A Guide to Setting Files Up for Print
A common question we receive in the print industry, especially here at Insignia, is: How can I set my files up for print? In this post we will cover best practices for preparing your files, clarify key specifications, and explain how they impact your products. Since we offer a wide range of items, specific requirements may vary by product, so it’s always best to consult with our designers based on your particular needs.
The Importance of Color Modes
CMYK–which stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black–is the preferred color mode for print. This mode helps achieve true-to-life colors in your printed materials. If your business uses Pantone colors, be sure to specify the exact shades for color reproduction. CMYK is ideal for screen printing, business cards, brochures, signage, and more.
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a standardized color matching system used in graphic design. It includes both solid and process colors, depending on the desired outcome. Solid colors offer the truest representation and are crucial for brand consistency. Process colors use CMYK inks applied in varying ratios and are suitable when precise color matching is less critical. You can purchase Pantone guides to ensure color accuracy, and Adobe Illustrator also provides a wide selection of Pantone colors.
RGB, or red, green, and blue, is primarily used for digital medial and is best for images displayed on screens such as televisions, computers, tablets, and mobile devices. While CMYK is generally preferred for print, our direct-to-garment and standard printing methods can accommodate RGB files, although colors may appear slightly different when printed.
Understanding File Types
Understanding file formats is crucial for print. There are two main types of images: raster and vector.
Raster Images: Comprised of pixels, these images are not easily editable once compressed. Common raster files include JPEG, GIF, PNG, and rasterized PDFs. JPEGs are the most widely used file types for photos and graphics, but it’s important to check your color mode and image resolution when exporting.
Vector Images: Made up of geometric shapes, vector graphics are fully editable and can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Common vector file types include AI, EPS, SVG, and PDF.
The best file types for print depend on the project, although we mostly prefer vector images in case we need to edit things to ensure the best quality for print. PDFs are the most commonly used files in print, and are recognized by all of our printers.
Image Resolution
DPI (dots per inch) indicates how many dots of ink a printer produces per inch, with higher DPI yielding better detail. PPI (pixels per inch) measures the pixel density on digital screens. For digital media, a resolution of 72 PPI is standard, while for print, you should aim for 300 PPI.
File Types
When submitting files for print, ensure that the fonts you use are accessible to the designer. If the font isn’t readily available, it can create delays in production. To avoid this, either create outlines of your fonts in Adobe Illustrator or package your fonts along with your files for easy access.
Packaging Images
When opening files in Adobe Illustrator, the software may attempt to locate linked images based on their original storage location. To prevent issues when opening files on different computers, it’s best to package your files, ensuring all linked images are included in one folder and easily accessible for designers.
Bleeds and Crops
Bleed refers to the extra space around the edge of a document that extends beyond the trim line. This ensures that colors extend to the edge of the print, preventing any unwanted white borders. Bleeds are particularly important for larger print runs to avoid cutting issues.
Crop Marks are lines printed in the corners of a document, indicating where to trim. While not always necessary, it is best to add crop marks to a design just in case.
Best Practices in Print Design
Ensuring your files are ready for print will allow for faster turn-around times when submitting an order. Navigating design applications and printing processes can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the field. At Insignia, we have in-house designers who are well-versed in print requirements and can assist you with file preparation.
If you have any questions about setting up your files correctly, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance.