Ad Specifications and Deadlines
for The Washington Post Magazine
Material Specifications
- All materials supplied must adhere to the Specifications for Web Offset Publications (SWOP) and recommended standards as stated in Standard Rate and Data.
- Digital data is the required material: One (SWOP) proofs plus one laser proof for content is to be supplied.
- Ad specifications include a ruled proof indicating centerlines and trim. For bleed ads, keep live material centered within the standard ad size dimensions stated under “Ad Size Specifications” on page 2. Tick marks should not be used.
- Type to be avoided: Fine serif faces, reverse type smaller than 8 points and starburst graphics.
Printing Specifications
- Printed web offset and saddle stitched.
- 133-line screen for halftones and four color.
Four-Color Advertising
- Full-page and fractional ads: Digital files required.
- Scanning: at least 300 dpi.
- Any solid black used should include 100% black, 40% yellow, 60% magenta and 80% cyan.
- CMYK color only. No spot, RGB, indexed, ICC-based or calibrated color.
- Maximum tonal density: 300%.
- Proofs: All files must be accompanied by a digital color proof made from the file being sent that is representative of the ad file. Color proofs must comply with SWOP procedures (available online at www.SWOP.org). The Washington Post Magazine is not responsible for ad reproduction if proof is not provided. The Magazine can provide advertiser with a color proof at advertiser’s expense.
Black-and-White Advertising
- Full-page and fractional ads: Digital files required.
- Scanning: at least 266 dpi.
- Dot value: Maximum 90% for areas not intended to print as solids. Minimum 5% for highlight dot.
- Proofs: All files must be accompanied by a proof of the actual file being sent.
Black and One-Color Advertising
- Follow instructions for four-color advertising.
- Maximum tonal density: 170%, with second color not to exceed 85%.
- Standard process color: Must use CMYK mode.
- Proofs: All files must be accompanied by a color proof made from the file being sent that is representative of the ad file.
Additional Specifications
- Fonts: The Washington Post Magazine and its printer support the Adobe type library. Use only PostScript fonts. TrueType and Multiple Master fonts are unacceptable. If TrueType fonts are supplied, The Magazine will substitute Adobe PostScript fonts.
- All advertisements must be provided in accordance with the SWOP recommended offset proofing specifications, using the SWOP recommended inking density and color rotations. Since accurate proofing is essential to quality publication reproduction, proofs not adhering to the SWOP recommended specifications will result in printing deviations.
- If the recommended specifications are not followed, the advertiser will normally be notified of material deficiencies in proofs. The advertiser can then supply new material if time allows or elect to have our prepress center correct the material. Any costs incurred by our prepress center will be charged to the advertiser.
- For complete and detailed information about digital ad preparation see “Specifications for Preparation and Transmission of Digital Data” on page 3, or contact the magazine production department at 202-334-5260, 6320 or 7288.
Ad Size Specifications and Space Requirements
| Ad Sizes | Standard Ad | Bleed Size | Trim Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | 15" x 10" | 161/4" x 103/4" | 16" x 101/2" |
| Full page | 7" x 10” | 81/4" x 103/4" | 8" x 101/2" |
| 2/3 page | 45/8" x 10" | 55/8" x 11" | 51/8" x 101/2" |
| 1/2 pg. vert. | 45/8" x 73/8" | 55/8" x 81/4" | 51/8” x 73/4" |
| 1/2 pg. horiz. | 7" x 47/8" | 81/4" x 53/8" | 8" x 51/4" |
| 1/3 pg. vert. | 21/4" x 10" | 31/4" x 11" | 23/4" x 101/2" |
| 1/3 pg. horiz. | 45/8" x 47/8" | — | — |
| 1/6 pg. vert. | 21/4" x 47/8" | — | — |
| 1/6 pg. horiz. | 45/8" x 23/8" | — | — |
| 1/12 page | 21/4" x 23/8" | — | — |
| 1/24 page | 21/4" x 1" | — | — |
Special note: Please keep all live material for bleed ads centered within the standard ad size dimensions stated above. Type across gutter should allow for 1/8" separation (1/16" each side).
A detailed PDF version of the ad specifications and deadlines is available for download here.
