9 awesome print ready secrets every designer should know

As a designer, you might be tempted to think that it is easy to prepare files ready for printing.

The truth is that most files are never prepared for publication. If you are planning to print booklets among other documents, these print ready tips will help you set up everything well.

1. Size is a crucial element

Before taking your files for printing, ensure that they are the right size. It should be the size you wish your print ready product to be after printing is done. Avoid adding bleeds on the document directly to prevent confusion.

2. The font

Are you comfortable with the font on your file? If you don’t like the existing fonts, you can modify it to match the fonts that print. You can alternatively send the font’s you want to the printer alongside with your file. Doing this saves you from the last-minute rush.

3. Include linked images

If you are sending native art files like InDesign or Illustrator to your printer, include all fonts and related graphics. When you package a file, all the native files, linked images, and fonts will be placed on one folder to enable you zip and send them.

4. Proofread your work

You might have written the best story or article. However, some minor errors can cost your business. No one trusts a company with booklets full of mistakes.

You might even have written your contact details or misspelled your website information. Reduce such errors by double-checking your work in reverse.

Read the last phrase on the page as you move left and upwards. Do this more than once until you are sure everything is perfect.

5. CMYK conversion

Did you know that there is a great disparity between the colors on your computer and the ones that print? Colors created are a mixture of yellow, magenta, black, and cyan. To save your time and money, it would be wise to change your artwork from RGB to CMYK.

Avoid the RGB color setting as much as possible. RGB is color is only used to view graphics on screens and nor printing. Before sending your files to the printer, set them as CMYK. The reason why you should avoid RGB is that you cannot replicate its colors with inks.

6. Sharing your files

While sharing your files with the printer, ensure that they are in a file format native to your printer’s machine. Even though most printers can accept different files formats, doing this could help you save time and avoid delays.

Aside from that, it also protects your artwork. The process of converting files isn’t safe and might lead to format errors. Too many mistakes can negatively affect your design.

7. Image quality

Your image quality is essential because that is what will appear in your booklet. Ensure that you set it to 300dpi resolution for quality and optimal sharpness. If it is lower than that, it might end up being blurry. If you have downloaded an image from the internet, open it through Photoshop to know its actual image resolution.

8. Bleed

Bleed happens when your booklets are printed on the edges of the paper. Consider adding a bleed of 3mm or 125 when setting your design files for proper cutting and printing.

9. Schedule

You should have a set deadline on your projects to avoid delays. Check the turnaround times of the printing company you want to hire. Doing this helps you to prevent panic when you urgently need them.

The life of a designer is quite overwhelming. You have so much to take care of. However, printing your documents doesn’t have to be a headache anymore. The above printing sectors will help you prepare print ready materials.