Production Toolbox

dMAC Specifications

dMACS (digital Magazine Advertising Canadian Specifications) are de facto industry specifications for consistent and predictable reproduction of magazine materials, and are regularly updated to reflect the latest technologies and processes that continuously improve print quality. View the current dMAC Specifications Version 5.3 (PDF).

Magazine Eco Kit

The Magazine Eco Kit is a compendium of tips, terms, resources and papers for environmentally friendly magazine publishing. It offers a collection of ideas and best practices to help publishers make viable choices for a greener, more sustainable publishing industry. View the Magazine Eco Kit (PDF).

Read. Share. Recycle.

"Read. Share. Recycle." is a logo and two advertising campaigns that encourage consumers to recycle their magazines once they have finished reading and sharing them with friends and family. Both campaigns position publishers as responsible stewards of the environment, promoting environmental awareness, respect and responsibility. Visit magazinescanada.ca/recycle for more information, and to download the logo and ad campaigns.

Soft Proofing: A Guide to Benefits and Best Practices

Soft proofing is a technical advance that can take magazine production to the next level of efficiency, predictability, consistency and accountability. A guide to benefits and best practices is available to present the case for why soft proofing is building momentum and to review the benefits and challenges associated with it. Download (PDF).

How to Make a Bullet-Proof PDF

Magazines Canada endorses PDF/X1-a files as the preferred file format for the blind exchange of advertising files with magazine publications. To create a bullet-proof PDF file every time, simply follow the steps outlined below (if in doubt, consultation with the publisher/printer is essential to determine the suitability of the file submission):

• To create a PDF file directly from ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR CS2-CS5
• To create a PDF file directly from ADOBE INDESIGN CS2-CS5
• To create a PDF file directly from ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS2-CS5
• To create a PDF file directly from QUARKXPRESS V.6
• To create a PDF file directly from QUARKXPRESS V.7 

Digital Control Strip

The Digital Control Strip is primarily used as a control device for pre-press proofs. The strip must pass through exactly the same imaging process as a live image, including RIP curves, color management, screening, etc., and must be included on all proofs submitted for IDEAlliance Proofing System certification. Values measured from the strip will be used as part of the IDEAlliance proofing system certification process. View the IDEAlliance ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 as a PDF. Read more information about the control strip.

Look Like a Hero

The Magazines Canada Manufacturing & Technology Committee, in partnership with Masthead, created a must-read book of tips and strategies that will assist art directors in bringing the art of magazine ad design to life. To obtain your personal copy of Look Like A Hero, please visit looklikeahero.com.

AudioMags

Want to hear from the experts? Listen to an AudioMag, Magazines Canada's podcast series featuring new views, opinion and timely information from the industry’s best and brightest.

• Episode six examines sustainability and green ideas for magazines. Featuring Bryan Welch, President of Ogden Publications.
• Episode 22 takes a look at streamlining processes that have a positive effect on the bottom line. Featuring Kim Latreille, Group Director of Production at St. Joseph's Media.

More Production Resources

Magazines Canada has compiled a list of useful links to in finding information for most commonly requested topics, including colour management, preflighting, PDF and PDF/X, paper, and production associations.

For more production information, contact adinfo@magazinescanada.ca. For more information on the Canadian magazine industry, take a look at Canadian Magazines canadiens: the definitive resource on magazine publishing.

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