Line weights

[Georgina]

Any tips for producing miniscule drawings in IllustratorCS, e.g. mimimum line weights etc for large-run litho printing? The drawings are mono and only 2mm high, a series of new symbols. I think the printers convert them to fonts at some stage, though I don't know how this works and whether it's necessary, they've done it with others in the past. Would appreciate any thoughts...

[CkretAjint]

Not really sure what you are refering too, but perhaps the printer making the prints would be able to help you out?

Could you make the images larger in Illustrator and then scale them down when outputing the file? Thus making the line weights thinner/smaller?

:confused:

[doubting_thomas]

You'll want to talk to whoever is going to be outputting the files. Be as specific
as possible about the finished line weights because some image setters won't
image below .25 pt lines.

[jimking]

Not quite sure what you mean by what the printer's are converting from what to fonts? As far as line weights you need to talk to your printer first. You've got to be very careful when creating a line or rule because imagesetters can only image so narrow of a rule. Hairline rules are not good, my experience has been no less than .2 thickness.

[Georgina]

Thanks. Will check on line weights. With the fonts, I think the printers have a special made up font for the client where they assign key strokes to various symbols. So if I want to put a particular symbol in a document, all I do is select the font and use a particular keystroke. Don't know if that makes sense...

[doubting_thomas]

It doesn't to me. Sorry.

[hewligan]

That makes enough sense - it's basically just a custom dingbat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dingbat) font. Doesn't really make a lot of difference to how it'll print - it's just a shortcut for setting it up.

[Moe]

Always check with the printer first. Find out what their imagesetter is capable of and what type of press it is going to be printed on. Anything below .25 line weight is considered hairline where I work, and the press room has a rough time holding that weight.

I agree with creating the image larger and downsizing. Just make sure you know what your final lineweight is going to be when you downsize.

[Georgina]

Great, thanks.:) Will check that out.