The typical service bureau supplies the design community with a variety of services needed for the pre-press production of the printed product.
Today's digital imaging centers are truly unique in the range of RGB and
CMYK reproduction services they provide for computer-generated artwork and
page layout files. They range from high-resolution digital transparencies,
color negatives and photographic prints, to negative output and stripping
for printing, to limited edition fine-art posters. Many continuous-tone-only
studios now offer 4-color separations from files created in Macintosh and
Windows systems. A few shops have advanced to complete, high-end, pre-press
services, making large investments in equipment.
Services may include color pre-press, including 4-color film and color proofs;
digital proofs, including continuous-tone Iris prints and color laser copies;
and high-resolution scans in color or black and white. Additional services
consist of image manipulation, film makeup, slide production, camera services,
color transfers, software sales, and typesetting services. Other services,
such as book or magazine publication, book typesetting, page make-up, and
color separations require special scheduling and more time at the service
bureau. Printers who have limited desktop capabilities also use service
bureaus for film output.
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This information is designed to provide you with a better understanding
of service bureaus and digital imaging and the role they play in producing
quality designed and printed pieces. For more information or the names of local service bureaus, please consult with your designer or search our Creative Resource Buyers' Guide.
How a Service Bureau
Operates
Output Options
