PLEASE NOTE: When creating graphics in illustration programs such as CorelDRAW with the intention of outputting to an imagesetter or platesetter, it is extremely important that the person creating the illustration have a thorough understanding of the details of imaging in a prepress environment. There are an abundance of complex problems that can occur at output if paths are set up improperly, colors are indicated incorrectly, or other elements are constructed improperly. Trapping issues can also present problems if not addressed. The more complicated your illustration becomes, the greater the probability of problems at output, and therefore the need for more expertise and experience in creating the files.

This instruction set covers the following important procedures: Preparing Figure for Export Exporting Figures to EPS Checking Document Info

Preparing Figure for Export

1. Import any external graphics needed. Before importing images in CorelDRAW, the images should be checked for the following:

• All imported art should be in TIFF or EPS format.
• The resolution should be at least 300 dpi
• The color mode of the TIFF/EPS should be either Monochrome (bitmap mode), Grayscale or CMYK. The CMYK mode is used for color figures and Grayscale/Monochrome for black & white.
• Please note: Some journals now require that color be submitted in RGB color mode. To learn more about the RGB workflow click here.
• Crop and size images properly before importing so that masking, scaling or rotating is not necessary while in CorelDRAW.
• Make absolutely sure that you do not import any RGB graphics, as they will not print correctly. They are very difficult to recognize before output.

Go to the Import... menu (File->Import...) and navigate to the TIFF or EPS file that you wish to import. Use the following options for importing TIFF or EPS files.

2. Do all editing and assembly.

• Assemble any panels so that each figure consists of only one file.
• Create the figure at 100% of print size so that no scaling is necessary.
• Make sure that any and all imported graphics are in proper color format. Here's how you find out! RGB files, which will not output correctly, may not be detected until output.

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Exporting Figures to EPS

Note: When exporting figures to be printed as pure black & white (line art), be sure all objects in your CorelDRAW file are black or white only. When exporting figures to be printed as color (CMYK), be sure that there isn't any RGB Objects in your CorelDRAW file. Here is how you find out!

1. Export the graphic. Bring up the Export dialog box ( File-> Export ) and select the Files of type: Encapsulated Postscript (EPS) as shown:

2. Choosing EPS Export Options. After pressing Export, you will see the EPS Export dialog.

• Under the General Tab use the options shown below.
  • Unmark "Include header"
  • Export text as "Curves"
  • Unmark Color Management
  • Send Bitmaps as CMYK
  • Fountain steps 256

• Under the Advanced Tab use the options shown below.
  • For Compatibility choose PostScript Level 2
  • Unmark Bitmap Compression
  • For Bounding box choose Objects
  • Do not set Trapping or Bleed area unless absolutely necessary
  • Press OK to export the EPS

Checking Document Info

In CorelDRAW choose (File->Document Info). Check the following sections for improper color objects and/or Bitmap Objects. Depending what color format your figure is (CMYK, Grayscale, Line art), you will want to check here to ensure your document contains only those types of objects. Note: All Bitmap Objects should read Embedded. This example shows a document with one embedded grayscale image, an object with a grayscale fill and an object with a grayscale outline.

• When preparing pure black & white (line art figures), you would want just black and white Bitmap Objects, Fills, and Outlines and NOT CMYK or RGB objects. (Grayscale is OK, but no shading or tints.)
• When preparing grayscale figures, you would want just grayscale Bitmap Objects, Fills, and Outlines and NOT RGB objects.
• When preparing color (CMYK figures), you would want just CMYK Bitmap Objects, Fills, and Outlines and NOT RGB objects (grayscale is OK.)

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