So, you have finished designing your masterpiece and you now want to print it but there are a number of things you need to consider when it comes to printing your artwork to get the best results. In this blog post, the first in a series of five, we take a look at what you need to consider when it comes to printing.
General advice & overall document settings
There are a few general tips that you should follow to help you achieve the best results when printing your artwork:
Planning
Planning is key, take time to consider your design and what you want to achieve with your project, this will help you determine the right paper stock, finish, and printing method.
Make Sure your artwork has no errors
This seems like an obvious one, but it’s worth mentioning, before you send your artwork to be printed, check for any spelling or grammatical errors. Proofread your artwork thoroughly and get someone else to check it as well.
Consider the paper
The type of paper you choose can have a big impact on the look and feel of your print – here are some things to consider:
Weight – The weight of the paper will affect how your print looks and feels. Heavier papers are generally more robust and have a luxurious feel, while lighter papers are great for designs that need to be posted or mailed.
Texture – The texture of the paper can also add another dimension to your artwork. Smooth papers are best for clean, sharp designs, while textured papers can add a rustic or vintage feel.
Color – The color of the paper can also influence the overall look of your print. Bright white papers will make colors appear more vibrant, while off-white papers can give your artwork a more subdued look.
Finish – The finish of the paper can also be important. Glossy papers are great for photos and designs that need to pop, while matte papers are more subtle and can be easier to read.
Size – The size of the paper will obviously affect the size of your artwork, make sure you choose a size that is appropriate for your design.
Trapping
Trapping is the process of printing one color over another to prevent any gaps from appearing between the two colors. This is especially important when printing on textured paper because the texture can cause the ink to spread and create a gap between colors.
If you are unsure about trapping, always ask your printer for advice, they will be able to advise you on the best way to trap your artwork to prevent any problems.
Use the right software
When it comes to printing, using the right software is essential. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are both great for creating print-ready artwork.
If you don’t have access to these programs, there are a number of free alternatives that can also be used, such as GIMP and Inkscape.
Make sure your files are high quality
When you are creating your artwork, make sure you are using high-quality images and graphics. The resolution of your artwork will need to be at least 300dpi (dots per inch) for printing.
If you are using photos or graphics from the internet, make sure they are saved at a high resolution before including them in your design.
Use pantone colors
Pantone colors are special colors that can be used to achieve consistent color results when printing. If you want your colors to look exactly as they do in your design, ask your printer to use Pantone colors.
This is especially important if you are printing on textured paper, as the texture can cause the ink to spread and create a gap between colors.
If you are unsure about which Pantone colors to use, ask your printer for advice.
Check the file format
When you are sending your artwork to be printed, make sure you save it in a print-ready file format. PDFs are generally the best format for printing, as they preserve the quality of your artwork and prevent any errors from occurring.
JPEGs can also be used for printing, but make sure they are saved at a high resolution (300dpi or higher).
Naming conventions
When you are sending your artwork to be printed, it is important to use the correct file naming conventions. This will help your printer to identify your files and prevent any confusion.
Your file name should include:
- Your name or initials
- The date
- A short description of the artwork (e.g. “business cards”)
- The file extension (e.g. “.pdf”)
For example:
jsmith_20100101_businesscards.pdf
If you are sending multiple files, make sure each file is named correctly so your printer can easily identify them.
Tips for printing
These are just a few general tips that will help you get the best results when printing your artwork. Stay tuned for part 2!
Trust the professionals
At Ritters Printing & Packaging, we have the right software, hardware, and skillset to take your designs and bring them to life. If you need any printing services in Fort Lauderdale, trust Ritters.
If you have any printing requirements, contact us at 954-771-7204 or send us a note here.
