Print Ad Specifications

2012 Elsevier Print Ad Specifications for Recruitment Ads

File Format
Preferred format is PDF created with high-resolution PostScript from the native application. Convert the PostScript to PDF with Acrobat 4 or 5 Distiller set for compatibility to PDF version 1.3 (Acrobat 4). Other acceptable formats are PDF/X-1a, EPS and TIFF.
All files must be correctly named with proper extensions.
The following source files are accepted and are expected to follow all requirements listed in this document:

QuarkXPress
(native formats only, no Quark .eps are accepted)

Adobe Illustrator (eps only)

Adobe Photoshop (tiff)

Additional costs may apply if problems are encountered.
NOTE: when using Adobe Illustrator it is preferred to have all fonts converted to outline/paths, and files submitted as EPS files.

Fonts
Use of Postscript Type 1 fonts is encouraged. Include fonts for any embedded graphics. DO NOT use Type 3, Multiple Master or CID fonts. Avoid using menu-stylized fonts, Macintosh "city" fonts (Chicago, Geneva, etc.), and Microsoft Outlook fonts (Tahoma, Impact, etc.).

Images
TIFF and EPS files must conform to the following minimum resolution specifications:

Grayscale and Color images: 300 dpi

Combination Grayscale and Color images: 500-900 dpi

Line art (Bitmap) images: 900-1200 dpi

Higher image resolutions are acceptable as they exceed the minimum requirements, but in some cases unnecessary resolution will be discarded to achieve smaller file sizes.
Files containing layers and/or transparent objects should be flattened prior to submission. PDF version 1.3 will ensure a flattened file.

Page Layout
Regardless of the file format supplied, all ads must conform to the following specifications:

Final size must meet journal trim size and include 1/8" bleed image on all four sides.

Files will include trim marks with minimum 3/16" setback.

Supply as single page files only.

Right Reading, Portrait Mode, No Rotation.

No content is to be within 1/4" of all trim edges.

All fonts and graphics must be either embedded or included with the files and conform to the format type listed above. Images must also conform to the specifications above for minimum image resolution.

All color ads should be supplied as composite files.

Reverse type should be no less than 6pt. Fine lettering (thin lines, serifs) should be restricted to one color.

Embedded images should not be scaled, cropped/masked or rotated within the page layout application but instead should be manipulated in a proper image editing program (ex. Photoshop) and then imported into the page layout program at proper size and position.

DO NOT nest EPS files within EPS files.

All lines and line art images should be of a minimum 1/3 pt thickness (1/2 pt for reverses) at final size to reproduce effectively on press.

Color Space
All color images and files are to be supplied as CMYK with a Total Area Coverage (TAC) not to exceed 300% for the darkest area of an image. Files supplied as RGB will be automatically converted to CMYK.

Spot Colors
Spot colors are to be identified using the standard Pantone naming convention and not a custom color such as "Dark Blue." PMS colors will be converted to process unless otherwise specified. When using both art and layout programs be sure spot color naming is consistent in all applications (ex. Do not define both PMS 201CV and PMS 201CVC).

Trapping and Screening
Overprints and knockouts should be defined. Files are NOT to be trapped or prescreened. Our Prepress service provider will use industry recognized trapping software to auto-trap your files for optimum performance and reproduction on press and will apply the appropriate screening. However, these trap settings may force small text and fine graphics to overprint to hold registration on press.

Proofs
All color ad proofs require a SWOP-certified contract color proof, which includes a SWOP proofing bar or a GATF proof comparator. All proofs must be produced from the final file submitted. Proofs must be imaged at 100% scale and in accordance with SWOP specifications. For a list of current SWOP-approved proofs visit www.swop.org/certification/systemlist.asp. Proofs generated from any of the approved devices are acceptable. Desktop inkjet printer proofs do not meet SWOP specifications. Elsevier cannot guarantee color match unless acceptable proof is provided. If a contract color proof is not supplied Elsevier will run to standard ink densities and dot gains. Revised proofs must be supplied whenever a text or design change is made. Any alteration to a file will require output of a new proof at cost to the customer. All black and white or grayscale ads supplied require 100% size lasers for confirmation of ad content.

Media/Delivery

CD-ROM/ISO 9660 or DVD
All media must be properly identified with the following information:

Journal title

Issue date

Advertiser

Contact name and phone number (for returned material[s])

Include printout directory listing of media contents

File type and format

Conformance to Specs
Variances from the above specifications may not yield results that conform to Elsevier quality control standards.