Industry Standards & Specifications
At Summit Printing, we adhere to the highest industry standards to ensure exceptional quality and consistency in every project.
Quality Management Standards
ISO 9001 Quality Management
We adhere to ISO 9001 standards for quality management systems, ensuring consistent quality in every print job.
- ✓Process documentation and control
- ✓Continuous improvement practices
- ✓Customer satisfaction focus
- ✓Regular quality audits
ISO 12647 Print Quality
Following ISO 12647 standards for process control in offset and digital printing production.
- ✓Color consistency and accuracy
- ✓Standardized viewing conditions
- ✓Print density specifications
- ✓Measurement and calibration procedures
G7 Color Management
G7 methodology for achieving visual color consistency across different printing processes and substrates.
- ✓Neutral gray balance
- ✓Consistent tone reproduction
- ✓Cross-media color matching
- ✓Reduced makeready time
File Preparation Specifications
File Formats
Preferred Format:PDF (PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4)
Alternative Formats:AI, EPS, INDD (with fonts/links)
Images:TIFF, PSD, or high-res PDF
Resolution Requirements
Color/Grayscale Images:300 DPI minimum
Line Art/Text:600-1200 DPI recommended
Large Format:150-200 DPI acceptable
Color Settings
Color Mode:CMYK for print production
Color Profile:SWOP Coated v2 (default)
Pantone Colors:Pantone Matching System (PMS)
Black Text:100% K (no rich black for small text)
Layout Specifications
Bleed:0.125" (1/8") minimum on all sides
Safe Area:0.25" (1/4") from trim edge
Gutter Margin:0.5" minimum for bound materials
Trim Marks:Include crop marks outside bleed area
Our Quality Control Process
Pre-Press Checks
- ●File integrity verification
- ●Font and link validation
- ●Color space confirmation
- ●Resolution and bleed check
Proofing Process
- ●Digital soft proofs available
- ●Hard copy proofs upon request
- ●Color-accurate press proofs
- ●Client approval required
Production Standards
- ●Calibrated printing equipment
- ●Regular color measurements
- ●Quality checkpoints throughout production
- ●Final inspection before delivery
Material Standards
- ●Premium paper stock options
- ●FSC-certified papers available
- ●Archival-quality inks
- ●Environmentally responsible materials
Best Practices for Print-Ready Files
Do:
- ✓Convert all text to outlines or embed fonts
- ✓Include proper bleed and trim marks
- ✓Use CMYK color mode for all artwork
- ✓Provide high-resolution images (300 DPI)
- ✓Save files as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4
- ✓Keep important elements inside safe area
Don't:
- ✗Use RGB color mode for print files
- ✗Place text smaller than 6pt near trim edge
- ✗Submit low-resolution images (below 300 DPI)
- ✗Use spot colors without specification
- ✗Forget to include bleed area
- ✗Rely solely on screen colors for accuracy
Our Certifications & Memberships
We maintain active memberships in industry organizations and hold certifications that demonstrate our commitment to quality and professional excellence.
ISO 9001 CertifiedG7 Master CertifiedFSC CertifiedPIA Member
Need Help with File Preparation?
Our pre-press team is available to help you prepare print-ready files and answer any questions about specifications.