CompuServe Messages

Iain, Call BJ Print & Graphics (0803 666003). These guys really know what they are doing with the Amiga and ProPage. Rather than simply throwing the files at them, though, you should discuss beforehand exactly what you require, exactly how you currently prepare your docs… and then, exactly how they would like you to do it 🙂 You should keep in mind that at the end of the day output will be to a PostScript device. PostScript has a limit to the number of paths that can be in a structured drawing, so autotraced ProDraw clips will always be in danger of failing to print. It's best to avoid them unless they are fairly simple bitmaps to start with. If your "photographs" are scanned bitmaps, keep in mind that the screen you use (lpi) will affect them. If you don't understand about halftone screens, ask the bureau to explain. If they don't know or can't be bothered to explain, find another bureau. You *don't* need one that accepts ProPage files, simply output to a PostScript file and take it into the bureau on a PC formatted disk. But remember that you must have your PostScript setting correct before you save the files. If a bureau wants your business, it will happily explain to you what are the recommended settings. Whatever typefaces you use in your docs must be present in the PostScript device in order for it to be able to print those typefaces. Many are built-in, others have to be downloaded. The bureau can do this, if it happens to have those typefaces (something that should be discussed with the bureau BEFORE you give them your files), or you can "include downloadable fonts" in your ProPage PostScript files. For this to work the "downloadable" file must be present in the CGFonts:PS directory. (It has the same filename as the CG/bitmap font, but with a ".psfont" extension.) I know from experience that ProPage can do precisely what you want to do. Jeff Walker – Just Amiga Monthly.