What happens if I "request expert formatting"?

When you upload a notice file, you may see an option to "request expert formatting" or "send original file." These options mean the same thing: They both allow you to submit your file directly to the publisher, without waiting for the file to load or using Column's text editor to finalize the formatting. This option typically appears in the following situations:

• You've uploaded a large file: a document over 5 pages or 40 MB, or an image over 50 MP

• You've uploaded a display file: .pdf, .jpeg, .png, or other image file format

If you select the option to submit your file without formatting, the newspaper is responsible for formatting your file and preparing your notice for publication. Please leave a note letting the publisher know how you'd like the notice formatted.

If you select to submit your notice without formatting and then change your mind, you can use the button labeled "Change file format" to instead submit your notice as a liner (text-based) or display (image). You don't need to delete the file and upload it again to start over.

Some publishers allow you to upload multiple files for a single notice. If you choose to upload multiple files, you will be required to submit them without formatting, and you'll again have the option to leave a note — this is a great place to leave instructions for the publisher about how to combine your files into a single notice. 

After selecting to submit your file without formatting, proceed through the remainder of the placement process as usual. You won't see a preview of your notice, but everything else should work the same as always. At the end of the placement process, you'll have a chance to review your files before submitting them to the publisher. 

When the publisher receives a notice submitted without formatting, their first step is to download your file(s) and create a formatted notice. They'll also see your formatting notes when they view the notice in Column.

Once the formatted notice is ready, the publisher will upload it back into Column. At that point, you'll receive an email letting you know your notice has been uploaded. Plus, you'll likely receive notification that your invoice is ready. Please note that the publisher cannot issue an invoice until your notice has been formatted and finalized in Column.