We’d be lying if we said we've never created a graphic, printed it, and thought “what the hell is this?” Frustration doesn't even begin to describe the feeling – the margins are off, the colors are dull, and the entire design just looks wrong.
If it looks good on our screen, then why doesn't it print the same exact way?
Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Printing involves various technical aspects that can affect the final output, making it a bit more complex than it seems.
So, whether you're a DIY wiz, a professional designer, or just someone trying to get a project done, below are some essential tips to follow to ensure your designs are ready for print, whether you’re doing it from home or at a print shop!
The first step is using the correct color model. Nobody wants a graphic with dull colors that were clearly intended to be vibrant.
Colors look different on all computer screens, but there is a way to make sure the colors are the same when printed, no matter what printer is being used. This is crucial for ensuring that the final printed product matches your design expectations.
To achieve this color, select the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key) color scheme instead of RGB.
The RGB model, which stands for Red, Green, and Blue, is used for digital screens where light creates color. The pixels on your computer screen are comprised of 3 tiny lights that emit those three colors — which is why this color model is perfect for websites, social media, or digital ads.
However, this model is not suitable for printing because printers don't mix RGB when creating colors to put on paper.
CMYK, on the other hand, is designed specifically for the printing process. These colors are most commonly used in ink cartridges, so the color’s integrity will remain intact throughout the printing process.
By using CMYK, you can ensure that your printed materials have vibrant and accurate colors, matching your original design.
Bleed refers to the area of a document that extends beyond the final trim size. This is a simple fix, but it ensures that there are no unprinted edges in the final printed document.
There are minor variations in each cut of printed material. If your designs are pixel perfect going right up to the edge of the canvas, these minor variations can leave white or unprinted edges on your final prints.
By giving your designs a bit of extra wiggle room on the edges, your prints will all come out looking the same, despite these print variations.
To do this successfully, make sure to use the edge to edge technique by leaving no white.
Set your document up with a minimum of .125 in of bleed and extend your artwork into the bleed marks. You will want to factor in ⅛ (.125) an inch of bleed past the edges of the document in order to avoid any misalignment or white spaces on the finished project.
Once design is complete, be sure to export your file with the bleed marks. This will ensure that once the document is trimmed, it will be the desired final size.
Make sure your images are the right resolution. High-quality images are essential for creating professional-looking printed materials, and one of the most critical aspects of image quality is resolution.
The resolution of an image is typically measured in dots per inch (dpi), which indicates the level of detail an image holds. For print, the standard resolution is 300 dpi, which ensures that images are sharp and clear when printed.
When working with images, it is crucial to start with high-resolution files. If you begin with a low-resolution image, scaling it up will result in a loss of quality, making the image appear pixelated and blurry. Always scale your images down, not up. Scaling down reduces the size of the image while maintaining its quality.
If you need to increase the size of an image, use an editing platform that can preserve the integrity of the image. Advanced editing software, like Adobe Photoshop, uses algorithms to maintain image quality during scaling. However, even these tools have limits, and starting with a high-resolution image is always the best practice.
When prepping your file, the two most common options are exporting as a PDF or saving a package. A PDF allows you to save your work and keeps the quality of the images on all screens.
Saving a package gathers all the linked files used in your document, such as images, graphics, and fonts, into a single folder. When saving a package, make sure to check that all necessary elements are included.
Most design software, such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop offer a "Package" option when you export that automates this process, gathering all linked files and creating a report detailing any issues that need attention.
This ensures that nothing is missing when the document is opened on another computer. For example, computers don't all have the same fonts installed. You might be using a font that looks awesome in the design, but when the printer opens the file to print it, he doesn't have the right font. The program will then replace the font with one that is installed, resulting in a design that does not look the way you wanted it to.
If you go to a printing company, they will help you choose the correct finish for your project. The finish of your printed materials can significantly impact the overall appearance and effectiveness of your design. Some of the most common finishes include glossy and matte, each offering distinct benefits and suited for different types of projects.
Glossy finishes are an excellent choice for prints that require vibrant colors and a shiny, reflective surface. This type of finish enhances the color saturation and contrast, making images appear more vivid and eye-catching.
Glossy paper is often used for high-quality photographs, promotional materials, and flyers, where a polished and professional look is desired. The reflective surface can also add a sense of depth to images, making them stand out even more.
However, it’s worth noting that glossy finishes can show fingerprints and smudges more easily, so handling prints with care is essential.
Matte finishes provide a smooth, non-reflective surface, giving your prints a sophisticated and professional appearance. This type of finish is ideal for text-heavy documents, brochures, and reports, as it reduces glare and makes the text easier to read under various lighting conditions.
Matte paper can give your printed materials a more subtle and elegant look, which is perfect for projects where a more restrained and formal presentation is desired.
Additionally, matte finishes are less likely to show fingerprints and smudges, making them a practical choice for documents that will be frequently handled.
Whether you print them from the comfort of your own home or you go to a professional print shop, keep these tips in the back of your mind for the best print results.
When working with professional print shops, clear communication is key. Make sure to convey your expectations and any specific requirements, such as color profiles, finishing, and exporting options.
Remember, the extra effort in preparation can save you from those dreaded "what the heck" moments when you finally see your design in print!