10 Apr How to Prepare Print Files for Perfect Results Every Time (A Designer’s Checklist)
Preparing your files properly before sending them to your printer is crucial. Doing so can prevent costly reprints, ensure color accuracy, reduce the risk of production delays, guarantee proper trimming, and maintain image quality and font integrity. At Reproductions, Inc., we strive to ensure that your final product matches your vision, exceeds your expectations, and completely fulfills your needs. Our team has prepared this printing checklist for designers with tips on how to prepare print files for high-quality results each and every time.
Ensure Compatible File Formats
Before submitting your files, become familiar with the different file types commonly used so you can determine which is the best choice for your project. Converting documents to PDF can help you achieve higher quality results, as PDFs preserve the original colors, fonts, images, and layout of your document or image. However, your design program may automatically save images in a proprietary or native file format to preserve quality and detail, such as AI, INDD, and EPS files. If PDF isn’t an option, choose a high-resolution PNG, TIFF, or JPEG format.
Set Up Proper Bleed Settings and Safe Zones
Without bleed settings, you risk having white space around your image. To prevent this, extend background colors and images by ⅛ inch beyond your document size. All text, logos, and images should be well within your document’s safe zone, or margins. This should be at least ⅛ inch inside the trim line to keep items from being cut off.
Use CMYK Color Profiles
If your file is using RGB color profiles, convert it to CMYK to preserve color accuracy. RGB (red, green, blue) is a color model designed for digital screens; it doesn’t translate well to printed materials. CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) is the ideal model for physical printing.
Choose the Right Resolution for Your Print Media
High-resolution documents offer the best print quality. Make sure all images are 300 dpi, or dots per inch, at 100% size. This will keep your images sharp and prevent them from appearing pixelated, especially if you are printing large format documents like signs, banners, or presentation materials.
Embed or Outline Fonts
If you are using proprietary or specialty fonts, you may need to convert them before sending your file to us. You can call us to find out if our system supports the font you’re using; otherwise, you can convert text to shapes to prevent font substitution errors.
Proofread and Triple-Check Before Sending
Finally, please proofread your documents carefully and triple-check them for typos and errors before sending. When we send you a proof, review it carefully and, if possible, have at least two other people review it before approving. Check for spelling, layout, color, and dimension errors.
Reproductions, Inc. offers local printing services as well as scanning, mounting and laminating, binding, and sign and banner services. We can help you avoid common printing errors and achieve perfect, print-ready results. We offer pre-print consultations and can answer any questions you have. We’ll also guide you in converting your digital designs and documents into a format optimized for physical production, addressing issues like resolution, file format, color, and font compatibility. You can request a quote online or call us for assistance with print file setup in Tucson, AZ.