Those of you who need a few quick answers to the most common printing issues please read below. We receive hundreds of files every month. Now and then we will receive a file which is of low quality simply because of the way it was designed. Clear & true to color printing can only be guaranteed when file properties are accurate.
1.) Creating your artwork with bleeds – include 1/8th (.125) of an inch on every side. Anytime you see a printed piece that extends from end to end on postcards, brochures, etc., it has been created with a bleed. A bleed is basically an extension of the image that will be cut off. The extra 1/8th inch (.125) per side, is needed so our bindery department can trim the excess and leave a clean centered image without a border. Be sure to create your artwork at least an 1/8 inch (,125) larger per side, than the actual printed size for the best quality.
2.) RGB & CMYK Pallet Explained – The English version
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood truths when printing in color – The 2 acronyms above refer to the color palette that is used in graphic design. By default, most art programs will use the RGB color palette because many photos and web graphics will be using this standard palette. When setting up your files for printing however, you must convert the color palette from RGB to CMYK as all commercial printing presses use 4 base colors referred to as CMYK printing. When you request printing in 4 colors, the different hues and shades of color are all derived from a combination of 4 base colors, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. Many printers will simply convert the color palette for you before they print your order. Unfortunately, when you convert the color palette to CMYK, sometimes the color looks different than what you see on your monitor. This is the cause of all the horror stories you hear about when customers complain “My brochure doesn’t look the way I wanted it to”. The safest way to achieve color accuracy is to create your artwork using the CMYK palette from the start. Doing this will give you a better idea of how your colors will look when printed.
Important: Most printing companies will convert graphics to CMYK in order to print. However if you convert your image yourself you will have a better representation of how the finished product will look.