Software Programs 101

 

Which software program should I use?

 

At Mennonite Press, Inc. we strive to maintain the highest standards when printing your documents. We have the most popular computer software packages on the market in order to provide you with the best service possible. Although there are many programs to choose from, it helps to understand the primary purpose of each software suite if you want to produce documents of distinction.

While Mennonite Press can take almost any kind of file, there are some kinds of files which require additional prepress time and additional charges. If you do not have the program best suited for your production process, please contact us and we will be glad to help you make your project a success.

The information below will help you choose the best program to use when creating a document, whether the production process is offset printing or digital.

Adobe Acrobat PDF File is a converted Postscript file that, when created properly, includes all fonts, graphics, and components necessary to print your document exactly as you have created it.

This is the highly recommended way of saving files from both MAC and PC platforms for the commercial printer.


Page Layout Software allows you to use various elements (graphics, text, illustrations, etc.) to create a document. These programs create files designed for offset printing where color separations can then be produced. (verify color separations in any imported graphic or illustration before importing them into the document)

These programs require that all necessary elements be included with the file in order for it to print correctly. There are wizards in each program to collect all files for output to your commercial printer. For questions on your specific page layout program please contact us.

Examples of recommended Page Layout Software:
Adobe InDesign, QuarkXpress
Examples of not recommended and problematic Page Layout Software:
Microsoft Publisher, Adobe PageMaker


Image Manipulation/Scanning Software is used to scan photos or other artwork that can then be saved into a format to be used in a page layout program. Color editing and special effects are among the operations these programs can perform. This software ideal for converting graphics to the proper file format or for changing color modes for printing.

Examples of Imaging Software:
Adobe Photoshop


Illustration/Drawing Software is used to create graphic files that are designed to be used by other software programs. These are ideal programs for creating EPS files (vector based images that can be resized over and over with no loss of resolution). Be aware that modifications to your graphic file can only be done in its native application & version. Also, make sure that color mode is selected as CMYK when creating files. This will insure accurate color separations when the image in imported into a layout program.

One problem that frequently occurs with drawing programs is the use of fonts as part of the graphic. It is recommended that the fonts be changed into curves or outlines, which turns the font into an image within the image. After doing this, the text cannot be modified.

If files are built in Adobe Illustrator instead of a layout program, we will have to resave them in Encapsulated PostScript form (.eps) and then place them into QuarkXpress or InDesign before they can be processed. This will require additional prepress work and additional charges.

Illustration/Drawing Software should NOT be used as layout programs. They should only be used for graphic elements that would be placed into Adobe InDesign or QuarkXpress documents.

Mennonite Press recommends using Adobe InDesign or QuarkXpress programs to submit your files.

Examples of Illustration/Drawing Software:
Adobe Illustrator, Freehand, CorelDraw!


Word Processing Software should be used to input and revise text that will eventually be typeset and formulated in a page layout program. You can save money by typing your own text for output or for importing into another program. Page layout in these programs are not guaranteed from computer to computer and from printer to printer. Word Processing Software has limitations such as:

These programs are good for creating documents for office use or small quantity distribution only, and not for print production. Color capabilities are meant to be printed on desktop B&W or color printers only.

Examples of Word Processing Software:
Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, WordPerfect, Open Office


Presentation Software is designed to produce color transparencies, color copies or slides for resentations. This output is limited to producing output for presentations only. These programs have the same limitation as Word Processing Software in that they do not support color separations and that graphics placed in this software typically print out in low resolution.

These programs are good for creating slideshows, handouts, and booklets in an office environment only, and not for print production. Color capabilities are meant to be printed on desktop B&W or color printers only.

Examples of Presentation Software:
Microsoft PowerPoint


Spreadsheet Software is designed to produce charts and graphs that may be included in other documents or presentations. While the software may allow you to save the chart or graph as an EPS file, the graphic will not color separate. This type of software is designed for printing on desktop printers or B&W and color copiers.

These programs are good for creating documents for office use or small quantity distribution only, and not for print production. Color capabilities are meant to be printed on desktop B&W or color printers only.

Examples of Spreadsheet Software:
Microsoft Excel, Lotus