For maximum compatibility with prior versions, flatten the file (no layers), make sure maximize compatibility is checked in Preferences > File Handling, and eliminate any paths. Now Save As, pick PSD, and give it a new name. This should be readable in PS7 or earlier.
If there are text layers or line art in your file, I would recommend that before flattening the file you make sure that the image is the size it is to be printed and at least 600 ppi resolution. Flattened text layers or line art will be be poorer quality at a lower resolution at final size. You can adjust this using Image > Image Size; check "Resample" down at the bottom, enter the output size in inches or cm, and then enter 600 ppi resolution.
The printer can always downscale the image if need be, but if you have fuzzy text due to insufficient resolution it can never be made to look really crisp and clear.
If you didn’t have to worry about PS7 compatibility, you could create a PDF, keeping the text as vectors or embedding fonts, and not worry about adjusting the resolution. But it sounds like that’s not an option.
As an additional enhancement, you could find out whether the printer would prefer CMYK or RGB images. If it’s going to be printed CMYK, you may want to do the conversion yourself. But this may involve skills you haven’t learned yet. (I haven’t either, and I’ve probably been using Photoshop a lot longer than you.)
Thank you for your quick reply Michael. 🙂
However, I forgot to mention that they (the company) want the material with open layers. Thats where I get stuck..
They also want me to give them the custom fonts I use
for the tracklists and so on, but is that really necessary if I rasterize the text-layers. Or is that a bad idea?
I dont understand WHY the want it with open layers though…
/Marcus
They probably want to be able to mess with it.
No need to flatten. Just don’t use ANY features that did not appear after version 7, Smart Objects, etc., and be sure to save with Maximize Compatibility and you should be alright.
If they have the same fonts you use they should be okay on the text also.
Must you use this printer?
Bob
The only layers you need to give them is your text Flatten your illastration leave the text live.
Have you tried to call and see if they’ll take a PDF?
Bob
Yeah, that´s what I’ll do.
They will have only the text layers and the logo.
No, they won’t take a PDF.
Germans…
Preciate the help folks!
I will surely return if I run into something more. 🙂
Regards
/Marcus
