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Susie has oodles of experience relating to the printing world. She shares some handy insights here to make your experience more successful.
| | With easy access to multiple computer programs and desktop printers, we all seem to get involved in the creative process these days. | |
Remember, that in order for your project to be printable, your files must be prepared professionally.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do check with Print•O•Mat and our Graphic Design department as to the specifications required for a file for the project you have in mind before assuming anything. This way you will save yourself lots of time and possible frustration.
Do plan ahead. Printing takes time. We all want our projects to be done with great care, and to have their proper impact, so bring your ideas and projects well ahead of their anticipated due dates. Rush charges can ruin one’s budget, and could be incurred when you haven’t budgeted your time. We like to treat you as if you were our only client, but thankfully, there are others with just as important orders, and we want to treat them with the same care that we do you.
Do realize YOU are responsible for proofing your project prior to printing. Once you have approved the project, we will print exactly what you have approved. If changes need to be made, or re-prints done after your approval, you will incur additional charges, as well as delay your project.
In other words, attention to detail is the key to accomplishing successful printing projects.
Your Own Files and Designs
Do create your brochure, business card, etc. in a true page layout program such as QuarkXPress, so it can be prepared to print properly. If you do not have access to a professional layout program, Do call Print•O•Mat and we'll guide you to success.
Do make your logo in an appropriate program from the start.
Do use Photoshop for photographic images only (Do not use Photoshop for text purposes, Typesetting, or font placing, as these will not print properly in most cases, and will require re-Typesetting).
Do use Illustrator or Freehand for drawn (vector) images and artwork only (Any and all text must be made part of the logo, rather than remain a font, to avoid degredation of your logo).
Do create and save your images with a printing resolution of at least 300 dpi (dots per square inch).
Do not expect to get good output or a good printed result with images taken from, downloaded, or printed from the Internet. Internet images are almost always done at 72 dpi (low printing resolution). Images for printing purposes require 300-400 dpi resolution to print properly.
The old adage of “Garbage In – Garbage Out” does apply in the printing world.
Do make your images the right size (or at least the size you intend them to be) within the programs you use to create them. Then import the image into your layout program file in it's final state.
Do not expect to import your images into a layout program and re-size them there. This is not easy and generally leads to printing problems.
Do check the colors used in your file. Do not mix RGB, CMYK, and Spot colors in a single document. Different color systems cause conflicts in your file, leading to delays and increased costs that you will incur when your files must be corrected or even re-created!
Do consider your audience and use type large enough and clear enough for others to read easily, as this is usually the entire purpose of printing. This includes the usage of reverse type.
Do "collect" your files and include copies of all fonts and images used in your file when you are submitting files to us for printing.
Do always remember to keep a back-up of everything you provide to us as a customary precaution.
Do supply a color composite of your filesso we can be sure of what you expect in a printed piece.
Do not hesitate to call, visit or email us with any questions you may have regarding your project or ideas for projects!
Do remember...You think it, We ink it! ©
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