Hachette Welbeck File Creation Policy

The policy for everyone involved in the production of books for Hachette Welbeck.

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Introduction.

This single, centralised page outlines the policy for everyone involved in the production of books for Hachette Welbeck.

It is the single source of information containing all the current file set-up guidelines, colour management policy, technical standards and production requirements for Welbeck Publishing Group.

We expect everyone working with us internally, freelancers, repro and print suppliers to follow the instructions in this document.

This document is only intended for internal Welbeck Publishing Group staff and individuals and companies working with Welbeck Publishing Group.

“GreenLight gives me the confidence that all the files my team work on in-house, or share and receive from freelancers, are set up correctly and print ready, before I send them to production.”
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Standard Software.

  • The software used to create our files is consistent so we can always open, amend and reuse our files.

File Creation

  • Pages are laid out using Adobe InDesign
  • All artwork is compatible with and/or prepared using Adobe Creative Suite Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Although not a requirement some systems may ask users run Mac OS X with access to the internet
  • Production department has access to Adobe Acrobat Pro

File Checking and Outputting

We use GreenLight from Circular Software to run automatic checks during file creation and to standardise the packaging and exporting of final files, translation files, print PDFs and marketing material.

PDF Preflighting

Adobe Acrobat Pro is being used internally by Welbeck Publishing production department.

Software Versions

Bonnier has Adobe Creative Cloud and GreenLight subscriptions and staff use recent versions of software.

We recommend to those working with us to also use recent versions but also save translation files as IDML file for others needing to open our files using older software versions. See Final Files.

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Artworks & Images.

  • The kind of images we use can directly affect the quality and the speed and reliability of production processes.

Unless otherwise advised by Production, images are set up as follows:

Pixel Images

  • Colour images use 8 bits/channel and are assigned a suitable colour mode and colour profile (see Colour Management)
  • Greyscale use 8 bits/channel with no colour profile assigned
  • Bitmap image use 1 bits/channel and no colour profile assigned
  • Single layer images are supplied as maximum quality JPEG or TIFF
  • Complex layered images are supplied as Photoshop PSD documents

Vector Images

  • Colour images use 8 bits/channel CMYK colour mode with no colour profile assigned
  • Single layer images are supplied as EPS or AI
  • Complex layered images are supplied as Illustrator AI documents
  • If vector images are to be used for co-editions then they follow the same set-up guidelines of using a text layer containing only process black and set to overprint (see File Structure)

Photoshoots and Commissioned Artworks

  • Pixel images are maximum quality JPEG or TIFF use 8 bits/channel using a suitable colour mode and colour profile (see Colour Management)
  • Vector images are Illustrator AI documents using CMYK colour mode with no colour profile assigned
  • RAW / DNG or similar files from digital cameras are converted to maximum quality JPEG or TIFF before supply
  • Pixel images are supplied at 12 megapixels (approx 350ppi at A4)
  • Filenames only use letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), dashes and underscores.
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Filenaming.

  • File names are an obviously important way to know what a file contains, but they can also be used to help indicate which book, language and section and can be used for automated exporting, improved archiving and influencing GreenLight checks.

All files in our workflow are named in this way and order.

[Book-Code]_[Section]_[Page-Range]_[Doc-Name]_[Language].[File-Type]

For example

9871788701235_INT_044-067_SoVegan-Breakfasts_US.indd is the US internal section InDesign document for p44-67 of ‘So Vegan’.

9781471403699_PB_Mr-Peacocks-Possessions_UK.pdf is the UK paperback cover PDF file for the book ‘Mr Peacock’s Possessions’.

Allowed Characters

Use only letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), dashes and underscores when naming files and folders. No spaces.

Underscores are used to indicate different sections of the filename. Regular dashes (using the hyphen or minus key) indicate page ranges and are also used to replace spaces and other characters.

Book Code or ISBN

Every filename starts with a unique book code which identifies the book that files belong to. The ISBN can be used as a suitable book code. Book Codes are supplied when briefing and can be confirmed by production or editorial and may contain letters, numbers and a dash.

If a document does not yet have a book code assigned then a dummy or placeholder book code can be used whilst work in progress.

Section Identifiers

This short code indicates the section of the book that a document relates to.

PLCPaper Laminated Case. Printed cover glued onto a hardcased book.
FLEXIA printed cover onto a medium weight board. May also have flaps and usually requires endpapers.
COVPaperback cover. Typically wraps across front, spine and back of a paperback book. May also have printing on the inside of the cover.
JKTJacket. A paper jacket that wraps around the hardcased book.
PREPrelims. Optional. Preliminary inside pages that can contain alternative retailer and imprint information.
INTInternal Section. All internal pages of book. This section may include imprint information or follow a prelim section. Will contain endpapers if book is self ending.
ENDEndpapers. Printed paper used to secure to the case to the book block during the manufacturing process.
ILLUSIllustrations section inserted as a ‘plate section’ for mono books.
TRANSTranslation Files. A set of internal pages generated by GreenLight for use only by co-edition publishers.
EXTRAExtra Sections. For novelty or complex sections and any other sections not covered by the above identifiers.

Page ranges for internal pages

For all internal and prelim documents the page range is included in the filename after the INT, PRE or ILLUS document identifier.

The first page number and last page numbers are added to the filename and are separated by a dash. Roman numerals can be used.

If a single document contains all internal pages then continue to add the first page number and last page number to the file name.

Apart from roman numerals, all page numbers in filenames have three digits. E.g. page one to page eleven becomes 001-011. Books with over one thousand pages can use four digit page numbers.

When outputting single page PDFs a single three digit page number is used (see Print PDFs).

Work In Progress name / Book name

This area of the filename can be any text which helps us recognise the document whilst working on the document. This is for work in progress and may be changed if required. It may be removed or replaced with the book name for final files and when exporting.

If using an extra section identifier it is important to describe the type of section in the book name. e.g. ‘sticker-sheet’.

Language Identifier

A code showing language is added to the end of the filename.

Files in British English use UK, American English uses US.

UKInternational or British English.
USAmerican English.
ENGTransatlantic English language intended for both the UK and US printings.
UKUSIf a single file contains different text for the UK and US printings then use UKUS.

All other languages use the same three letter code used in ONIX.

FREFrench
GERGerman
ITAItalian
PORPortuguese
SPASpanish
WELWelsh

Common ones are listed above and a full list is here www.medra.org/stdoc/onix-codelist-74.htm

The language identifier is optional for the prelim section identifiers (see Prelims) and is required for all other sections.

CMYK or Special Finish Identifier

When outputting a print PDF of the common CMYK layer for Internal sections, the language identifier is replaced by ‘CMYK’.

When outputting a print PDF of special finish layers for jackets the language identifier added after the special finish layer name (see Spot Colours & Special Finishes).

File-Type Suffix

The suffix is the final part of the file name used by the computer to indicate the file type and should remain unaltered, e.g.

.pdfPDF
.inddInDesign Document
.idmlInDesign Markup Language

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File Structure.

  • Consistent file set-up and structure makes files easier to understand, check, share and reuse along with automating production processes.

Unless otherwise instructed by Production, the following guidelines apply to all final InDesign files in our workflow.

Layering - CMYK Layer

For all internal sections, prelims and endpapers a base layer named ‘CMYK’ contains common images and artwork that are consistent between translations.

The CMYK is the bottom-most layer in the layers panel.

This layer may contain any combination of colour objects and placed images and can include transparency effects and blending.

The CMYK layer does not contain translatable objects or text wraps.

Despite the name, if advised to use spot colours on internal sections or endpapers, these are also placed on this CMYK layer.

Layering - Text Layer

For internal sections and prelims a text layer contains all objects that are able to edited, moved or removed by a translator. As well as text frames and paths the text layer can also contain annotation lines, tint panels, text wrap objects. Endpapers do not contain a text layer.

The full name of the translation layer contains the language being used. E.g. TEXT-UK (International English), TEXT-US (Americanized English), TEXT-ENG (Transatlantic English), TEXT-GER (German).

Typically only one text layer is included in an InDesign document but it is possible to have multiple text layers if required.

Layering - Jackets

Jackets are prepared independently of co-edition restrictions and may include coloured text and special print finishes such as foil and spot varnish.

Finishes are separated out onto different layers in InDesign and named to describe their contents.

Note: Any spot colours inks, e.g. Pantones, are not split onto separate layers and are to be included with the CMYK graphics.

SPOTUVSpot UV varnish.
MATTUVSpot Matt varnish.
FOILAreas for foil blocking. Multiple foils have the foil colour added e.g. FOIL PURPLE.
EMBOSSEmbossing
DEBOSSDebossing
DIELINEDielines used for cutting formes for stickers and cutting
SPECIALFor each additional special finishes e.g. SPECIAL GLITTER.

Layering - Notes

Layers that are named ‘NOTES’ or with names starting with ‘NOTES’ can optionally be added to final InDesign document. These are not exported.

Text Colour

All text used on the text layer for interior pages is set to use the InDesign default colour [Black] swatch. No other colours or colour modes (such spot colours, RGB, Pantone or LAB) are used.

This applies to all text in text frames or on text paths that is on a translation layer and also applies to any stroke (border) colours applied as well as the more common fill (solid) colour.

Any lines, panels or images that are placed on the text layer are also restricted to using the InDesign default colour [Black] swatch.

Any tint of [Black] from 1-100% is acceptable. 0% tints are not to be used.

An allowed exception to using the [Black] swatch on the text layer is when no colour is used. In this case the InDesign [None] swatch is used. Text wrap objects are typically set to use no colour in this way.

Overprinting

All black text and objects on the text layer are set to overprint. This means that text can be changed during a print run without affecting the underlying base images and artwork.

If vector images are to be used for co-editions then they too are set process black and set to overprint.

Spot Colours

The use of spot colours add to print costs. Only use spot colours when instructed by Production. Typically spot colours are only permitted on endpapers and jackets.

Transparency

Transparency effects including reduced opacity, blend modes, shadows and glows may be used. For internal sections these are restricted to the CMYK layer only.

For internal sections no transparency effects are used on the text layer.

Text Wraps

Text wrap objects are used to alter the position of text, for example pushing around an image.

Text wrap can be applied freely to any object with the exception of internal sections.  For internal sections no text wrap is used on the CMYK layer.

For internal sections text wraps are added only to the text layer.

Image Resolution

Colour and grayscale pixel images should aim for an effective resolution of 350ppi. A minimum 250ppi is expected unless there are exceptional circumstances.

The requirement for bitmap / black and white pixel images are 4x the colour and grayscale pixel images requirements. An minimum of 1000ppi is expected.

Avoid using excessive resolution where possible. Images above 450ppi are brought down to 350ppi during the PDF process.

Bleed

Bleed is set to 5mm on all outside edges. No bleed is applied to inside edges for spreads using facing pages.

PLC and FLEXI cover files - Bleed is 15mm. See section on Jackets (see Jackets)

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Jackets.

  • This section includes info for all jackets, covers, PLCs etc.

We use GreenLight to manage our InDesign templates to create and export our jacket files to the following settings.

Crop and fold marks are automatically added to PDFs to indicate dimensions of each cover panel.

Where relevant, board thickness is assumed to be 3mm and the turnaround (the amount to allow for a flap fold) to be 2mm. These values can be altered in GreenLight if necessary.

PLC / PPC / Arlin

A PLC (Paper Laminated Case) is a printed cover file glued onto a hardcased book. PPC is another name for PLC. Arlin is a coloured paper stamped to achieve a cloth effect.

  • 15mm bleed on outer edges
  • 3mm added to trim page size on all edges
  • No flaps or turnaround
  • Special finishes are not applied to the gutter

PLC cut flush

A PLC printed cover file glued onto a hardcased book that is then trimmed off on top, bottom and outer edges.

  • 15mm bleed on outer edges
  • 3mm added to trim page size on spine edge only
  • No flaps or turnaround
  • Special finishes are not applied to the gutter

Paperback covers

Wrapping across front, spine and back of a paperback book.

  • 5mm bleed on outer edges
  • May have flaps. 2mm turnaround added if adding flaps

Paper Jackets

A paper jacket wrapping around a hardcased book.

  • 5mm bleed on outer edges
  • Trim page size plus 3mm on outside edges
  • Always has flaps and adds an extra 3mm for turnaround
  • Flap content starts a minimum of 3mm for tunaround

Flexi Binding

A flexi bound cover is a card producing a medium cased book.

  • 15mm bleed on outer edges
  • Trim page size plus 3mm on outside edges
  • May contain flaps. 2mm turnaround added if adding flaps

Wiro Binding

A wiro bound cover is a printed card producing either an open or cased wiro boung book.

  • 5mm bleed on outer edges
  • Pages are designed as facing pages but are set-up with extra 5mm added to trim page size on inside gutter to simulate a 5mm bleed on all edges
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Prelims.

  • Prelims are a section at the beginning of a book that may contain multiple versions of different retailer and imprint information including changes to logos.

Prelim information may be contained in the first pages of the internal (INT) section or split out into a separate prelim (PRE) section document.

In terms of production a prelim section is treated as part of the internal pages of the book, with overprinting process black only text and artwork remaining on a TEXT layer (see File Structure) which is layered on top of a common CMYK layer.

To cater for multiple text layers there are some differences for the prelim (PRE) section when compared to the internal (INT) section:

Prelim layering

  • Each of the different retailer and/or imprint details are split onto separate text layers
  • All text for each retailer and/or imprint is to be contained on the relevant text layer, any common text that is shared by retailer and/or imprint is to be duplicated onto each of the text layers
  • Text layer names for the each different retailer and/or imprint start with TEXT- but then are not restricted to standard language identifiers. E.g. a layer name of TEXT-Book-People may be used to indicate the prelim specifically for that retailer
  • Text layer names are used for PDF output. No spaces are used in these text layer names

Prelim file naming

  • There is no requirement for a language identifier for the prelims section
  • A three figure page range is added to the file name after the section identifier (see Filenaming)

Prelim outputting

  • Prelims are output to single page print ready PDFs by GreenLight
  • A single CMYK is output per page
  • A PDF for each text layer is output for every page.
  • Text PDFs are named with the text layer name.
    E.g. ABC_PRE_001_TEXT-Book-People.pdf indicates the prelim for page one for the retailer ‘The Book People’ for book code ABC
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Endpapers.

  • Endpapers are printed paper sheets at the start and end of the book used to secure the case to the book block during the manufacturing process.

There are two types of endpaper:

Self Ends

‘Self Ends’ endpapers are included in the main internal (INT) section (see Filenaming) document as the first and last spread of that section

The first and last page of a self ended internal section is usually left blank as these pages will be glued into the cover during the manufacturing process

CMYK and TEXT layers are used as normal for the INT section

Self Ends are output with a page number as they are part of the internal pages of the book

Plus Ends

‘Plus Ends’ endpapers are printed on a separate sheet which is used to attach the main book block to the case

Endpapers are designed and output using a separate Endpaper (END) section file (see Filenaming)

On agreement with Production, Plus Ends may be printed with different designs at the start and end of the book and on both the front and back

Single pantone spot colours are permitted and commonly used

Special finishes such as Spot UV or Foil are not permitted

Endpapers are designed and output as double page spreads using the same trim page size as the book with 5mm bleed.

Endpaper designs are commonly shared between both front and back. When this is the case only one spread is designed and one print PDF is output.

Endpapers may be left blank but are typically printed on one side. On agreement with Production, endpapers may be printed on both sides.

A single END section file contains all endpaper spreads for a book. Only when endpapers are different between the front and back are multiple spreads used. Multiple spreads are output as separate print PDFs by GreenLight.

The following section identifier are used for PDF output only.

END-INNERA common reverse printing for both front and back endpapers
END-FRONTAn endpaper to be used at the front of the book only
END-BACKAn endpaper to be used at the back of the book only
END-INNER-FRONTA reverse printing for the front endpaper only
END-INNER-BACKA reverse printing for the back endpaper only
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Extra Sections.

  • In some complex cases, such as novelty books and books containing paper engineering, there may be one of more sections that are not covered by the main section identifiers.

Section identifiers in this File Creation Policy (see Filenaming) cover the vast majority of the books produced for Quarto.

However, in some complex cases, such as novelty books and books containing paper engineering, there may be one of more sections that are not covered by the main identifiers. E.g. spreads with flaps and sliders, kits, sticker sheets, slip cases, belly bands etc.

All book sections that are not covered by a specific section identifier use the EXTRA section identifier. Multiple extra sections may be required for one book.

When text layers are identified within extra sections they are limited in the same way as the internal section, with overprinting process black only text and artwork. Multiple text layers may be required for different parts of the output or to add instructions.

Extra Sections layering

  • There is no restriction to the number of order of the different layers within an extra section
  • Text layers with names that start with TEXT- are treated in the same way as internal pages of the book, with overprinting process black only text and artwork
  • Text layer names are not restricted to standard language identifiers. E.g. a layer name of TEXT-pull-out may be used to indicate the position of the text
  • Layer names are used for PDF output. No spaces are used in extra section layer names

Extra Sections file naming

  • As the EXTRA section identifier is generic, the book name field is used to give more description about the content.
    E.g. ABC123_EXTRA_Sticker-Sheet-1_UK.indd
  • There is still a requirement for a language identifier for extra sections (see Filenaming)
  • A page range is not required in the file name after the section identifier

Extra Sections special finishes

  • Standard spot colour naming is used for special finishes (see Special Finishes) but the layer name may also contain more information following the standard spot colour name. e.g. The DIE spot colour used for cutting formes may used be on a layer named DIECUT-slider.

Extra Sections outputting

  • Extra Sections are output to single page print ready PDFs by GreenLight
  • Each layer is output separately for every page
  • Layer Names and page names are used in the names of PDF outputting E.g. ABC123_EXTRA_005_DIECUT-slider_UK.pdf
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Spot Colours & Special Finishes.

  • On agreement with Production, jackets, endpaper and internal sections may contain spot coloured inks and Special Finishes.

Pantone Spot Colours

On agreement with Production, jackets, endpaper and internal sections may contain spot coloured inks e.g. Pantones. The name of the spot colour indicates the ink to use and spot colours are included with the main composite PDF (see Print PDFs).

Special Finishes

On agreement with Production cover and jacket sections may feature special finishes such as foil, embossing and spot UV.

Each special finish is added to a separate, named InDesign layer. All content on the special finish layer uses a spot colour swatch set to the same name as the layer (see File Structure) and set to overprint.

SPOTUVSpot UV
MATTUVSpot Matt varnish.
Note: no layer is required for Matt lamination as applies to entire cover.
DIELINEDielines used for cutting formes for stickers and cutting
EMBOSSEmbossing
DEBOSSDebossing
FOILAreas for foil blocking. Multiple foils have the foil colour added e.g. FOIL PURPLE.
SPECIALFor each additional special finishes e.g. SPECIAL GLITTER.

Special finish layers are output to separate PDFs (see Print PDFs).

Common spot colours are named with these identifiers. Additional special finishes are identified by adding the word SPECIAL to the start of the layer and spot colour name along with a description e.g. SPECIAL-GLITTER.

A special finish can also be used to identify the size and position of quarter binding. e.g. SPECIAL-BINDING-AREA.

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Colour Management.

  • Welbeck Publishing Group prepares files for offset presses, based on standardised paper stocks.

Welbeck Publishing Group prepares files for offset presses, based on standardised paper stocks:

  • Premium coated paper (ISO 12647-2:2013 PC 1)
  • Wood-free uncoated white paper (ISO 12647-2:2013 PC 5)

Depending on the paper type specified for printing we apply one of two industry standard ICC profiles.

FOGRA51 for Coated Paper

For all coated paper stocks we use the PSO Coated v3 working space. The ink limit for this profile is 300%.

FOGRA52 for Uncoated Paper

For all uncoated paper stocks we use the FOGRA52 – PSO Uncoated v3 working space. The ink limit for this profile is 300%.

ICC profiles are contained in our Quarto colour settings files and are distributed by GreenLight to all users.

Adobe RGB (1998) for RGB

We use the Adobe RGB (1998) working space for all RGB images. It is assumed for all RGB images entering in our workflow.

If RGB images are known to have other profiles they are converted to Adobe RGB (1998) using Adobe Photoshop.

Colour Settings in Adobe Software

To reflect the two CMYK profiles we have two Colour Settings.

  • Welbeck_Colour_Settings_Coated
  • 51Welbeck_Colour_Settings_Uncoated52

The appropriate colour setting is used within InDesign and other Adobe software when working on CMYK files.

GreenLight Book Info

GreenLight users indicate the paper stock by adding Book Info to their InDesign document. The relevant colour settings are applied and influence checks and exports from within GreenLight.

Placed Images and Artwork

The use of either RGB images and / or CMYK images within InDesign is permitted.

By using RGB images we are best placed to move between paper stocks when reprinting, to prepare for other profiles for specialist printing and to output for digital. By using CMYK images we can be certain CMYK colour numbers are not altered on output.

PDF Output Intent

The FOGRA51 or FOGRA52 choices made in InDesign and GreenLight carry through into the PDF/X print PDFs and the output intent is added. See Print PDFs for more.

Ink Weights

As stated above, GreenLight standardises exports to standard FOGRA51 or FOGRA52 with a maximum of 300% ink TAC (Total Area Coverage).

If there is a specific requirement for exports to have lower ink weights, we suggest dealing this in one of two ways:

  1. At the printer - By using your colour server to repurpose the supplied PDFs to a suitable output intent for your press and paper. e.g. Alwan ColorHub, GMG ColorServer or ColorLogic ZePrA.
  2. From GreenLight - By supplying us a suitable ICC Colour Profile to use when preparing artwork and exporting.
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Final Files.

  • When InDesign and image files are finalised and approved we prepare them for archive and translation in the following way:

Packaged InDesign Folder

All InDesign documents are packaged. By packaging we can be sure each document folder contains all links and fonts required to reuse the document in future.

Using GreenLight the InDesign files are packaged to a folder using these options:

  • Copy Linked Graphics
  • Update Graphics Links in Package
  • Include IDML (for third parties using older versions of InDesign)

Translation Files

Using GreenLight, internal sections are processed into a newly generated separate InDesign document which is used solely for preprinting translations. This document has all items from the CMYK layer flattened into an embedded watermarked JPEG.

The document is then packaged to a folder using these options:

  • Copy Linked Graphics
  • Update Graphics Links in Package
  • Include IDML (for third parties using older versions of InDesign)
  • Include PDF (with no bleed)

The translation InDesign file and packaged folder are named with the TRANS document identifier.