How To - Print Setup and Layout
One of the most common questions we receive is “How do you want the file setup”. While it’s not an easy one line answer, below we will outline a few things that you want to be sure to check off when sending a file to your printer. If you are unsure about any of these steps, please ask us to help!
Setting the proper size. When creating a design for print always start by setting your size first. If you are repurposing artwork from different media be sure you take the time to set your new size for the newest project.
Adding any necessary bleeds. Whether it’s business cards, brochures or booklets, having a proper bleed, if needed, is crucial to making sure your prints come out as your expected. 1/4” bleeds are industry standard.
Use high resolution images. How your art appears on your screen at 100% zoom, is how it will print. If you notice any fuzziness or pixelation be sure to correct before sending your final file out for print.
Checking your color space is CMYK. There are 2 different color modes when using design software. RGB, which is used with digital displays. Such as phones, monitors and televisions. Light is emitted for the screen in dots of red, green and blue to create the colors you see. Digital Printing is done in CMYK color space. Using cyan, magenta, yellow and black to create the colors you see in printing. The big difference between the 2 being that using RGB color space you are able to achieve very bright, neon colors due to the screen emitting white when all colors are mixed. Once you change those colors to CMYK, there will typically be a slight change in the color to count for the different color creation technique. Whereas when CMYK are mixed you get black.
Do not Paginate or set pages in spreads. When sending files for multipage books, send your art with all pages in sequential order. Most printers prefer to setup spreads in house to verify accuracy.