We printers often get files that need to be set up for printing. Designing for print involves several technical considerations to ensure that your digital design translates accurately and beautifully onto physical printed materials. If you are designing for print, here are some key rules to keep in mind.
1. Resolution and Image Quality: Think of it like taking a super-detailed picture with your camera. In print, images need to have lots of dots packed in for that crisp look. So, make sure your images have at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) to avoid that fuzzy appearance.
2. Color Mode: Colors can be a bit tricky when moving from screen to paper. Imagine RGB as the language of screens and CMYK as the language of printers. Speak CMYK for print to avoid unexpected color changes.
3. Bleeds: We're all about being generous here. Leave some extra space beyond your design's edges – like adding a margin for your printer to trim. This ensures your design goes right to the edge of the paper, leaving no white space gaps.
4. Crop Marks: These are like little guides for the cutting scissors. Crop marks are those tiny lines at the corners that tell your printer where to snip. They're like breadcrumbs for accuracy.
5. Safe Zone: Just like a cozy spot on your couch, keep important stuff away from the edges. The safe zone is a buffer area inside the trim line where your crucial text and elements can hang out without any danger of getting cropped out.
6. Fonts and Typography: Fonts can be like VIP guests – they might not show up as expected on someone else's computer. To avoid any font surprises, embed them in your design or convert them to outlines. That way, they'll always look the way you want them to.
7. File Format: It's like choosing the right tool for the job. Go for PDF or TIFF formats to keep your design in tip-top shape when it's printed. These formats maintain the picture quality and layout you've worked hard on.
8. Margins and Alignment: Imagine your design as a well-organized room – everything has its place. Consistent margins and neat alignment keep your design looking like it knows where it's headed.
9. Paper Selection: Different papers are like different canvases for your masterpiece. They play a role in how the colors appear. Have a chat with your printer to pick the right paper that will make your design pop.
10. Proofing: It's like checking your selfie before posting it online. Always ask for a test print, also known as a proof, to see how your design looks on actual paper. Give it a good look to catch any last-minute tweaks before the big print run.