Professional check up of design for printing
1. Document Setup & Layout
Bleed: Ensure there is a bleed (usually 3mm or 0.125 inches) extending past the trim line. This prevents white edges if the paper shifts during cutting.
Safe Zone: Keep all critical text and logos at least 3mm to 5mm inside the trim line (the “inner margin”).
Trim Size: Double-check that the document dimensions match the final intended print size.
2. Color Management
Color Mode: Convert all images and elements from RGB (web/screen) to CMYK (print).
Spot Colors: Ensure any Pantone or spot colors are correctly named and intended. If you are printing “4-color process,” convert these to CMYK.
Ink Coverage: Check the “Total Area Coverage” (TAC). For most coated papers, it should not exceed 300% to 320% to avoid drying issues.
Black Text: Small black text should be set to 100% K (Black) and set to “Overprint” to avoid registration ghosting. Large “Rich Black” areas should use a mix (e.g., C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100).
3. Images and Graphics
Resolution: Images must be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at their final scale.
Scaling: Avoid scaling images up more than 10-15% in the layout software, as this reduces effective resolution.
Transparency: Flatten transparencies or use a PDF preset (like PDF/X-4) that handles them correctly to avoid “white box” artifacts.
4. Typography and Links
Font Embedding: Always embed your fonts or convert them to outlines/curves (especially for logos and short headings) to prevent substitution.
Missing Links: Ensure all high-resolution images are properly linked and not missing or “low-res” placeholders.
5. Exporting the Final File
File Format: High-quality PDF is the industry standard.
PDF Standards: Use PDF/X-1a (for CMYK only) or PDF/X-4 (if keeping transparency and layers).
Marks: Include crop marks and bleed marks, but keep them outside the bleed area so they don’t show up on the final product.