Inkjet Printing Guide

What can we print?

We stock a wide selection of print media for use with our large format pigment inkjet printers. All of the paper we stock is on a roll, with the exception of of the Matt Duo 130/190gsm double sided paper. The majority of our paper is 36in wide, but there are a select few that are wider and some that are smaller.

Please refer to the following for a detailed list of what we stock: Material Guide

Please note that our inkjet printers use pigment inks. Therefore prints are unsuitable for outdoor presentation without some form of lamination. Water resistant materials printed on the Flatbed can be used outdoors due to its use of UV inks.

Sending Work

To send up print jobs you must simply upload a print ready PDF to our file upload system: SnoWhite

The sections below go over, in more detail, how to export your file from various popular applications as well as the steps for uploading your file to SnoWhite.

Exporting from Photoshop

You must ensure your document is FLAT before you export it, layers may drastically alter the colour and quality of your print.

Once you have completed artworking your work and you are ready to export it:

  1. In Photoshop go to LAYER and then FLATTEN IMAGE. This is the only correct way to ensure your file is flat. Your only layer will be labelled 'Background' and will have a lock next to it.
  2. Go to FILE and then SAVE AS.
  3. In the format drop down select PHOTOSHOP PDF. And then click SAVE.
  4. In the ADOBE PDF PRESET select HIGH QUALITY PRINT. And then click SAVE PDF.

Please also ensure your pdf is sized correctly, as it is your responsibility to make sure the file uploaded to SnoWhite is at the dimensions you want printed.

  1. In Photoshop go to IMAGE and then IMAGE SIZE. Here you can modify the dimensions of your file.

Exporting from InDesign

Before you export it is important to make sure all your image and text LINKS are intact, otherwise your pdf will only provide the low quality preview images. Check this by going to WINDOW and LINKS.

Once you are ready to export:

  1. In InDesign go to FILE and then EXPORT.
  2. In the FORMAT drop down select ADOBE PDF (PRINT). And then click SAVE.
  3. In the ADOBE PDF PRESET select HIGH QUALITY PRINT. And then click SAVE PDF.

Exporting from Illustrator

Once you are ready to export:

  1. In Illustrator go to FILE and then SAVE AS.
  2. In the FORMAT drop down select ADOBE PDF (pdf).
  3. In the ADOBE PDF PRESET select HIGH QUALITY PRINT. Untick ‘Optimize for Fast Web View’. And then click SAVE PDF.

Important Information

When exporting to PDF scale your work to the exact dimensions you want printed. Snowhite does NOT automatically resize your work. Please consult with a CSC technician prior to uploading if you need help.

We generally print your work with corner crop marks and we do not trim the majority of the work we print. However we can make exceptions for particularly large and mounted work. We can also assist with teaching correct trimming procedure.

Our inkjet machines are not made for large cut sheet print runs, most of our paper is on a roll. Please consult with a CSC technician before uploading if you intend to make items like magazines, booklets, leaflets and business cards. The University’s Southampton Print Centre is a good alternative for this type of printing.

When selecting a custom setting ignore the cost, as it is predicting the per metre pricing. So if you upload a 15 page pdf the price will be way beyond what you will actually end up paying.

Print jobs can take up to 2 working days from submission date to complete. Laser cutting and Flatbed jobs can take up to a week to complete. During peak periods, such as hand in, this time can increase.

Uploading to SnoWhite

Go to SNOWHITE.

  1. Login with your University username.
  2. Go to SUBMIT FILE and select 'Choose File'. You must upload a PDF. If you have multiple files that are going on the same media you can combine your PDFs using Acrobat or Preview; see this guide. Please ensure the PDF version is no higher than 1.4 (Acrobat 5.0).
  3. Select the TYPE & MEDIA. Selecting different types will filter the media drop-down.
  4. Set the COPIES. By default it will be 1, adjust if you need more.
  5. Media Specific Options:
    1. LENGTH (Fabric only). Input the exact length of your artwork.
    2. MOUNTED (Paper only). To have your print mounted on foamboard, at extra cost.
    3. BLACK INK (CTF only). Choose between 'Matt Black' and 'Photo Black'
  6. Add any relevant comments such as the source colour profile or custom dimensions, or leave blank.
  7. Set the PAYMENT METHOD. The default is ‘Online Store’, but you can select ‘Subproject Code’ if you have a budget code you want to use.
  8. Click SUBMIT JOB. Your PDF should start uploading. If there is a problem please follow the instructions provided in the error message or contact us for assistance.

Paying on the Online Store

First you must upload your job. Then you must wait for an admin to create a payment reference for your job. You should receive a notification email to indicate this, or you can check your SnoWhite MY PRINTS for a pending payment reference.

Go to SNOWHITE.

  1. Login with your University username.
  2. Go to MY PRINTS.
  3. Then under the heading 'Pending Payments' click PAY HERE.
  4. You will be taken to the Online Store where you must input the cost, add it to your basket and proceed to the checkout to pay for your job.
  5. When you have paid, a SnoWhite technician will check and confirm your payment and then they will set your payment reference to 'Paid' and any associated jobs will be moved to 'Processing' where production will commence.

Collecting your Job

When your job is complete it will have the 'Printed' status in SnoWhite. You can then make an appointment to collect your job: Book an Appointment

Collection locations:

FABRIC - Digital Textiles (1019E)
PAPER - Creative Services Centre (1071E)
SPECIALIST - Creative Services Centre (1071E)

External Printing

The Print Centre (UOS)
Exaprint
Moo

Links

Approved Suppliers
Making a PDF
Making a Multiple Page PDF
Print Booklet
Paper Sizes
Wallpaper Printing Guide
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