Camera Ready Copy

Camera Ready Copy (CRC) refers to the final version of a document, artwork, or publication that is fully prepared and formatted for printing. This version requires no further changes or adjustments and includes all text, images, and graphics in their final positions, adhering to the printer's specifications for margins, bleeds, and resolution.

Synonym

Print Ready

Examples

1. A marketing brochure designed in Adobe InDesign, with all images at 300 DPI, colors converted to CMYK, and fonts embedded, is considered camera ready.
2. A book manuscript that has been typeset, proofread, and formatted to the publisher's specifications is submitted as a camera-ready copy.
3. A business card design with correct margins, bleeds, and finalized artwork is sent to the printer as a camera-ready copy.

Recommendations

1. Proof Thoroughly: Ensure all text is free of errors and that all design elements are correctly placed. Double-check for any spelling or grammatical mistakes and verify that all images and graphics are properly aligned.
2. Adhere to Printer Specifications: Follow the printer’s guidelines for file formats, resolution, color modes, and bleed areas. Typically, printers require high-resolution PDFs with specific settings for optimal print quality.
3. Check Resolution and Color: Make sure all images are at least 300 DPI and that the color mode is set to CMYK to ensure the best print quality. Low-resolution images or incorrect color settings can result in poor print outcomes.
4. Embed Fonts: Embed or outline all fonts to prevent font substitution issues during printing. This ensures that the text appears exactly as intended in the final print.
5. Use Preflight Tools: Utilize preflight tools in design software to check for any potential issues before submitting the file to the printer. These tools can catch problems such as missing fonts, incorrect color profiles, and low-resolution images.

To learn more about this or other print industry terms, contact AP&B!