How to Prepare Your Files for Business Printing

Sending your artwork or design files for printing? For most print jobs, there are certain specifications that you should follow. If you have just started to prepare design files for brochures, business cards, catalogs and other marketing materials, here are several important tips that you must take into account before sending the files to a business printing shop:

Check if you are using the right file format

The preferred format of most business printing provider is PDF. However, you still have to check whether they prefer the files in the original QuarkXpress or InDesign format. Also, remember to embed the fonts in your file. Embedding the fonts in the PDF lets the printer to do simple changes for you if necessary. When you embed the fonts, avoid embedding subsets because these do not include the entire font. The printer will not be able to make any changes when the character needed is not included.

Determine the right color mode

Many of the colors you produce in RGB mode are not feasible in a standard four color process printing. It is recommended that you create your artwork from the onset in CMYK color mode so you can be sure on how the colors are going to appear once the printing is done. Ideally, you should always check with the business printing provider to be sure because there are some exceptions to this set up like when producing large format prints.

Understand what a bleed is all about

A bleed is the part of the paper that will be cut off after the printing process. If you want a photo, graphics, other image or background color to print up to the very edge of the sheet, then you will need bleeds. You will have to extend the background to at least 3mm outside the final trim edge. The images or graphics that that you intend to print right to the edge of the page must be extended up to the edge of the file. All the other elements that don’t have to print right to the very edge of the page must be placed inside a safe zone, which is within a certain measurement away from the edge.

Provide the printer with printed proof

Proof is very important since it helps prevent unexpected problems with text, graphics, colors, and other design elements. Spotting and correcting any issue before going to print not only saves you precious time, it also helps you steer clear of the hassle and cost of reprinting. So always remember to supply the business printing shop with a printed hard copy together with the digital files. This will allow the printer to watch out for any obvious errors.

These are the basic preparations that you should keep in mind before sending your digital files to the printer. It is also important that you work closely with the printer for better result. For more easy tips and wise ideas about cost effective and impressive print materials, visit: San Antonio business printing.