When emailing files to MAR, you need to include certain information in order for us to be able to use your file:

• Name and version of the software you used to create the form.
• List of the files you are sending.
• Indicate the fonts used and include them in your transmission.
• Indicate the file format - EPS, PS, PDF, Quark, etc.
• Mail or fax a hard copy of the document to us when the order is placed - we prefer the mailed hard copy as fax machines will distort the image (FAX 618-935-2989).
• Reference a quote number or job number if you have it.
• File can be PC or Mac - see Mac versus PC: cross platform issues for more information.
• Use either WinZip , PKUnzip or StuffIt 4.5 to compress the files before you send them. While we can handle large files on our email server, many commercial providers (i.e. Prodigy, CompuServe, AOL) limit the size of the email file you can send.

• Create your job with the zero point at the overall upper left of the form. Forms should include perf widths, stub widths and line holes in the overall dimensions of the form.
• Reference your PO number or our job number with each file. Your job must be entered before we can process the artwork.
• Make sure that you attach the file to the email you are sending. Do not paste your images into the email message as this will render it useless to us.
• Some of the more common graphic design programs we support are:
  • Adobe InDesign
  • QuarkXpress
  • Adobe PageMaker
  • Freehand
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop

While many file types have no problem going from a PC to a Mac environment, there are a few things you should know about transferring files across platforms.

File associations will not transfer automatically. Windows knows which program to open up a file with because of the filename extensions - .doc, .jpg, .tiff, and so on. Macintosh computers do not use this extension - they use an internal part of the file known as the resource fork. Therefore, a Mac user may not know which program to open a PC file with, and vice versa for a PC user. When you name a file on a Macintosh that is going to a PC, add the appropriate file extension. However, we see many more PC created files sent to us that we need to open on our Mac system. That is why it is imperative that we know what software was used to create the file - we might not be able to tell what kind of file it is just by the name.

When creating a CD-R or CD-RW for use on different platforms, you need to follow one very important rule: create the disk using the ISO 9660 format, whether you are using a Mac or a PC. This format insures that the CD will be readable by either system - the only caveat is that the file names cannot be any longer than 8 characters with a 3 character extension. Your CD writing software may automatically truncate the filenames to accommodate this rule. Consult your software's help section for detailed information on how to select this format.

The best way to avoid cross-platform issues is to use PDF files. PDF files, when correctly created, will give you a consistent print image regardless of what type of system is being used. They also are easily recognized by both PC's and Mac's. While PDF files are an ideal solution for the print industry, there are wrong ways to create them - see our How to create PDF files page for detailed information.

For specific information on cross-platform issues when using QuarkXpress, click here for file naming problems or click here for graphic file concerns.

FTP - How and why it is used:

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is commonly used throughout the Internet to transfer files from one computer to another. Basically, it allows you to directly transfer files from your computer to a server, then another user can go in at a later time and retrieve that file. The file resides on a secure server that is password protected, and remains there until you delete it. FTP offers many advantages over standard emailing of files, but it is important that you know its limitations.

For instance, the speed of your Internet connection determines how fast you can send a file, regardless of if you are using FTP or email. FTP will not speed up this initial transfer time - a 1 meg file will still take almost 19 minutes over a typical dial up modem. However, since FTP is a direct transfer of the file, you can be assured that your file has been successfully transferred - with email, it may take several hours for an email to actually arrive at its intended destination (though most emails typically take only a few minutes to arrive, but must still be downloaded by the intended recipient). Also, FTP'd files experience fewer problems with in-transfer corruption, and they can be left on the FTP server as long as you want, allowing users to re-download them as many times as they want. Many people also find FTP easier to use because it closely resembles typical file movements they make every day. Transferring a file over FTP is just as easy as transferring it from your hard drive to another disk.

Another distinct advantage of FTP over email is that FTP accounts typically allow for much larger files to be transferred. Email accounts, especially those from common providers such as AOL, have a much smaller capacity for file attachments. The larger graphic files of today's print world can easily max out an email account, whereas FTP accounts can handle files many times larger.

As for FTP programs, your choices are limitless, but there are many free or inexpensive FTP programs out there that work very well. Ipswitch (www.Ipswitch.com) has a $39 version of their WS_FTP program for PC users, and for Mac users, there's Fetch (http://fetchsoftworks.com/), which is a full featured program for only $25. Of course, you could always just use Netscape or MS Internet Explorer to access our FTP site - just contact us for specific instructions on how to use these free web browsers as an FTP program.

1. A true integrated card is die cut from the same material as the card carrier. Both the card and the form are printed at one time - thereby guaranteeing color consistency. There is no need for separate card manufacturing.
2. There are many different kinds of specialty products available. From magnetic stripe cards to holographic laminates to laser compatible integrated magnets for metal surfaces such as a refrigerator (ideal for all sorts of marketing devices such as home delivery advertisements, sport schedules, or business cards - the possibilities are endless).
3. Don't forget to place instructions on how to remove and use the card on the carrier, preferably right next to the card. Different varieties of integrated cards require different handling - particularly a "self-laminating" card.
4. If the card is going to be variable imaged later, find out what kind of printer will be used to image the card. Be sure to get complete printer specifications to insure trouble free runability.
5. Is the card going to require a signature on the back? If so, be sure to specify a back laminate that is signature compatible.
6. You can combine many value added features in one document - like an integrated card and an integrated label. By combining various processes on one document, you can increase the positive impact a document will have on your customer's efficiencies - which saves them money.
7. Laminating the card extends its life - make sure you know what the life expectancy of your card is. While integrated cards have many advantages over plastic affixed cards, they will not last as long as the plastic cards. For longer lasting cards and better image protection, go to a dual lam product.
8. Know the lingo and get samples - dual lam, butterfly cards - these terms will not mean a thing unless you can see them in action.
9. As with any product that adds functionality to a document, it also adds value. These added features can actually save the user money or capture more revenue through a greater response rate or better efficiencies.
10. Integrated cards are ideal for association membership cards, marketing vehicles, ID cards, business cards, gaming pieces, temporary cards, insurance cards, annual licenses, rewards programs, frequent buyer cards - the list is endless.