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How to Prepare File to Print

Prepare your files for top-quality printing. Get tips on color settings, resolution, and more to avoid mistakes and ensure professional results.
Properly preparing your files for printing is crucial to achieving the best results. From color settings to resolution choices, following the right steps helps you avoid mistakes and ensures your prints look professional and polished.
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Essential Tips for Preparing Print-Ready Files

Color Mode

CMYK:

Use the CMYK color mode for printing, as it ensures accurate color reproduction on printing machines.

RGB:

ATTENTION! If you send a file in RGB, the colors may appear differently after printing because RGB is intended for screens, not for print.

Resolution (PPI)

300 PPI:

For high-quality printing, images should have a resolution of at least 300 PPI. Low resolution will result in blurry and unclear images.

Bleed & Safe Zone

Add Bleed:

It is important to add a 0.125 in bleed around the layout to avoid white edges after trimming. This ensures that the background and images reach the edge of the page.

Safe Zone:

Do not place important information (text, logos) close to the edge of the file. Leave at least 0.25 in from the edge to important elements.

Text

Convert to Outlines:

Convert all text to outlines to avoid font display issues. This ensures that the text will appear exactly as intended, regardless of the fonts available on the printer’s computer.

FAQ

Why is it important to prepare my file for printing?

Proper file preparation ensures that your printed materials look professional and meet your expectations. By following the correct steps, you avoid common issues such as color discrepancies, blurry images, and improper trimming.

What color mode should I use for printing?

Always use the CMYK color mode for printing. This mode ensures accurate color reproduction on printing machines. Sending a file in RGB can result in colors appearing differently after printing, as RGB is intended for screens.

What resolution should my images be?

For high-quality printing, images should have a resolution of at least 300 PPI. Low-resolution images (less than 300 PPI) will appear blurry and unclear, significantly reducing the quality of your printed materials.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept payments via VISA, Mastercard, bank transfer, Amex, cash, cheques, and credit cards by phone.

What is bleed, and why is it important?

Bleed is an extra margin added around your layout to ensure that the background and images reach the edge of the page after trimming. Adding a 3-5 mm bleed prevents white edges and ensures a professional finish. Additionally, keep important elements at least 5 mm away from the edge to avoid them being cut off.

Should I convert text to outlines?

Yes, converting text to outlines (or curves) ensures that your fonts display correctly, even if the printer does not have the fonts you used. This step prevents any font-related issues and maintains the integrity of your design.

What happens if I send a file in RGB instead of CMYK?

Sending a file in RGB can lead to incorrect color reproduction, as printing machines work with CMYK. This can affect the saturation and accuracy of colors, resulting in a printed product that looks different from what you see on your screen.

How does low PPI affect print quality?

Images with low resolution (less than 300 PPI) will appear blurry and unclear after printing. This significantly reduces the quality of the final product, making it look unprofessional.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your files are properly prepared for printing, resulting in high-quality printed materials that meet your expectations. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact our team in Ottawa.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your files are properly prepared for printing, resulting in high-quality printed materials that meet your expectations. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact our team in Ottawa.

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