How do I use QuantumDigital PrintReady?

PrintReady FAQ, Help and Tips

Why should I use PrintReady?
How do I print my file to the QuantumDigital PrintReady printer?
What applications work with PrintReady?
What size (dimensions) should I make my source file?
Which products can I order using PrintReady?
What should I look for when proofing my PDF preview?
The dimensions of my source file are set at final trim size. Aside from resizing or reworking the source file, what are my options when printing this file to PrintReady?
How do I send two files - a front and a back - for the same order using PrintReady?
Why does the PDF preview contain extra whitespace that wasn't in my source file?
How do I print a booklet using PrintReady?
I want to print a ledger-size folded brochure, but my source file is a 4-page Microsoft Publisher file with letter-size pages. How do I print it using PrintReady?
I only use one product type. Is there a shortcut method that will allow me to quickly print files of that product type to PrintReady?
What if I only want to print certain pages of my file, instead of the entire file? Will PrintReady include only those selected pages in the PDF preview?
I'm trying to use Microsoft Paint to print an image to PrintReady and am having trouble getting the PDF preview file to look right. What can I do?
In my source application's Print dialog, if I specify a value greater than 1 for the number of copies, will the PDF file generated by PrintReady contain the specified number of copies?
Is there a maximum limit on the file size of my source document? Is there a maximum file size limit on the generated PDF created by PrintReady?
After printing my file to the PrintReady printer, the PDF doesn't show up in the window. Why not and how can I resolve?
What is the difference between Portrait, Landscape and Rotated Landscape?
Will PrintReady embed all fonts into the PDF?
What if my source file is already a PDF?
My source file has extra blank pages. Will this be a problem?
Can I use the "Remember Me" option on a public shared computer?
When transferring my approved PDF, the process seems to stop and there is no indication of the download time or that it is transferring. What can I do?
Why am I experiencing issues printing from Adobe Reader X and/or Adobe Acrobat X applications?

1. Why should I use PrintReady?

PrintReady will convert your document to a PDF with all the appropriate options selected and fonts embedded to ensure the file prints correctly on our Xerox iGen presses.You will build and review the final PDF print file right on your monitor. This capability should reveal many issues in the file that have the potential to compromise print quality and output.

2. How do I print my file to the QuantumDigital PrintReady printer?

Please note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your file's source application.

Open your file in the source application (Photoshop, Publisher, etc.). Make sure the dimensions of your source file are set to those in the file specifications. This will be the size of the PDF file produced by PrintReady.
Go to the File menu, then click Print. In the print dialog, choose QuantumDigital PrintReady from the list of available printers.
Click the Properties button. (Some applications may label this button differently; e.g. Preferences, Options, etc.).
Go to the Layout tab and, if necessary, set the page orientation.
Click on the Advanced button in the Layout tab and, if necessary, set the paper size. It is important that this be set correctly.
Click OK to exit the Layout tab, and then click OK (or Next).
The PrintReady application will launch and display a PDF preview of your file. Please review it carefully as this file will be used as your print file.
Follow the onscreen instructions to send your file to QuantumDigital and finalize your order.

3. What applications work with PrintReady?

PrintReady works with almost every application. However, there are some exceptions. It is recommended you do not use PrintReady to print images from the following applications:

QuickTime PictureViewer. When printing images from PictureViewer to any printer including PrintReady, the image gets resized, resulting in a much smaller image centered on the page.
Internet Explorer, Firefox, and other web browsers. Images will not print correctly from a web browser. However, printer-friendly web pages should print fine.

4. What size (dimensions) should I make my source file?

Set the dimensions of your source file to the dimensions given in the file specifications. This will be the size of the PDF file produced by PrintReady.

Designs "bleeding" off the edge of the page should be 1/8" larger than the final trimmed size of the final product. Your file will be trimmed to final size after it is printed. Designing your document at the finished size can lead to white borders around your design and undesirable output.

5. Which products can I order using PrintReady?

PrintReady supports most of our on-demand print products:

Letter-size flyers, brochures, letters, and booklets
Legal-sized documents
Ledger-size brochures and documents
Jumbo-size postcards and booklets
Standard-size postcards and booklets
Panoramic postcards
Business cards
Bookmarks

Greeting cards and door hangers are not supported at this time.

Be sure to set the dimensions of your design file to the dimensions given in the file specifications.

6. What should I look for when proofing my PDF preview?

Make sure that the page size is correct. (The size of the PDF should be the same as the source file dimensions given in the file specifications, not the final size.) An incorrect page size could impact the cost of your order and cause problems during fulfillment.
Make sure that the orientation is correct. If this is a multi-page document, make sure that the orientation is correct on all pages.
Make sure that the number of pages is correct. An incorrect value could impact the cost of your order. Also check for any unintended blank pages.
Check each page of the PDF to make sure nothing is being cut off or clipped. To fix, hit cancel to return to your file, make adjustments, then reprint. Check the printer properties from your source application.
Use the Zoom tool to review all images and text at 200%. This will reveal any items that are low-resolution (low-resolution images may not appear as crisp and sharp image on the final printed pieces). In general, the way the items look at 200% will mimic the way they print. If you are not happy with them on your screen, you may not be happy with the printed results either.
Microsoft Publisher, Word, PowerPoint users: review all areas in your document that have utilized some transparent color treatment, such as a percentage of a color screen background. This will create a grid-like appearance of that area clearly visible on the PDF proof (zoom to 200% for best results). Microsoft applications are not recommended for utilizing transparencies. However, there may be additional methods to “fix” the issue:

Create the PDF using the PDF maker button in the application. Then submit the PDF to print through PrintReady and review the print proof before submitting your order.

Convert the element that is to have the transparent appearance to an independent JPG file, and embed that into the application. Then try PrintReady again to determine if the file is fixed.

Pick a color for that transparent area that looks good at 100% rather than as a transparency.

7. The dimensions of my source file are set at final trim size. Aside from resizing or reworking the source file, what are my options when printing this file to PrintReady?

It is recommended that you always set the dimensions of your source file to the dimensions given in our file specifications.

Option 1: Many applications have a scale-to-fit option in the print dialogue. If you use this option, your file will expand to fit the entire full-bleed size and some of your design elements or text may be cut off when trimmed to final size. For best results, follow the file specifications.

Note: Microsoft Publisher does not have a scale-to-fit option.

Option 2: If you print without resizing your file and do not use the "Scale to Fit" option, PrintReady will center your art on the page. When previewing the final print proof, a white boarder will appear around your design to designate the trim area. Because of trim tolerances, when your order is trimmed to final size, your final pieces may contain a small amount of white around the edges of your design and potentially undesirable output.

8. How do I send two files - a front and a back - for the same order using PrintReady?

First, print your front side file to the QuantumDigital PrintReady printer. After we receive your file, PrintReady will display options for handling the back side file. Choose the option to send your back side file using PrintReady, then open the file on your computer and print it to the PrintReady printer. You will be asked to confirm that this is the back for the previously uploaded front.

Note: Both files must be one page each and the same page size in order for this to work correctly.

9. Why does the PDF preview contain extra whitespace that wasn't in my source file?

This happens when the actual page size of your design does not match the selected page size in PrintReady's properties. Here are some suggestions on how to fix:

Make sure that the page size shown on the Preview screen above the PDF is correct. If not, close PrintReady, change the page size of your file in your print properties and reprint.
Check the dimensions of your source file and make adjustments to your file if needed. For best results they should conform to our file specifications. Designs "bleeding" off the edge of the page should be 1/8" larger than the final trimmed size of the final product. Designing your document at the finished size can lead to white borders around your design and undesirable output.
Some applications include a scaling option that will automatically resize your file to the chosen PrintReady page size when you print it. If using this option enlarges your file, the quality of your print may be degraded.

10. How do I print a booklet using PrintReady?

We support three booklet sizes. When selecting the paper size in the PrintReady properties, booklets will be listed as Jumbo Card/Book, Standard Card/Book and Letter/Book with full-bleed sizes. To print a booklet:

Follow the steps above.
When presented with the PDF preview of your file, in the top section of the preview window the question, "Is this a booklet?" will be displayed next to Page Size. Select Yes before proceeding.
Follow the onscreen instructions to send your file to QuantumDigital and finalize your order.

Important Note: The number of pages in your source file must be divisible by 4 and must not exceed 72 pages. Here is an example of how to count pages. Pages should be in chronological order from front to back cover. It is important that you review your PrintReady PDF preview to ensure pages are submitted in the proper order.

11. I want to print a ledger-size folded brochure, but my source file is a 4-page Microsoft Publisher file with letter-size pages. How do I print it using PrintReady?

With your source file open in the Publisher application, follow these steps in the order given (Printer and Paper settings must be changed before Layout settings):

Go to File > Page Setup.
On the Printer and Paper tab, select the QuantumDigital PrintReady printer.
For paper size, select Ledger (11.25" x 17.25") with Landscape orientation.
Then click the Layout tab and select Booklet with Landscape orientation. This will print two pages per sheet of paper.
Click OK.
Go to File > Print and click OK to create your PDF preview.
Follow the onscreen instructions to finalize your order.

Other applications will not work in this manner. The pages must be resized to full bleed ledger specs.

12. I only use one product type. Is there a shortcut method that will allow me to quickly print files of that product type to PrintReady?

Yes. PrintReady can be configured to always default to your desired paper size regardless of what application you use to print the file. You can also change the default page orientation for PrintReady.

Go to your operating system's Start menu. If using Windows XP, choose Printers and Faxes. If using Windows 2000 or Windows Vista, go to the Settings submenu then choose Printers.
There should be an entry labeled QuantumDigital PrintReady. Right-click on it and choose Properties.
On the General tab, click the Printing Preferences button. If necessary, set your desired default orientation (factory default is Portrait). Then click the Advanced button.
Pick the desired default paper size from the dropdown. Click OK, then click OK two more times on the remaining dialog boxes.

13. What if I only want to print certain pages of my file, instead of the entire file? Will PrintReady include only those selected pages in the PDF preview?

Yes, if your application supports this type of page selection. For example, if you have a 14-page document and you only want to print pages 4 through 7 and page 10, some applications will allow you to select only those pages in the print dialog. The resulting PrintReady PDF preview will include only those pages, and only what is displayed in the PDF will be printed. Some applications do not support this type of page selection.

14. I'm trying to use Microsoft Paint to print an image to PrintReady and am having trouble getting the PDF preview file to look right. What can I do?

Printing from Microsoft Paint can be tricky. Go to File > Page Setup and try this:

Set all margins to zero.
In the Scaling section, choose Fit To and specify a 1 by 1 page (put a 1 in both input boxes).
Finally, if needed, adjust the paper size and orientation.

15. In my source application's Print dialog, if I specify a value greater than 1 for the number of copies, will the PDF file generated by PrintReady contain the specified number of copies?

No. For most applications, PrintReady will ignore the number of copies specified. After the PDF is sent to QuantumDigital, you will need to enter the desired number of prints needed when finalizing your order online.

It is recommended that you always leave the number of copies set to one in the print dialog because some image viewer applications (Windows Picture & Fax Viewer, Imaging and Windows Photo Gallery) will cause PrintReady to produce a PDF containing the specified number of copies instead of one copy.

16. Is there a maximum limit on the file size of my source document? Is there a maximum file size limit on the generated PDF created by PrintReady?

There is no restriction on the size of your source file because it remains on your computer and does not get transmitted to QuantumDigital. The maximum file size of the transmitted PDF is 200 megabytes, but it is highly unlikely this file size will ever be exceeded.

17. After printing my file to the PrintReady printer, the PDF doesn't show up in the window. Why not and how can I resolve?

This PDF display issue usually happens because your Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader is configured to not display PDFs in a browser. In this situation you should be presented with a message explaining that the PDF can't be displayed in the embedded browser window, along with a "Review Now" button. When you click "Review Now", your PDF preview will open in the Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader application instead of in your browser. If you do not get this message, there may be a problem with your Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader, or QuantumDigital PrintReady installations.

To change your settings so that the PDF preview displays in the QuantumDigital PrintReady window, follow these steps:

Open the Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader application, then go to the Edit menu and click Preferences.
In the Categories section on the left, select Internet.
In the Web Browser Options section, check the Display PDF in browser checkbox, then click OK. (Give it a minute to complete the configuration change.)

18. What is the difference between Portrait, Landscape and Rotated Landscape?

Portrait orientation is when the page is taller than it is wide. Landscape orientation is when the page is wider than it is tall.

When using PrintReady, there is no difference between Landscape and Rotated Landscape so there is no reason to ever select Rotated Landscape orientation. Always use either Portrait or Landscape orientation instead.

19. Will PrintReady embed all fonts into the PDF?

Yes. However, in order for PrintReady to work correctly, all the fonts used in your file must be installed on your computer or workstation when you print to the PrintReady printer. If a font used in your file is not installed, you may receive an error message. (Some applications display an alert that one or more fonts are missing as soon as you open your file.)

Tip: Making sure all fonts used in your file are installed on your computer before you print using PrintReady helps us process your order quickly and greatly reduces processing problems.

20. What if my source file is already a PDF?

To achieve best results with PrintReady, open your source file (Photoshop, Publisher, etc.) in the application where it was created and follow the steps to print it using PrintReady. It will create a PDF using settings that are most compatible with our printers and will capture fonts and other settings automatically.

If you do not have the source file and must use your already-created PDF, you may submit your PDF through PrintReady. In most cases PrintReady will re-write the PDF using our internally developed job options for best output on our printers.

21. My source file has extra blank pages. Will this be a problem?

Yes, this is a problem. When using applications like Microsoft Word and Excel, if the content of your document takes up nearly or exactly a full page, then your document may include one or more extra pages. PrintReady will include the extra page(s) in the PDF. Since these blank pages will be considered part of your order, it could significantly affect the cost of your order or, if printing a booklet, the extra blank page(s) may cause the total page count to be incorrect and no longer divisible by 4.

To fix, delete the extra blank page(s) from your file, then reprint.

22. Can I use the "Remember Me" option on a public shared computer?

We recommend you DO NOT use the "Remember Me" option if QuantumDigital PrintReady is installed on a computer that is shared between multiple users. This could allow other users to gain access to your account and place orders that get charged to your credit card, bank account, or to your company (depending on your billing setup).

23. When transferring my approved PDF, the process seems to stop and there is no indication of the download time or that it is transferring. What can I do?

It is usually best to cancel the process and try again. This is typically an isolated occurrence. Unfortunately this may be related to many issues outside our control (network bandwidth, processor resources, etc.).

24. Why am I experiencing issues printing from Adobe Reader X and/or Adobe Acrobat X applications?

If you are a Windows Vista or Windows 7 32-bit system user and are attempting to print from Adobe Reader X and/or Adobe Acrobat X via PrintReady, you may be experiencing compatibility issues due to a new feature called “Protected Mode” introduced by Adobe. You will need to either update PrintReady to its latest version (v1.2 released 6/2/2011) or turn off “Protected Mode” in Adobe Reader X and/or Adobe Acrobat X.

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