diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index f5a9c8c..506fb95 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -1,2 +1,139 @@ # Scribus-for-Stickers +# What this does + +Print preparation of vectorized stickers for print services using only +FOSS tools. The method can be easily adapted for other print houses, but +(I use wirmachendruck.de) + +# Tools used + +## Scribus + +Version 1.5.8 + +## Environment tested in + +Manjaro Linux + +# Outline of workflow + +## 1. Things you need + +- A vector graphic you want to print. If you want your stickers + contour cut the graphic will need a path for your cut contour, if + you want white print you need paths for the areas to be filled in + white, the same goes for effect colours. Keep in mind that normal + colors (CMYK), white, and effect- or special colors are printed in a + certain order. If any of the elements you plan to use for this in + your SVG overlap you may need to fix that. (Unless for example you + have a transparent sticker with white print on the backside.) + +- Print data specifications or the service you will be using + containing bleed areas, margins etc. + +## 2. Scribus + +Open Scribus + +### Creating a new file + +1. You will be greeted with a prompt for creating a new document. + - If not in the menu bar click: **File → New** +2. In the top left select **Single Page** (should already be selected), +3. Enter the final dimensions of your sticker in the top right. +4. In the bottom left, enter the **Margins** (**Margin Guides**-Tab, + open by default) and +5. **Bleed areas** (in the **Bleeds**-Tab) Keep everything the same + otherwise. +6. Klick **OK** + +### Importing a vector image + +1. In the menu bar click **File → Import → Get Vector File...** +2. Click on the page/canvas to paste the image. +3. Position and size it according to your needs. (Hint: + The blue frame on your shows the **Margins**, the red one the + **Bleeds**) + +### Adding custom color channels for white print, contour cut, and effect colours. + +1. In the menu bar click **Edit → Colors and Fills...** to open the + \"Colors and Fills...\" window. +2. In the window titled **Colors and Fills...** click the button + **Add** on the right, 2nd from the top. +3. [Name]{.underline} the color (that name goes into the output PDF), + assign it a (display) color (same with the PDF here), and check the + checkbox **Is Spot Color**. +4. Preparation for adding white print/cut contour/effect colours: + 1. Ungroup your vector image. To do this **right click** on your + image and select **Ungroup** Repeat this step on the subgroups + until the desired elements to fill are available individually. + The same goes for your cut contour. + +1. Converting regions from SVGs to white print or effect color. + + 1. Select the elements/paths to print in white, **right click** on + the selection, and select **Properties** in the context menu. + 2. In the now open **Properties** panel (normally opens on the left + side of the window) select the category **Colors**. If the + category **Colors** is greyed out you might still have a group + in your selection, which you need to change (as described + above). + 3. In **Colours**, select the tab **Fill**. + 4. From the list of colors select the one you made for that purpose + earlier. (As you have selected the \"Is Spot Color\"-option, it + will have a red dot next to it, making it easy to find.) + 5. If your elements/paths have outlines you can use the **Stroke** + tab to either set them to the same color or remove them by + setting them to **None** (1st entry in list). + 6. Underneath the list of colors is a setting named + **Overprinting** Unless otherwise specified set it to + **Knockout** + +2. Converting paths from SVGs to cut contour. + + 1. **As above** + 2. **As above** + 3. In **Colours**, select the tab **Stroke**. + 4. From the list of colors select the one you made for that purpose + earlier. (As you have selected the \"Is Spot Color\"-option, it + will have a red dot next to it, making it easy to find.) + 5. If your path has a fill you should now select the **Fill** tab + to set it to **None** to remove it. + 6. Underneath the list of colors is a setting named + **Overprinting** Unless otherwise specified set it to + **Knockout** + 7. Now select the category **Line** + 8. Unless otherwise specified set the value of **Line Width** to + \"0\". (It will be replaced by the word **Hairline**) + +### Exporting to PDF (If that is what you need) + +All of these apply if not otherwise specified. + +1. In the Menu bar select **Save** → **Export** → **Save as PDF...** +2. In the tab **General** (open by default) +3. Under the header **Export Options** uncheck **Compress + Text and Vector Graphics** +4. Under the header **File Options** set **Compatibility** to the type + of PDF you need. (Likely PDF/X-3, which is common in printing.) +5. Under the header **Image Quality Options** set **Compression** to + **None** and set the **Maximum Image Resolution**. +6. In the tab **Fonts** under the header **Embedding** for **Embedding + Mode** select **Outline all Fonts**. +7. In the tab **Colors** uncheck **Convert Spot Colors to + Process Colors**. +8. If, you are using PDF/X-3, in the tab **Pre-Press** under the header + **PDF/X Output Intent** set the output color profile (**Output + Profile**). +9. **Save** + +### You\'re done + +## Addendum + +There is also the posibility of globally substituting colors, I however +went with this alternative because it is more capable and +straightforward. Also some Services might need things to be on certain +layers, something I have not covered here.