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Please take a few moments to enjoy the most recent issue of Printer@Work below before you
Return to fastprintingandsigns.com.

FAST PRINTING & SIGNS PRESENTS
OCT
3
PRINTING IS OUR PASSION.
WELCOME TO TEN MINUTES OF GOOD NEWS AND FUN STUFF FROM YOUR FAVORITE PRINTER!
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A Message from Fast Printing & Signs
The Way I See It
 

The Next Chapter

I recently came across this inspiring quote which really hit home. I thought you would enjoy these words of wisdom as well.

“Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.” - Bob Goff

Here’s the way I see it: Blessed are those who replace fear of the unknown with curiosity. Have faith in your ability to figure things out as you go, and be open to writing the next chapter of life without knowing how it ends.

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Idea of the Week
Kiss Print Hassles Goodbye by Packaging Print-Ready PDFs
PERFECTLY PACKAGED IN EVERY WAY

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Crafting the perfect design is like putting together a puzzle. It starts with a simple concept or vision. But as ideas evolve, your project comes to life in your design software. Fonts are sized, graphics are imported, and colors are blended until the project is perfect.

When your “puzzle” is complete, you are ready to send it to your printer. But you can’t just send your masterpiece (your finished InDesign file) alone; you have to send along the individual pieces you used. Why? Because what looks like a complete InDesign file is actually just a small preview that maintains links to the original files outside the document. To send a complete package to print, you must include all the fonts and any graphics you imported into your design along the way.

Don’t worry! You don’t have to keep track of all these pieces alone. InDesign will walk you through the steps to collect and package everything you need. Start with four simple steps:


1) Before sending a package to print, eliminate unnecessary information like previous file versions and unused color swatches. Run your package through a final quality check. Did you submit high-resolution photos, best quality logos, and appropriately marked bleeds in your PDF files?

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2) Open file. Choose: File > Package.
Dialog boxes in the package tab will display a summary panel with an overview of the packaging process, including details on fonts, links and images, colors and inks, print settings, and external plug-ins. These tabs will point out missing fonts, color inconsistencies, and potential production problems. Click through each of these tabs to catch any mistakes before continuing.

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3) Move to the lower right corner of the package dialog box and click the oval titled “package.” A “Printing Instructions” dialog box will appear. Here you’ll submit your contact information and any other project notes your printer should reference.

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4) After updating your instructions, click Continue. A “Create Package Folder” dialogue will offer you a standard save option or tweaks on final details. Here a PDF preset can be set up or selected, so it exactly matches the workflow of a specific commercial printer.

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Export Preset Options

InDesign allows for PDF presets that enable designers to choose between high quality, press quality, or the smallest file size presets. Each preset will embed fonts and images and capture your design perfectly.

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When packaging a PDF file, always consult with us in advance to save on time, labor, or unnecessary stress. We’re here to make things flow as smoothly as possible!

See more great ideas like this!
Click here to visit the Fast Printing & Signs - Ideas Collection.
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Marketing Tip
Meet Your Product
EDUCATE CUSTOMERS ABOUT YOUR PRODUCTS

A product introduction marketing piece can be a great way to educate customers about your products.

For example, if you purchase a new Shark vacuum, you will likely see a brochure or card in the packaging that thanks you for choosing a Shark and includes specific details about the model you purchased.

Whether you create a mini brochure, flyer, or even a simple postcard, you can provide product highlights, assembly instructions, special features, warranty information, and a resource link for more details. You can also mention if your product is available in more colors and sizes, or has upgrade options or complementary accessories available.

If you’d like ideas to create the perfect introductory marketing tool for your products or services, our experienced team would love to help! We look forward to hearing from you.

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Uncommon Product
Tri-Panel Folders
A HELPFUL PRESENTATION TOOL FOR MANAGING MULTIPLE PROJECTS

Tri-panel pocket folders (featuring three pockets) are a helpful organization tool for managing multiple projects, events, or presentations holding up to 150 sheets of paper. The third panel not only offers more storage for documents, but also more space for showcasing your messaging, advertising, or branding elements.

You may customize your folders with full color imprint on all panels and pockets, as well as adding business card slots, brochure slits, and much more! We offer many paper stock options and finishing touches, such as custom foil stamping or embossed logos.

Give us a call if you’d like to see samples or need help designing the perfect folder for your organization.

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Tech Tip
Google Transcription Tools
QUICKLY SEARCH RECORDED MEETING NOTES

Did you know that Google offers free transcription tools? Whether you prefer speaking over typing, or you want to quickly search recorded meeting notes for relevant content, here are two Google options:

Google Docs voice tool converts speech into text. You can use it during meetings or video conferences to transcribe the conversation as it occurs, or it can transcribe recordings. Simply open a new Google Doc and select Tools > Voice Typing. Click the microphone icon, which will turn red, and start transcribing.

  • Note: if you leave the Google Docs page, the microphone will automatically shut off.

  • Note: You can expect spelling and grammar discrepancies and a lack of punctuation. If you are using this as a talk-to-text tool, you may want to verbally add punctuation as you speak. For example, “Today was a good day, exclamation point.”

Another transcription option is Google’s Live Transcribe - an Android app that transcribes audio to your phone’s screen live, which includes accurate punctuation. It was designed as an accessibility feature for people who have hearing loss but can be a great tool for anyone taking notes, conducting an interview, or simply transcribing voice audio to text. Just install the app, load it, and it immediately begins transcribing. Live Transcribe will save a transcription for three days, but you can copy and paste the transcription into a document if you want to save it longer.

If you’d like helpful tips when creating your next important printing project, our team is full of great ideas! Stop by or give us a call today.

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Fun@Work

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