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Designing for High Resolution Printing Crisp Images: 300 DPI or Forget it! What is DPI?
DPI is a measure of resolution for printed and display media. Images designed/used for print must be at least 300 dpi (at the printed size). Anything lower than 300 dpi will print a very low quality image. Print vs Web:
It's important to understand that most monitors display images at 72-96 dots per inch (also known as pixels). Most graphic programs default to 72 dpi, which looks good on a monitor but prints with poor results. For quality printing, an image prepared for print needs to be at least 300 dpi. On the other hand, images designed for web should be 72 dpi. NEVER submit a 72 dpi image for high resolution printing!!! Bleed: Taking it Over the Edge What does "full bleed" mean?
Extra image/ink that extends beyond the edge of page. How do you design for full bleed printing?
When you want an image or color to run off edge of a printed page, that image or color should extend at least 1/8" off the edge. By doing so, you prevent a white line down from appearing down the edge of the page should there be slight variations in trim. At PrintDiva we make it easy for you, just download one of our many free templates and you'll have a file set up to correct specifications. What's so special about PrintDiva's full bleed printing?
Most printers charge quite a bit extra for full bleed printing - Not US!. At PrintDiva any brochure, business card, envelope, poster, greeting card, presentation folders, cd case, hotel key holder, video case, or post card comes with full bleed printing comes free with any standard printing order. Full bleed designs are just a bit more polished and professional looking. Don't settle for anything less and don't agree to pay any more! Crop Lines: Cutting it Up What are Crop Lines?
Lines on a layout that indicate where the printed piece is to be trimmed. What do I need to Know about Crop Lines?
When designing a full bleed document your design should extend 1/8 of an inch BEYOND the crop lines. That said, it is important that no text or important graphics extend to the crop line. You need 1/8 of an inch BEFORE or INSIDE the crop line to prevent important text or images from being cut. Sound Confusing? It's not. Simply be sure to extend your design to the edge of the page (if full bleed), but don't include anything of vital importance any closer than 1/4 of an inch from the edge.
Rich Black: How to Get the Best Black Coverage & Other Colors
CMYK Black
If covering a large area with solid black DO NOT use 100% black (K). Instead use C:40%, M:40%, Y40%, K100%. DO NOT use higher values for C, M, and Y, as it will create a wet, muddy looking black. CMYK White
When you want text, images, or backgrounds to appear pure white, use C:0%, M:0%, Y:0%, K:0%. Anything other than pure zeros for each of these values will result in unwanted color or tinting of the page. CMYK Blue
In the 4-Color Process, some blues that look blue on the computer screen tend to print purple. Also, the lighter the blue, the more purple it gets. CMYK Color Guide: Get over 600 color samples for under $15.00
PrintDiva suggests that you use a Pantone color guide to be sure that what you are seeing on the screen is the same as what will be printed. Or, if you can't afford to spend $120, you may wish to order a PrintDiva Color Guide for only $14.99! PrintDiva's Professional Color Guide comes with over 620 distinct CMYK color samples (320 on coated stock and 320 on uncoated stock). Gradients: Avoid Unsightly Banding What is a gradient? A function produced by software that fills an object/image with a smooth transition of colors, for example a dark blue, gradually becoming sky blue, or deep burgandy gradually becoming red, then pink. How do I create a gradient?
Commonly used in printing, gradients print best when created in Photoshop. Other programs produce gradients of less than 10%, which results in banding or striping of your document. Vector Images: Mathematical Wonders What are vector images?
Mathematically defined, vector images are resolution independent. This means that you can resize the same vector image to fit a post stamp or city bus, and it will print with full clarity - without any loss of image quality. How do I create vector images?
Illustrator and Freehand are two commonly used programs that generate vector images. What do people generally creative vector images for?
Logos and signs are generally designed as vector based images, as are any other images that a designer may want to duplicate across many mediums in vastly different sizes. CMYK Printing: High Quality Four Color Printing for Less What is CMYK printing?
Also known as 'Process Printing,' CMYK is a method of printing in full color. CMYK actually stands for the four colors used as part of this printing standard. C is Cyan, M is Magenta, Y is Yellow, and K is for black. What are the benefits of CMYK printing?
CMYK is the most economical method of reproducing full color images in the highest quality. CMYK is the standard method that PrintDiva uses RGB: The Deception of the Screen What is RGB?
Computer monitors use RGB to display color. RBG stands for Red, Green and Blue. When you submit your full color documents to PrintDiva it is important that you convert your documents to CMYK, mode. You can do this in Photoshop by going to Image>Mode>CMYK. What happens if I submit my documents in RGB color? Documents created in RGB color mode will print, but the colors that print will not likely match well with the colors that you see on your computer screen. Play it safe: Convert your documents to CMYK. Color Matching: The Value of Pantone Guides What is a Pantone Color Guide?
There are many Pantone color guides. The most economical one to purchase is the "Pantone solid to process guide", which costs around $120.00. This guide will provide you with color swops with their corresponding CMYK and Pantone color codes. Why do I Need a Color Guide?
Converting your four-color document to CMYK color is the first step in getting a good color match. However, unless your monitor has been specifically color calibrated to the press that you are working with, it is likely that there will be some color variation between what you see on the screen and what you see once your document is printed. Using a Color Guide you can code the exact CMYK colors that you would like to appear in your document, thus ensuring most accurate color. If you have a logo that is designed in "spot color"/pantone you can match to that color by using a Pantone to Process Guide.
About the Author: Monique Danielle owns Portland Marketing Agency, DivaDesignWorld.com, a full service firm that offers web development, graphic design, consulting, and a wide variety of creative services. She is also the founder of divadirectories.com,a free online resource designed to promote the growth and development of female business owners throughout Oregon, Washington, and the Northwest.
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