ID Card Printing data

File formats

Digital data is required in a 1:1 scale. In general, we accept PDF files created with Adobe Acrobat Distiller version 4.05 or higher

as well as TIFF, EPS, PS and JPEG (in high quality 100%).

Processing and adapting of printing data, if necessary, will be charged for on a time and effort basis per unit of 15 minutes commenced. For other data formats, please contact us to check whether the files can be accepted.

Open data - CorelDRAW, Illustrator, InDesign, ...

If you are using a vector-oriented graphics program such as CorelDRAW or Illustrator, please send us the vector data without converting them to pixel graphics. The texts should be converted to paths/curves. We can accept the following open file formats: CorelDRAW, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (Windows-based only).

Data transmission

Please send your data on CD, DVD, USB flash drive or per e-mail (for data up to 10 MB).
Larger files can be transmitted via download link or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Please contact your respective PCS representative for details.

Printing processes

The following printing processes are used for printing cards:

• Offset printing (Euroscale, special colors)
• Screen printing (metallic colors etc.)
• Digital printing - offset (CMYK mode)
• Dye sublimation printing / retransfer (CMYK mode)
• 4-color halftone printing (CMYK mode)

Different printing methods may be combined to create special effects.

Colors

HKS and Pantone colors constitute closed color systems which are only partially compatible with

4-color printing (CMYK mode). The color value in question can only be approximated. The quality of approximation is also dependent on the specific color value. Reproducing the respective color values in CMYK mode is only possible to a limited extent.

Images

Images must be included as TIFF, JPG or EPS files. The resolution should be at least 300 dpi (color and b/w) or 1200 dpi (line scans) in a display size of 100%. Do not save ICC profiles with the images.

Fonts

To avoid problems with font types, please convert fonts to paths/curves or integrate any fonts used in the PDF.

TrueType fonts should generally be converted to curves/paths.

Please provide open data and only use Postscript fonts included with the transmitted data.

Do not use font modifications possible in some programs such as bold, italic, shaded etc. as these could cause irregularities in the print image.

Trimming and final format

Full-surface backgrounds and layout elements reaching up to the edges of the trimmed size (85.6 mm x 54 mm) must project into the trimming by 1.0 mm to compensate for possible trimming tolerances.

The trimming format must measure 87.6 mm x 56 mm (bleed margin of 1 mm all around).

Please avoid small margins (smaller than 2 mm) and pictures or texts placed too close to the edge to accommodate trimming tolerances. We recommend a distance of at least 4 mm.

Proofs

We will only recognize our own printouts as color-consistent (having accurate color-rendering). The same applies to printouts not created from the final format (PDF). We will be happy to provide a proof for you before print approval.

Complaints traceable to the transfer of incorrect printing data will not be accepted.