10 Essential Tips for Preparing Design Files for Printing
Preparing artwork for print might seem straightforward, but it can cause headaches and a lot of trivia if you overlook some details,-especially for those unfamiliar with printing requirements. Keep the following tips in mind. You’ll save time, reduce back-and-forth with designers and factories with a smoother process. Let’s dive in!
- Bleed: Don’t Skip It!
Bleed is crucial for any design that will be trimmed (except for designs with white borders). It ensures your final product looks clean and polished without unwanted white edges. In brief, bleed means extending your design slightly beyond the actual size. (For Bleed, Wikipedia has clear explanation. Pls refer to Wikipedia
For example:
- A card with a final size of 63x88mm should have a design file of 69x94mm (3mm bleed on all sides).
Each factory may have different bleed requirements. Here are our standards:
- Cards: 1mm
- Punchboard tokens: 3mm
- Boxes: 5mm
- Manuals: 6mm
- Stickers: 2mm
If you’re unsure, stick to a 3mm bleed as the default.
- Safe Zone: Keep Important Elements Intact
The safe zone is the opposite of the bleed—it’s the area within the trim line where all vital content should stay. Text and key design elements should be at least 5mm (or a minimum of 3mm) inside the trim line to avoid being cut off.
- CMYK, Not RGB
Print files must use CMYK color mode, not RGB. CMYK is designed for printing and ensures more accurate color reproduction. If you submit an RGB file, the colors might appear significantly different in print.
- Pack Your Fonts
Always ask your artist to include the fonts used in your design when sending files. And keep the fonts in record. In case changes are needed, you and the factory can quickly adjust easily.
- File Format and Resolution
- Preferred formats: PDF, AI, EPS, or high-resolution TIFF/JPG.
- Resolution: Images should be between 300dpi and 500dpi to ensure crisp, high-quality prints. Lower resolutions may result in blurry prints.
- Layer Management: Merge or Keep Separate
To avoid unauthorized changes, send a merged-layer version of your file to the factory. However, keep an editable file with separate layers as a backup in case adjustments are necessary. So ask your artist to send you both flattened and unmerged files to you.
- Black Text: Stick to Single-Color Black
For sharp and clean black text, use single-color black:
- K=100
- C, M, Y=0
This prevents registration issues and ensures text prints clearly.
- Cutting and Die Lines: Use Them Correctly
Cutting lines and die lines are essential references for trimming and shaping. Ensure these lines are visible in the file but on a separate layer from the design content.
- Proofing: Check the E-proof
Before printing, ask your supplier for a digital proof with cutting lines. Carefully review it to ensure everything is aligned correctly and nothing is misplaced.
- When in Doubt, Reach to Your Supplier
If you’re unsure about dimensions, die lines, or any aspect of the file, pls go to your supplier. Many suppliers, including us, offer free die line templates and design assistance to ensure your files meet the necessary requirements.
Paying attention to these details upfront can save you from unnecessary revisions and ensure a hassle-free process. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help!