection tool. More than a simple overlay, catch any deviations between version changes and ensure no unintended errors have been introduced. Compare hardcopy samples to digital files for off-line inspections that protect against all types of errors.

  • Inspect layers and separations.
  • GlobalVision pinpoints exact differences and errors in text and artwork with pixel-to-pixel accuracy.
  • Reduce the risk of costly reprints.
Esko

Esko

Designed to maximize automation within prepress department and beyond – supplying right first time proofs to customers and high-quality print-ready files.

  • High-performance prepress workflow automation that is both powerful and user-friendly.
  • Designed to automate workflows across various printing techniques.
  • Automatically create job reports and 3D views for easy-to-read reports.
  • Automate quality checks.
We Have Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question not addressed here, please click the link below to view more.

View All FAQ

How do I send you artwork?

Do you offer graphic design services?

What file formats do you accept?

Can I make changes to the die line provided by Royal Paper Box?

Can I flatten the die line layer with my artwork layer?

Will I receive a proof before printing?

Will the final carton color match the proof I receive from pre-press?

Royal paper Box

Contact Us

Need assistance with your project? Send us a note and our sales team will reach out for more information. We have a structural design and rapid prototyping department that help you.

For immediate attention call us!
Telephone (323) 728-7041

Business Hours
Monday thru Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00PM

Royal Paper Box Co Building

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