From my own experience I’d like to add some additional points to the above if I may …

With the latest design programs including Indesign, it is ok to place native AI and PSD layered files, not just TIFF or EPS files into them. I have had bad experiences when clients send EPS files that have not been prepared correctly or checked and have been saved to a much earlier version, thus losing details. EPS files do not save transparency and the many EPS versions one can save to can also cause problems or confusion – for example a CS4 EPS file does not work in a early version of Quark, it has to be version 8 or 9. Many times a great illustration or logo with special effects or transparency gets messed up when the EPS format is incorrect or if it’s incorrectly flattened and rasterized. Always check what type of printer or imagesetter your files are going to. If they only accept Acrobat version4 print files, then you must convert objects with transparency correctly or they will not print.

And always check your print files on a POSTSCRIPT printer. Inkjet or GDI (graphical) printers convert the pdf to an image to print. Only a postscript printer will show up any errors.

When preparing files for print, and if flattening files – remember to MAKE A COPY of the originals first. Do not edit the only copy of the file you have. You do not wish to start from scratch if you need to make changes.

Also everyone, please remember that typos can happen, but the correct version is: DOs and DON’Ts – (there is no apostrophe in the plural of ‘dos’ – to avoid it looking strange the word is often written DOs.)

For Australian printing, the bleed required in metric is 3mm to 5mm and basic page size A4 (210x297mm).

Re fonts: Yes, best to use open type or postscript to cross both platforms and to be nice to imagesetters. However, if you really have to use a true type font for some text or a fancy heading, then make sure it’s converted to outlines (which effectively is a graphic) before going to print. Again, make a copy of your file first.

And, I find that it is most important to check who and where the job is going to be printed (and the print specifications and print pdf requirements) BEFORE the job is begun. Can save headaches and extra time later. Cheers.