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Output Order Form
Output Guidelines

Guidelines & Tips

We've put together some resources to help you get your files ready for printing. Bookmark this page. We'll stay on top of the technology so you don't have to.

Your print materials convey a message far beyond words, pictures and design. They're tools that tell people about you, your organization and your products or services. They are uniquely yours.

Producing high-quality, professional materials that get attention and a positive response should be your number one priority.Helping you accomplish that is ours.

City Press File Prep Guidelines

Every print job is unique. The more information we have about your print job, the better we can move your job through the printing process. Follow these guidelines when you prepare your files for print.

1. Complete an Output Order Form. Fill out the Output Order Form and submit it with your print job files and materials. The Output Order Form is where you tell us the specifics of your print job. Your sales representative can provide you with a supply of forms and help you complete the form, if necessary. Or you can download one from here and get started now. Output Order Form (32.6KB PDF)
2. Supply laser printouts (composite & separated at 100%) the way the job should print.
   Print out your job the way you want the job to look. We will double-check your print against ours to make sure we’re printing your job right.
3. Count, size and name all photos and art to be scanned to correspond with the lasers.
   Keeping track of and properly organizing all the materials that go into a print piece can help keep the job running smoothly.
4. Mark FPO scans on lasers. Name FPO links with the suffix of ".FPO" or ".lores".
5. Include a folding or layout dummy when necessary.
6. Use correct output formats. RGB, Index Color, and JPEG’s are not correct output formats. There is a charge to convert them to CMYK TIFF or EPS.
7. Make sure color names are consistent in all programs.
8. Supply fonts (printer & screen). If we don’t have the right fonts, your job will be delayed.
9. PAGEMAKER FILES — Supply all support files. If photos or artwork are stored in documents, files cannot be edited if needed.

How do I get started?

It's easy. Follow the steps below and you'll be on your way to getting your printing needs successfully fulfilled.

1. Decide what your needs are.
   Do you need a brochure, newsletter, or a complete business package? Do you know what you want it to look like?
2. Gather a few samples of similar projects.
   Think about the paper quality, colors and readability - the overall "look" - when selecting what appeals to you.
3. Meet with a sales representative to discuss your project parameters, which may include:
   • Budget - How much money can be spent on printing this project?
   • Job Description/Design - Has the project already been designed or is it in the conceptual phase? What kind of piece is it? Who will use it and how?
   • Size - What are the dimensions of your project? How many pages will it have?
   • Color - How many colors are in the design? Is there color on both sides of the printed piece?
   • Quantity - How many do you think you'll need? Is the content of your project "evergreen" or will it need to be updated soon? In many cases this can determine how many copies should be printed.
   • Paper Stock - What kind of paper will you use? Cover stock or text? Glossy or dull? Our sales representatives can help you with specifics regarding particular paper brands and availabilities.
   • Binding - How would you like your job finished and bound?
   • Special Features - Will a coating be applied? How should the die cuts be placed to hold business cards? How would you like the piece folded or trimmed?
   • Timeframe - When do you need the finished project to be delivered? With our computer-to-plate technology, we deliver fast turnarounds and there won't be any surprises.
   • Shipping - Are we delivering the project to you or another location?
4. Submit a quote request.
   Once you have some of the basic specifications down, complete and submit a quote request or contact your sales representative.
5. We'll contact you.
   We'll verbally respond to you to confirm receipt of your request form. You'll receive a quote by the end of the next business day by e-mail or by fax, whichever you prefer. And if we need additional information to put together a quote, we'll let you know.
6. Submit your order. Please contact your sales representative.
   If our print quote meets your approval, call or e-mail your sales representative.
7. Prepare your print job for delivery to City Press. Complete the design and layout of your project and prepare it for delivery to City Press.* (see Printing Tips and Guidelines.)
   *Keep your sales representative up to date if any changes occur to your job's printing specifications. Design changes may affect the original print quote.
8. We'll pick your job up.
   Now that your job is ready for the press, we'll come by and pick it up (Tucson area only). Please contact your sales representative to make arrangements.
   - OR -
   Transfer your electronic files online.
   Transmit your electronic files over the Internet through FTP or email. Contact your sales representative to make arrangements.