Frequently Asked Questions

CREATING DIGITAL ART FAQ

SUBMISSION FAQ

GENERAL FAQ

 

Why can't digital art formats other than TIFF or EPS be used?

CKW uses a XyVision page composition system to create pages. XyVision will only accept TIFF and certain EPS graphic file formats. TIFF and EPS files, the standard graphics file formats in the printing industry, are the most portable and reliable formats available today.

Why can't I submit a GIF image?

The GIF format is commonly used to display indexed-color images over the World Wide Web. GIF, a compressed format designed to minimize file transfer over phone lines, is not designed to be used as a print format.

What are the common mistakes to avoid?

The most common mistakes occur when CKW's required guidelines are not followed. Those errors include:

• Providing an improper image format (not TIFF or EPS).
• Providing a low resolution image (See Acceptable Resolutions in the Essential Information Guide.)
• Submitting a proof that does not match the electronic file.
• Providing a file that uses an RGB graphic. (See Colorspace requirements in the Essential Information Guide.)

What if a graphic submitted cannot be used?

When a graphic is unusable, the author will be contacted and notified of the reason for failure. The author will also be instructed as to what needs to be done differently in the future to achieve successful integration of digital images.

Will the proof of my article show low-resolution figures?

The figures seen on proofs are generated from original high-resolution image files on a 600 dpi laser printer. The quality of the laser proof is reflective of the limitation of the laser printing. When the pages are printed for final output a high-resolution imaging device is used to generate material for printing presses.

What success rate can I expect to achieve in my submissions?

If you follow CKW's guidelines, you can expect a near 100% success rate. If you do not follow the guidelines, the success rate will drop off to about 15%-20%.

What size should my art be?

Your art should be submitted in its final printed size. This size is usually based on the column width of the particular journal to which you have submitted your paper. Please see the Instructions to Authors of that journal or call the publication office to determine the final width for the image.

Why do you ask that I convert text to paths or outlines?

Converting elements of text created in illustration programs to "paths" or "outlines" removes the need for any restrictions on fonts used in a graphic. This way you may use any font that you like without concerns over whether or not CKW owns the font in question. When a font is converted to an outline the quality of the element does not change because the Illustration program re-draws the text as paths by reading the internal metrics of the font. While display on a monitor may look slightly different, output quality is the same.

How can I scan my material so that it will be successful?

Please see our page of General Scanning Guidelines for helpful scanning tips.

What kind of software can I use to create my files?

For a current and detailed list of applications that we support with instructions, please refer to our Supported Application Instructions section.

What operating systems do you support

Macintosh, Windows 95/98, ME, 2000, XP and Windows NT.

What kind of removable storage or other media will you accept?

Please refer to our Sending Digital Art to CKW page for a current listing of media that we can accept.

Why can't I submit an image created in a non-industry standard graphics program?

Ensuring quality output and consistency requires that we thoroughly test all elements processed within our workflow. We rely heavily on the PostScript environment, and therefore all applications that interact within our system must generate stable, standards-compliant PostScript code. Many applications that are able to create graphics do not support PostScript, or do not use standard PostScript interpreters.

Will I receive my disk back from CKW?

CKW returns materials and disks as instructed by the publisher. You will need to contact the publisher regarding policies for returning hard copy and disks.

Can I FTP my files directly to CKW?

Yes, but we will need to work with you to set up procedures. Please contact your journal office for information.

Is "hardcopy" defined as print outs of figures in place of digital art submissions (for example, a print of an annotated scanned photograph)?

Yes we do define hard copy as prints of the digital art files. Hard copy submission is required when figures have already been created electronically but in an unsupported application (i.e. Microsoft Word). Since we would not be able to process the digital file we would ask that you submit a print out (or hard copy) of the file.

Are laser printed pages acceptable for hard copy submission?

Yes, we would recommend 600 dpi laser prints. However, a dye sublimation print on glossy paper proves to be better for scanning.

Is any specific paper required for hard copy submission?
We recommend glossy paper, however normal clean white laser paper is adequate.