Properly preparing your design for digital printing ensures high-quality results and minimizes errors. Here are the essential rules every designer or client should follow:
- Use CMYK Instead of RGB
- Digital printing uses the CMYK color model because it’s specifically designed for physical media. If your design is in RGB, the colors will be automatically converted to CMYK, which can lead to color shifts and unexpected results. Prepare your files in CMYK from the start to maintain consistent tones.
- At our facility, we recommend using the Fogra39 color profile, as our equipment is calibrated to this standard for accurate and predictable color reproduction.
- Ensure Proper Resolution (300 DPI)
- Resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI), is crucial for sharp and clear prints. For all raster images, ensure the resolution is 300 DPI at the actual size of the printed piece. Low-resolution files can result in blurry or pixelated prints.
- Include Bleeds
- Bleeds are essential for clean cutting. A bleed is an extension of the background color or image beyond the cut lines, usually by 3-5 mm. Without bleeds, white edges may appear after trimming. Always add bleeds to ensure your design looks professional.
- Use Vector Graphics for Text
- Text is best kept in vector format for crispness and scalability. For offset printing, always convert text to outlines to avoid font substitution issues. While this is less critical in digital printing, unconverted text can still cause problems if the file is altered after submission.
- Save Files in PDF Format
- PDF is the most reliable format for printing because it preserves all elements of the design, including colors, fonts, and layout. Ensure your PDF is saved with high-quality print settings.
- Why High Resolution is Important
- High resolution ensures that every detail of your design is captured. For raster files, verify that the dimensions and resolution are correct to prevent quality loss during scaling.
- Convert Text to Outlines
- Converting text to outlines (curves) ensures that the fonts are embedded in the design. This is crucial for offset printing. In digital printing, non-outlined text might still cause errors, especially if the file is edited, leading to incorrect fonts appearing post-print.
Why This Matters:
Following these guidelines not only ensures the best possible print quality but also saves time by reducing errors and reprints.
Have questions or ready to print? Contact us to discuss your next project today!