Today a PDF(portable document format) file containing all the information necessary to output a printed document-whether a single black-and-white page to a colour magazine-can be transmitted directly to the printer's factory floor where computerized equipment either makes plates ready for offset litho printing, or outputs the job directly to paper using a digital press. Colour calibration can be performed automatically throughout the process, from obtaining images from cameras and scanners to outputting them on press. In practice, designers and should-still discuss a complex job with the printer, who will oversee some of the finer technical settings. The fact remains that it is now an everyday event for pages, posters, signs, and even