We are primarily a Windows shop. We have a few people who create desktop publishing files (usually in Quark or Pagemaker) from within the Windows environment, then send the files to an external printer for publication. Invariably, the printer uses Macs. Almost all the time, the printer complains that there is something wrong with the Windows-based files (graphics don’t come across, font problems, etc.) requiring them to recreate the same files on the Mac prior to publication. The suggested solution from the printer is to setup our internal staff people with Macs so the files can transfer seamlessly. This suggestion has come from more than one printer. I’m not against that as an option, but I’d like to determine less drastic measures first. (“Drastic” only in the sense that adding more Macs requires more Mac-aware support staff).
I’m looking for best practices in the publishing world. We can’t be the only people that create files on a PC, then send them to a Mac-based printer. Is it normal to have so many problems sending files from Windows to Mac? Are there solutions out there where the files could be converted (almost) seamlessly? If so, do they really work? How much should I expect the printing companies to change their environment to accomodate us, the customer?
Thanks!
