Electronic prepress

HLPS provides seamless service from pixels to paper. Our completely digital workflow from proofing to plating enables us to deliver results meeting and exceeding expectations!

production platform

We take advantage of all the popular page layout, image-editing, and object-oriented illustration applications. We frequently update our array of powerful workstations to keep your projects moving through in a timely manner. We typically run the latest version of Adobe Creative Suite.

PDFs

We recommend and receive PDF files on a regular basis, as they can be "bullet-proof" when prepared properly. There are a number of considerations when preparing a high res PDF for print. All fonts and graphics need to be embedded. The file should also include trim marks and bleed, with the marks offset at .125" out of the bleed area. We proof PDF files back to our customers after we run them through our system, to ensure that there are no missing fonts, images, etc. We have checklists available on our website for proper PDF creation, and preparing files in general to help assure everything is accurate before the files are submitted.

proofing

Nearly every job gets a color accurate, digital color proof. We also produce what we call a "booked proof." We finish the booked proof just like the final product by trimming it out, drilling it, stitching it, or whatever other applicable finishing will occur with your job. Many customers are surprised how many things are caught before press with booked proofs — type or art where the drill holes fall is just one of many examples.

color correcting

Yes, everyone has the tools to do this themselves. No, it's not always as simple as going into "curves" and pulling down a little magenta. Conversions from RGB to CMYK are not automatic, even with the best conversion profiles. Digital photography is not necessarily "ready to go." We work with some of the best photographers, helping them convert and correct their images before they are submitted for print. Our color technicians use the best tools available to achieve the best results possible with your images. We do not rely solely on our computer screen to judge color. We use experience, percentages, color references, and our calibrated proofing systems to determine color. We've spent many thousands of dollars on proofing hardware and software to help ensure color accuracy. If your images are important to your promotional material, and you are supplying them electronically, we suggest talking to us about checking and possibly editing them.

image retouching

For those hard-to-do outlines, shadows, and retouching projects, our operators have the skill to produce images that will make the best impression!