The Grafx Blogs

Despite the fact that many of us sit here and think we are untouchable on our Mac’s by viruses and other nasties its still important to keep those applications we use most patched and up to date.

In a bulletin released on Tuesday, Adobe says there are  ”critical vulnerabilities” that could crash your applications or “…potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.” They recommend that anyone using version 9.2 and earlier update to Adobe Reader 9.3 and Acrobat 9.3 right away. Likewise, those using Acrobat 8.1.7 should update to version 8.2.

We also recommend you complete these updates and you can find more details and the patches themselves by clicking here.

There is no reason today why fonts should be an issue within your workflow. Extensis have solutions that will eradicate the problems we have all endured over the years.

Having the latest software (Fusion 2 or Universal Type Server 2) is key, but having the knowledge to make the required changes, has also proved important. With the correct implementation of the software, WIP and archived files can managed seamlessly, allowing the studio to focus on the real jobs in hand.

If you are currently experiencing problems in these areas and you are not confident with font management, then why not contact us and we will sort things for you once and for all. 01242 704330

Apple have some fantastic products as we all know, with iMacs now playing a bigger role within the design studio. This is all good until the designer needs to retouch an image before it goes to press. The Apple monitors reproduce excellent vivid colours, but sometimes the designer needs a monitor that represents the final print produced on the press.

We use the Eizo range of monitors as these can be added to your iMac and calibrated as required. This will also extend your desktop size, giving more room for those floating palettes!

Personally I do not think every iMac needs one, but certainly every studio should have one to check colour critical work.

Eizo offer a wide range of monitors covering various price breaks and we would be happy to advise on what is right for you. I would suggest that when we supply and calibrate your monitor, you also allow us to complete a quick review of your workflow to ensure consistency from design to print. We are able to offer bundled solutions should you be interested. 01242 704330

Things keeping getting better from Extensis.

If you work in a design studio, then you should be aware  of what Extensis have to offer today. Ask your key account handlers to get involved as well, as these solutions should become core to your business as you move forward.

During 2009 we held a number of successful seminars promoting Extensis products and we have helped many companies with the implementation and ongoing support via our dedicated ‘Workflow’ division.

For those who are familiar with Portfolio Server 9, then take a look at the following link and see what NetMediaMax can bring to the party! If you are interested in knowing more or having a demonstration, then please contact us for more details. 01242 704330

http://www.extensis.com/en/products/netmediamax/videos.jsp

For anyone looking into Image Management for the first time then visit the following URL first.

http://www.extensis.com/en/products/portfolioserver9/videos.jsp

This is one of the most commonly asked questions since the launch of Leopard, so I will try and give a short concise breakdown of what the best way to work with your Helveticas actually is.

1.Leopard places Helvetica and Helvetica Neue directly into the system folder, fonts. It uses these fonts to work directly in Apple applications such as iPhoto.
2.The fonts have to be available at system level, not used in a font manager for these Apple applications to work.
3.Remove them from the System, Fonts folder and place them in the user Library, Fonts folder instead.
4.In order to prevent them reappearing in the System, Fonts folder you must switch off the “Alert me if system fonts change” preference in Fontbook.
5.If you have good font management such as UTS or Fusion you can manage both fonts in harmony.
6.If you have no font management software, create another user in order to use your postscript Helvetica fonts.

There you go easy isn’t it! If you have this issue and need further guidance don’t be afraid to get in touch.

It appears Illustrator CS4 has an issue when opening older version eps files. The file will display an error message saying it cant be opened, then continue to open as a blank file. Don’t lose heart! there is a work around, simply visit the link below for full details.

Adobe Issue

“In flight, preflight, and post flight”. Here is a great article on why to use Adobe InDesign’s Live Preflight feature, Enfocus PitStop and FlightCheck from Markzware in the same workflow.

Choose which, or all of these methods to make your workflow as safe as possible, all we recommend is that you do at least one if not all three.

Click here to read more.