Technical specification for newspaper reproduction

Pdf Specification

Please use the Trinity Mirror Printng application preset to generate your files to the ISO standard 12647-3. This is a standard for coldset newspaper printing and includes stipulations for pre-press.

more info

 

Coloured Text

Recommended minimum size for coloured and reversed out text is 8pt bold in no more than two colours. Please make sure all coloured and white text is set to knockout. Please avoid the use of 4 colour or RGB black text.

 

Overprint Settings

When producing pdf files for our workflow it is very important that you pay attention to the Attributes/ Overprint settings in InDesign, Illustrator and other dtp applications. Incorrect use can result in un predictable results. This sample shows some common problems. Adobe now have built in the overprint preview option into Acrobat Reader, Pro, InDesign and Illustrator. But i would recommend always checking this with the separation preview option in Acrobat Professional. Please note that when you produce proofs to a composite printer you will not see this effect. It only shows within a separated printing process. If you have requested to have jpeg proofs of your files this will show any overprint issues.

 


Image Resolution

For correct image reproduction the ppi should be twice the printed screen. Currently all of the plates produced by Trinity Mirror Printing are output at 100# screen at a resolution of 1016 dpi (dots per inch).

 

 

 

Image Type

Target Resolution (pixels per inch)

CMYK rasterised

200 ppi

Grayscale rasterised

200 ppi

Lineart

1016 ppi


Please note that if your 200ppi image is scaled in your dtp application the effective resolution will change. Eg: A 200ppi original image scaled at 200% will change the effective resolution to 100dpi.

 

Pantone and Spot Text

All Pantone and spot colours used in your document should be converted to cmyk before creating your output pdf file.

 

Dot Gain

Please remember to allow for dot gain when producing artwork. When you use a 50% tint in your application it will actually reproduce on newsprint as a 76% tint! This table will show you what to expect. The Isonewspaper26v4.icc profile has been based on the above dotgain.

 

Tint value (Artwork)

Press Dotgain

Actual Printed Value

2%

2.5

4.5%

4%

5

9%

6%

7.1

13.1%

8%

9.1

17.1%

10%

11.1

21.1%

15%

15.5

30.5%

20%

19

39%

30%

24

54%

40%

26.1

66.1%

50%

26

76%

60%

23.9

83.9%

70%

19.8

89.8%

80%

14.3

94.3%

85%

10.9

95.9%

90%

7.6

97.6%

95%

3.8

98.8%

Measured using the Yule-Nielsen formula more info

 

Typefaces

 

Sans serif type faces are the best choice for newsprint reproduction. Type faces with thin or delicate serifs and strokes, and non-uniform character thickness, should be avoided. Extremely thin stokes can drop out in the conversion process, while thick strokes can fill-in on the press. For clarity and readability, we recommend using type sized at least 7 points.

 

 

 

 

 

TAC Total Area Coverage

 

To avoid problems with drying and set-off The maximum total coverage should be no more than 240%. This can be achieved by separating all images with the ISOnewspaper26v4.icc profile. The maximum depth in an image is reproduced with Cyan 59 %, Magenta 45 %, Yellow 41 % and Black 95 %. The file name "V4" stands for: Version 4 of the standard ICC profile, older systems may need a version 2 profile.