GROUNDWORKS DOCUMENTATION

How To Print Posters with Illustrator (Mac)

Overview

This document will instruct you on how to print an Illustrator document on the large format color printer available at GroundWorks. It covers how to take a poster file you've already created and set it up for printing on our printer, but not how to create a poster from scratch in Illustrator.

The Postershop at GroundWorks is equipped with a Hewlett-Packard DesignJet plotter printer. The DesignJet prints on 36" wide, roll feed, high gloss photo paper. The DesignJet's 75 pixel per inch color output, combined with the glossy paper, produces near magazine quality output that is ideal for banners, signs, posters, and displays. Printing is charged at $15.00 per linear foot (for example, a 3'x4' poster would cost $60), which covers the cost of the paper, ink, plotter maintenance, and administration. Increments of a foot are rounded up to the next one half foot. The Postershop is open from 9:00 am. to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

The printer uses Postscript or Encapsulated Postscript files created by the software application you used to create your poster. You then copy this file to a network accessible location on the printer's server. Then, the consultant in the GroundWorks lab can show you a preview of your poster on the print server's display monitor. If you agree that this is the image you want to print, then the consultant will send it to the printer. Once the printing begins, it outputs at about 5 minutes per foot.

The procedure is strictly "first come, first served," from the time your Postscript file arrives in the print server queue. The GroundWorks consultants make their best effort to print your Postscript file, however, we can not guarantee results in every circumstance. Be prepared with an alternate plan to use other commercially available printers if necessary.

Before you get started...

You will need to perform the following tasks:

1.

Have enough time. Come to the lab prepared to spend a few hours; the printer is often in high demand.

2.

Know your software. You should be capable with the software application you have chosen. Attendants are not able to give you detailed instruction on its use, especially when others are waiting to preview and print their posters.

3.

Be prepared to pay for your poster. Remember, you may not take your poster until a receipt of payment has been shown. Although we are unable to accept cash, posters can be paid for with:

  • Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
  • University of Michigan Purchasing Cards (P-Cards): If the Purchasing Card you wish to use is not your own, we will only accept payment if the card is accompanied by a signed letter from the cardholder, written on department letterhead, that states that the individual wishing to use the card has authorization.
  • Departmental Accounts:We will only accept payment by Departmental Account numbers when accompanied by a letter, written on department letterhead that includes department account number and is signed by the authorized signer.

4.

Bring a poster tube, if you wish. Printed posters are susceptible to damage if mishandled. The ink the plotter prints with is water soluble and can run if exposed to the elements. If you are concerned with transporting your poster, bring a 36 inch long poster tube or other form of transportation. The Postershop does not provide a covering for your poster after it is printed. Poster tubes are available for purchase from the convenience store in Pierpont Commons.


Step 1: Open your file

1.

Find and open the Adobe Illustrator
application.

2.

In Adobe Illustrator, choose Open from the File menu. Select your file and click Open.

Step 2: Preserve your fonts

1.

Select your entire poster by choosing All from the Select menu.
2.

Choose Create Outlines from the Type menu.

Step 3: Save your file

Choose Save as... from the File menu. In the dialog box that appears:

1.

Type a descriptive name for your file.
2.

Select Illustrator EPS as your format.
3.

Select a location to save your file and click Save.

If you are working at a GroundWorks computer, you must first save your EPS file to the Desktop of the computer you are using, and then transfer your file to the Postershop Queue. If you cannot locate the Postershop Queue, please see a consultant.

If you are working on a computer outside of GroundWorks, you should save your file to a networked drive, such as your IFS space, or some other portable media such as a Zip disk or CD-R, so that you may access your file once you arrive at GroundWorks.
4.

In the EPS Format Options dialog box that appears match the settings shown below and click OK. When your file has finished saving you may exit from Adobe Illustrator.

Please be aware that saving your Illustrator file as an EPS file will flatten and remove any transparency you have built into your document.

Step 4: Preview your file

Once your file has been saved to the Postershop Queue, ask one of the consultants on duty at the GroundWorks consultant station to preview it with you.

Examine the preview carefully, paying particular attention to fonts and the integrity of any images. If you are satisfied that your poster looks the way it should, then give the consultant approval to print it.

Summary

When your poster has finished printing, remember to let it dry for at least 15 minutes before attempting to roll it up. For posters with larger areas of color, we recommend waiting upwards of an hour. Please ask a consultant if you are unsure about taking your poster home. Also remember that the ink is water soluble, and will smear if you touch it with your fingertips or get it wet.