Frequently Asked Questions.    
         
 
What are the line screen and scanning resolutions for The Pharos Press?
Line screen for our new presses is 100. Minimum scanning resolution is 200 dpi. There are a number of reasons to consider using higher file resolution. Details are available if you would like to contact us.		  
       
  Why is registration so inconsistent between days, and even between the same ad on the same day in two separate papers?
Registration - lining up the print colors on the press - needs attention throughout every press run. Primary factors that cause registration problems are changing press speed and newsprint variation. A paper printed as the press speed increases may have slight variations from a paper printed five minutes later once the press is at a constant speed. Registration is one of the primary issues we continue to monitor throughout a press run.		  
       
    Why can't we use PMS (pantone) or RGB colors in our ad?
The Pharos Press prints with four ink colors in all cases: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK). All color elements - photos, boxes etc. - are made from these colors. Creating files with PMS colors requires The Pharos Press to convert to CMYK, resulting in a final color that may not exactly match the initial intention. In the case of RGB, the situation is the same, but risks are even greater. The Pharos Press must convert the files to CMYK; not only are color shifts a concern, but there is also a risk of printing black and white.		  
         
    Why aren't there more color choices on the color palette?
A full range of colors is available, however, when choosing colors for simple objects, type or boxes and borders, The Pharos Press offers clients a selection of colors to make choosing easier. These colors offer a range of variation that should provide a good selection without making the choice confusing. At a certain point, more choices make a final decision too difficult. As with all colors, these are printed with CMYK separations.		  
         
    What is dot gain?
Dot gain describes the increase in the apparent darkness of images on the printed page. Dot gain is an unavoidable reality of printing. As ink is absorbed by the paper, it spreads out, takes up more space, and all dots in the printed image appear closer together than they originally were. Closer together means darker. We control dot gain by lightening and adjusting images with dot gain as a consideration. Brochures and printed materials on similar-coated paper have the least dot gain because of the paper they are printed on.		  
         
    Why do photos and tinted screen appear darker in the paper than they look on my monitor?
Again, it is the dot gain. Monitors do not show dot gain.		  
         
    Why is transmitting PDF files the best form of submitting files?
PDF files are the best electronic means to submit files. The benefits of PDF files are numerous:
1. A single file is all that needs to be transmitted to The Pharos Press for printing, rather than all the pieces used to build pages.
2. PDFs are generally reliable to ensure that everything on your pages will not change during printing, as long as fonts are embedded.
3. PDFs can go to PCs or Macs without problems.
 
         
    How do I set up and create PDF files to output correctly on your system?
We can supply a "job options" file that you can copy to your computer and reference through Acrobat Distiller that uses Pharos Press specifications.