COLLECTING FOR OUTPUT

“Collecting” means gathering all of the files related to a particular job, including the font files, images, and the document file itself, and copying these files into a single job folder. You should also include preference files, extensions/plug-ins, libraries, dictionaries, and any other add-ons that may be necessary to output the file. Before sending files to Webcom, delete any unused style sheets that reference fonts not being used in the text; remove images that are positioned off the page or master page, unused spot colours, and images that have been suppressed from printing. The remaining collection of files should be sent to Webcom.

Some popular applications provide automated methods for collecting files. However, using dedicated preflighting software is still the best method to ensure that you are sending all elements of your digital document. Dedicated software will catch additional issues that may not be caught using the application’s built-in utility. Third party utilities may also provide instructions on how to correct those issues.

Do not rename artwork once it has been imported into your document, as the links will be broken. The electronic files should be placed on transportable media (disk, CD-ROM, etc.) and the media should be labeled appropriately.

In addition to sending the electronic files, you should include a printed directory of the disk window containing your job. The printed directory should show all files in hierarchical form. The directory should be sorted by name, with date and time showing. This can be done easily if you are using Macintosh System 7.0 or higher, or by using screen capture in Windows.