Tutorials

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Staying true to SunDance's commitment to our clients, we do everything we can to make every single job go as smoothly as possible. That includes making sure that we share any tips and tricks that you might be able to use along the way. Even if you're not a client of ours just yet.

Have a question? Want to see a tutorial on a specific topic?

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  • Using Adobe Photoshop

    • Feel free to create files in either RGB or CMYK color mode. RGB mode will give you a wider range of colors and offer more advantages with using filters and color transfer modes, but if using RGB be sure to check View > Proof Colors or use the Gamut Warning tool to preview how the color will convert to CMYK and print. Gamut Warning indicates which colors will not print as expected.
    • If creating images from scratch, be sure they are 300ppi at intended output size. If an image is smaller than 300ppi, our RIP will issue a warning in the Preflight report, so it is best to enlarge the image in Photoshop or else it will appear ‘blocky’ rather than just ‘soft’.
    • If creating entire layouts or backdrops in Photoshop, remember to include enough bleed by making the document size 0.25” inches larger in width and height (0.125” bleed on both sides).
    • We always discourage using Photoshop for typesetting or final output. It is always recommended to use InDesign for this.
  • Preparing a document using Adobe InDesign

    • When starting a document, be sure to add bleed to the document under Document Setup. (.125” normally, .25” for large-format)
    • In InDesign CS6 be sure to set Intent to “Print”.
    • Before finalizing artwork, be sure to preview everything using “Overprint Preview” under View menu to make sure everything appears as intended. You can even see a preview of the four color plates using Window > Output > Separation Preview.
  • Packaging Files in InDesign

    For complex projects, we prefer to receive native application files (not PDF’s) to provide you with the best printing experience possible. However, if submitting a PDF for a job, please ensure it is converted to 4 color CMYK (with the exception of dielines and actual spot ink colors).

    • Remove any unused layers before packaging
    • Go to File > Package.
    • Summary: On this screen you will see any spot colors used, RGB images, image sizes and fonts in the file.
    • Fonts: Check the font(s) you used in the document in case you need to remove anything saved on the pasteboard.
    • Links and Images: In the Links and Images section, you can see the file type and the resolution.
    • Make sure to choose the option to “Include Fonts and Links From Hidden and Non-Printing Content” just in case there is anything on another hidden layer (such as a varnish layer) you need to preserve.
    • Please ZIP up the contents of the newly created folder before sending to us. If using a Mac please ZIP on the Mac so that all font files are preserved.
  • Exporting Print Ready PDF Files

    For complex projects, we prefer to receive native application files (not PDF’s) to provide you with the best printing experience possible. However, if submitting a PDF for a job, please ensure it is converted to 4 color CMYK (with the exception of dielines and actual spot ink colors).

    • When exporting PDFs from InDesign, be sure to select Adobe PDF (Print), and NOT Adobe PDF (Interactive).
    • Include any embedded fonts and convert protected fonts to outlines if necessary.
    • Submit any booklets as Pages instead of Spreads.
    • Compatibility: Save as Acrobat 7 or higher -- despite what other printers might use, we prefer files that are NOT flattened (saved in Acrobat 4 or with PDF/X-1a standard) as we are using the latest Adobe PDF rendering engine on our RIP which supports transparent objects.
    • Compression: Use 300 ppi color images with Bicubic Downsampling. Set compression to Automatic (JPEG) and set Image Quality to Maximum.
    • Marks and Bleeds: Include Crop Marks and make sure Bleed is turned on (and that 0.125 in or 0.25 inches is specified.). Do NOT use Bleed Marks as this sometimes confuses the cutter.
    • Output: User Convert to Destination (Preserve Numbers) and use our GRACoL2013_CRPC6 V2 color profile (Click here to download our color profile/presets package). If this profile is unavailable, use “U.S. Sheetfed Coated v2”. Do NOT use SWOP as this is intended for web presses on thin paper with a low ink limit.
    • Ink Manager (under Output): Be sure to check the box to convert “All Spots to Process” -- this will change all the icons on the spot colors to a 4-color icon. If you have a dieline, spot coating, or the job uses any spot colors please then uncheck the icon next to those items to ensure they output correctly.
    • After you have all these settings correct, you can hit “Save Preset” and name it “SunDance Final Output”. Then you can re-use this preset at a later time.
  • Dutch Cuts and Irregular Cuts

    Sometimes it's necessary to set a job up to use irregular cuts. These are sometimes called a Dutch Cut which means to cut in one direction of the grain, then to turn the piece and cut it another direction. While sometimes this is necessary due to a limited amount of stock or time, it's not normally used in fast-paced print production. If you intend to setup your artwork with Dutch Cuts or any irregular cuts, make sure to mention that in the estimating process.

  • Preparing Art for Canvas

    Stretching printed canvas over a stretcher bar frame gives it an instant gallery look. Sizing your artwork large enough to cover the additional depth of the frame is vital to completing the look. First of all, the stretcher bar depth will add that size around the edge of the front facing area. If the stretcher bar is 1”, there will be an additional 1” all the way around the artwork. If the stretcher bar is 2”, there will be an additional 2” on all sides. Then, the stapled area behind the frame needs to be 1.5” to make sure the printed edge is not visible. So with a 1” stretcher bar, the artwork will need to be an additional 2.5” on all sides, or an additional 5” in width and length. With a 2” stretcher bar, there will need to be 3.5” of additional artwork on all sides, or 7” additional in width and length. Use the below diagram and follow these easy rules to make your artwork gallery ready every time.

    Create your own wall art! Need Artwork?
  • Print Minimum

    Minimum text size positive/negative 4 points

    Line weight positive. 0.1322mm

    Line wight negative. 0.222 mm

    Trapping is handled by our software or PDF 1.7 defaults to: 0.088 mm

  • Double-Cut

    In technical terms, double cutting in flexible packaging refers to the process of cutting a material twice using two rotary blades. This process is typically performed using a rotary die cutting machine, which uses a pair of circular blades to make two cuts in quick succession. The first cut partially cuts the material, and the second cut completes the cut, creating a clean, accurate edge.

    We're not using an offline rotary machine to make double cuts - they are performed inline on the pouching line with two single blades spaced 4mm or 6mm apart.

    The process of double cutting helps to ensure that the material is cut precisely and uniformly, reducing the risk of material unraveling or fraying. It also helps to prevent the material from stretching or deforming during the cutting process, which can result in an irregular edge. The use of double cutting in flexible packaging can also improve the strength of the cut edge, making it less likely to break or tear during handling, transport, or storage.

    The advantages of double cutting in flexible packaging also include improved production speed, enhanced appearance, and better sealing. By cutting the material twice, the process can be completed more quickly and efficiently, allowing for increased production speed. The clean, accurate edge created by double cutting also results in a more professional-looking finished product. Finally, a smooth, clean edge can provide a better seal when used in conjunction with heat-sealing equipment, helping to prevent leaks and maintain product freshness.

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Location & Hours

Headquartered in Central Florida, SunDance provides global solutions to companies large and small primarily in the Southeast United States.

9564 Delegates Dr.
Building A
Orlando, FL 32837
Local & Sales: 844-42-PRINT
Operations: 407-734-7444
8am-5pm M-F

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