Broadsheet Mechanical Specifications
The Washington Post adheres to the offset printing process requirements for quality as defined in SNAP (Specifications for Non-Heat Advertising Printing). SNAP provides guidelines for the exchange of information and materials for the non-heatset — often referred to as the coldset — process. SNAP pertains to proofing and production printing for all coldset processes printing on webs of newsprint and premium groundwood paper using offset lithography, direct lithography, flexography, and letterpress processes. NAA.org has more information about SNAP
- Materials not adhering to SNAP standards or The Washington Post deadlines are not subject to allowances or adjustments.
- The Washington Post makes no adjustments to color, ink balance, lightness or darkness, sharpness or dot gain. Digital materials are considered camera-ready and will publish as provided by advertisers.
- SNAP books are available through the NAA or by calling the The Washington Post's Agency Relations Department at (202) 334-4484.
Broadsheet Ad Makeup Sizes
- Page Size: 12" x 21"
- 6 columns x 21" = 126 column inches
- Double truck billed as 12.5 columns
- Ads measuring over 18" will be billed at 21"
Acceptable Ad Sizes (Depths)
| Columns | Width | Acceptable Sizes (Depth) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 column | 1.92" | .75 to 18" or 21" |
| 2 columns | 3.94" | 2.00 to 18" or 21" |
| 3 columns | 5.96" | 5.25 or 7.00 to 18" or 21" |
| 4 columns | 7.98" | 5.25; 7.00 or 10.50 to 18" or 21" |
| 5 columns | 10.00" | 7.00 or 10.50 to 18" or 21" |
| 6 columns | 12.00" | 7.00 or 10.50 to 18" or 21" |
| Double Truck* | 24.50 | 21" |
* Double trucks are available at less than 21" depth in some sections. Check with your Post representative for availability.
Typography and Rules
- Fine Rules and Small Type: Rules of less than 4 pt and small type under 7 pts (San Serif), 12 pts (Serif) or smaller should be created using one color only (other than yellow). Fine Serif such as Bodoni should be one color at 14 pts or smaller. (Use of Sans Serif type is recommended.)
- Reversed Rules and Type: Do not reverse out of a single color background any type that is smaller than 10 points. Text reversed out of a color background should be 12 points or larger in size. Serif type and fine-serif type should not be reversed at sizes smaller than 12 points. Reverse type should not be positioned within screened areas containing less than a 70% screen comprised of any color. Type should not be reversed in a yellow or other light-colored background.
- Screened Text: Do not screen type styles with serifs or with a fine to medium weight. Text screened at 80% or more will reproduce as a solid.
- Surprinted Type and Tints: When overprinting rules or type on a tint background use a tint value of not more than 25%. Create these tints keeping mechanical dot gain on press in mind.
Digital Production Guidelines
- Convert text that is included in a logo to outline graphics.
- Minimize the number of points used when creating clipping paths.
- Do not nest EPS files within other EPS files.
- Confirm that all ads are the correct dimensions.
- Confirm all text, rules and graphics are within the print area.
- Delete all extraneous and unprintable information from the digital document and the pasteboard. Do not cover up these items.
- Confirm that all colors are prepared for CYMK separations and unused colors are removed from the color palette.
- Verify that the correct versions of all files required for the job (linked graphics files, borders and rules) have been included on the supplied media.
- Communicate any compatibility issues pertaining to application program enhancements such as extensions, plug-ins and add-ons.
- Four-color images must be in CMYK form. No RGB, lab or indexed color accepted in any ad, black and white or color.
- Do not use "Super Blacks," "Rich Blacks," "CMYK Blacks," or "Process Black" for text.
- Black & white images should be in grayscale form.
- Embed all fonts.
- We do not accept any PC/Mac native application files for digital ads.
- Make sure all knockouts and overprints are properly set.
- Please proof and check all PDF files prior to transmission.
- Always use PDF
Image Capture: Conventional Photography
- Use a full tonal range.
- Use font lighting on the subject matter to increase printed detail and help maintain color fidelity. Avoid back lighting.
- Avoid using non-original copies of a photograph (duplicates), faster speed films and enlarging grainy photographs since each will diminish printed sharpness.
- Use larger format (2 1/4" or larger) originals when making extreme enlargements of an image.
- Avoid flare and haze in original photography.
- Use Backgrounds in photographs that provide contrast while not being highly white reflective.
Image Capture: Digital Photography
- Use an input resolution of 170 pixels per inch (PPI) for continuous tone images scanned at their final image size. Use the table below for guidance on scanning input ratios and lines per inch (lpi) output ratios.
| % Output Size | @ 85 lpi |
|---|---|
| 100% | 170 ppi |
| 125% | 215 ppi |
| 150% | 255 ppi |
| 175% | 300 ppi |
| 200% | 340 ppi |
| 300% | 510 ppi |
| 400% | 680 ppi |
NOTE: Resolution that is too high creates unnecessarily large files. Resolution that is too low produces lack of detail and/or pixelization (poor print quality). 72 dpi works well for Internet but is too low for print reproduction. 72 dpi is acceptable if the material is at least two and a half times larger than the final published size.
Gray Balance in Pre-Press
To compensate for inherent printing ink contamination, areas intended to print neutral must be adjusted to CMYK ratios that will yield neutral gray.
Examples of CMY neutrals
| Tonal Range | Cyan | Magenta | Yellow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlight | 5% | 2% | 2% |
| Quartertone | 20% | 14% | 14% |
| Midtones | 38% | 30% | 30% |
| Shadow | 60% | 50% | 50% |
SNAP Recommended Scan Resolution
| Scanned Art | Recommended Input Resolution | Minimum Input Resolution | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Same as Output Resolution | 1016 dpi | Higher resolution leads to larger files |
| Line Art* | Same as Output Resolution | 800 dpi | Thinner/finer lines may demand higher input resolution |
| LineDrawing & Cartoons* | Same as Output Resolution | 800 dpi | Thinner/finer lines may demand higher input resolution |
| Halftone (Copy Dot) | Same as Output Resolution | 1016 dpi | Lower input resolution can create moire in output image |
* Line Art: An output size of 100% is assumed.
