Easier file preparation for printing is possible!

Last month I complained about the hassle in sending out a file for printing. Well, I've found that things are improving.

This week I produced a flyer for a tradeshow we will be at next week. I used our local Allegra Printing office to produce 200 pieces on their Indigo digital printer. The process was much smoother--here's how to do it:

1. Go to their website, create an account and download their printing software. The software is a variation of Acrobat, I think.


2. Print your document using the 'Allegra printer' in your print dialog box.


3. Go back to their website, log on, and create a new job. When you click on a button to upload, it automatically pulls the file from your PC (no browsing).


4. Then you need to wait for the server to process the document and send you a link to proof it. This took a while the first time I did this. The link took me to a page where I could pull up a PDF file to view. This PDF isn't high-rez, which made me a little more critical of one of my images, so I clicked 'reject' and tried again. When you accept, it notifies the printer and they can roll with the job.

Now with all that said, I can't say it was perfect. The printers got concerned when I rejected my proof twice. Turns out they are new to this software and weren't sure if I was having trouble with it, so they called me (nice service, though). They also asked me to stop by for a view of an actual proof. This step is probably a legacy from the older style of handling print jobs. As they and their clients get comfortable, I'm sure this step will be dropped.

I'm happy that I got to use whatever file types and software I wanted to generate my print job. Overall, very cool!