The 4 Stages of the Graphic Chain at Formplus

Stage 1: Creation

It is at this stage that we determine what the document will look like. First, we choose a printing process (offset printing, digital printing, etc.). This decision is made by taking into consideration the client's budget and the quantity to print, but also the technical constraints of all production stages and printers required specifications. Then, we make an infographic model of the document in an illustration or layout software. The infographic can also include several stages: entry and word processing, research/image scanning and processing, font research, development of a graphic concept, layout, proofreading and corrections. Then, we present an electronic PDF proof or laser color proof to the customer for approval. Finally, we make corrections and changes requested by the customer and ask him or her to approve the proof’s latest version.

Stage 2: Prepress

At this stage, the appearance of the document was approved by the client. We must therefore be prepared to go to print. For this, we prepare the files to hand to the printer and the equipment to be used for printing such as films and plates. At Formplus, we always provide a purchase order to our suppliers, including every specifications of the job and a laser proof, a sample of the latest production when it is a repeat order or if the job only required minor corrections.

Stage 3: Printing

This is the moment of truth! The document is printed with the printing mode chosen at the creation step at a higher or lower run, depending on customer needs.

Stage 4: Finishing

Once all copies of the document are printed, it's time to add the finishing touches that will make the document we created for the customer truly great. Indeed, it is at the finishing step that we carry out finishing tasks such as cutting, lamination, embossing and binding to create a document up to our customer’s expectations. Depending on the case, finishing is performed directly at the printer, but it is often done in another specialized workshop. Then, the only thing left to do is to ship the documents to the customer at the time that it was agreed to.

From order entry to delivery, we are very thorough with the quality of the delivered products and services or the counselling we give to ensure our customers’ satisfaction.

This concludes this article on the 4 stages of the graphic chain at Formplus. If you want to know more about our document creation process, do not hesitate to contact us!