Digital Strategies

Formats | Proofs | Preflight | Deadlines | Guidelines

File Formats

Due to the volume of digital ads that we receive, we can only accept the following files:

• EPS
• TIFF
• TIFF-IT/P1
• PostScript
• PDF (3.0)
• PDF/X-1

PDF files must be created by Adobe Acrobat Distiller version 4.0 or higher. Multi-color ads using PMS colors, including spot colors, spot color vignettes, and spot color duotones, should not use the PDF format; instead, defer to an EPS or Postscript format.

We cannot support native application files such as QuarkXPress, PageMaker, or InDesign. We also don’t support Adobe PDFWriter, third-party PDF converters, or applications that save directly to PDF.

Digital Proofs

A direct digital color proof (DDCP) is required for all four-color ads. A proof must meet SWOP standards and be pulled from the final digital data that is submitted for print. Acceptable proofs are prepared on a contract-quality, digital halftone proofing system such as Kodak Approval. Color control patches must be supplied for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black at 6 mm in 5%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 95%, and 100% increments.

A laser or inkjet proof is required for all spot color and black & white ads. All proofs must be provided at 100% with trim and bleed marks indicated where applicable. Send separation and composite proofs for spot colors if using a black & white printer.

Digital laser and inkjet proofs cannot be used for four-color ads. If submitted in place of a DDCP, the proof will be used for content only. In this case, and cases when a proof is not supplied, Canon will not be held responsible for color variations between the digital file and the printed image. (Back to top)

Preflight

As part of our commitment to quality, all digital ads undergo a preflight inspection process. If an error is detected, the advertiser, or the agency, will be notified immediately. A corrected digital ad file must be resubmitted and accompanied by a new proof, checklist, and written instructions to replace and purge the previously submitted file.

Deadlines

All digital ads, proofs, and checklists are due to Ad Management Services six (6) days after ad close. Digital ads submitted after this time are subject to rejection and may require film replacement.

General Guidelines

• Digital Ad Checklists must accompany each digital ad. Without a checklist, Canon will not be held responsible for any discrepancies that may occur in reproduction.

• Canon cannot make alterations to a digital ad. If a previously submitted digital ad requires an alteration, a revised digital ad must be resubmitted by the advertiser or the agency along with a checklist, proof, and written instructions to replace and purge the previously submitted file.

• Film may be required in cases where there are difficulties in processing a digital ad or print deadlines are compromised. In this case, the film will undergo a copydot scan thus converting the film into a digital image.

• Canon will not be held responsible for any omissions or copy errors in submitted digital ads. It is advisable to carefully proof and preflight the ad prior to submitting to Canon.

• Digital ads will be archived for twelve (12) months and then purged from the database without advertiser notification unless advised otherwise in writing by the advertiser or the agency.

• Canon cannot duplicate or forward digital ads to other publications or printers. To protect the reproduction integrity of a digital ad, it’s highly advisable that the advertiser or the agency always submits original files.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Coming soon.