In keeping with industry standards regarding digital ad delivery, M. Shanken Communications is now promoting PDF/X-1a as the preferred submission format for all advertising files. In order to streamline the production process and improve the quality of the product, we will no longer be accepting files formatted in their native application (such as QuarkXpress and Adobe Illustrator). We strongly encourage advertisers to become familiar with the PDF/X standard. For more information regarding these file formats and for a list of software vendors and service bureaus that support them, visit http://www.pdf-x.com.

All material submitted to M. Shanken Communications should be accompanied by at least two proofs made from the final file. This proof should be generated using a SWOP-certified proofing system as indicated in the manufacturer's SWOP Application Data Sheet. Proofs that are not generated using a SWOP-certified proofing system or that do not meet SWOP specifications will not be used as color guidance. In the event that material is submitted without a SWOP-certified proof, the advertiser forfeits the right to challenge final color accuracy. For the current list of SWOP-certified proofing systems and the complete SWOP specifications visit http://www.swop.org.

All proofs must contain color control bars in order to be considered an acceptable SWOP proof. All color control bars should have the following characteristics:

• Solid patches with tint values of 25%, 50% and 75% of each of the primary colors (CMYK) along with two-color overprints (CM, CY, MY) in the same 25%, 50% and 75% tint values are required. Additional tint value areas such as 1%, 2%, 3%, 5% and 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% are strongly recommended.
• A gray balance bar must be included on the proof designed to match the neutral appearance and weight of black tints of three different values, under standard viewing conditions.
• The three-color gray balance portion of the color bar should have the following values:

Color bars meeting these requirements can be downloaded for free at http://www.swop.org/resources/downloads.asp. All proofing should be done on 60# No. 5 grade stock (72 TAPPI Brightness). The paper may be a coated groundwood stock or a sheet coated to simulate the appearance of such a groundwood stock.

The proof should be accompanied by a cover sheet or label which includes the name, address and phone number of the prepress service supplier and the name of the person or persons who should be contacted in case of a problem. This label should also have the name of the SWOP-certified proofing system used to generate the proof. Also remember that proofs can change over time; they should be dated and not used if it is known that a change in appearance has occurred.

Proofs should not be stapled or otherwise damaged in any area that might interfere with the densitometer reading of the color bars.

SWOP® is a registered trademark of SWOP, Inc.

All advertising must be supplied at correct size. Any ad requiring typesetting, camera, art/layout or photo work must be supplied two weeks before closing date. Charges will be quoted upon request.

Note: Any ad less than full-page size that is not bordered may be enclosed with a hairline or 1-point rule at the discretion of the production department.

All production material should be sent to:

  Production Manager
  Food Arts
  387 Park Avenue South, 8th floor
  New York, NY 10016

Note: Material will be retained for one year, unless return is specifically requested. Not responsible for keeping material beyond one year.