When preparing artwork for print, the smallest details can make a big difference in the final product. However, many common issues arise during the pre-press process, often leading to poor-quality prints and delays. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top five issues our pre-press team encounters and provide tips on how to avoid them.
1. Low-Resolution Artwork
Problem:
One of the most common issues our InTouch pre-press team encounters is receiving low-resolution artwork. When raster images are too small in resolution, they can appear pixelated or blurry when scaled up for printing, leading to a poor-quality print run and wasted time and money. This most commonly happens when customers grab images from web searches or save them in RGB format, which is typically lower resolution (72 DPI). The expected resolution from the printer is most commonly 300 DPI.
Solution:
For the best print quality, it’s essential to use high-resolution images. Ideally, your artwork should be provided at least 300 DPI and at the same size as the final print. While it’s possible to upscale low-resolution images, it’s generally not the best option and can lead to quality issues. Some upscaling techniques, like vectorizing the image, can help, but a good rule of thumb is: it’s safe to scale down the resolution, but never try to scale up. Using the right resolution from the start will ensure your print looks sharp and professional.
2. Selecting the Wrong Color Mode (RGB vs. CMYK)
Problem:
Another common issue is artwork submitted in RGB color mode rather than the print-friendly CMYK color mode. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the color model used for digital displays like monitors and smartphones, while CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is used for physical printing. When artwork designed in RGB is printed, colors can look significantly different due to discrepancies between the two color models, often resulting in duller or inaccurate colors.
Solution:
When submitting artwork for your labels, it’s best to provide files in CMYK mode. If the artwork is submitted in RGB, a pre-press team can convert it, but keep in mind that this process isn’t always perfect. Some RGB colors might not translate well into the CMYK color range, leading to color shifts. To avoid any surprises, be sure to discuss your color expectations and request a proof if needed. This way, we can ensure the final labels match your vision as closely as possible.
3. Missing or Incorrect Fonts
Problem:
If fonts aren’t embedded or provided with the file, or if custom fonts are used that aren’t part of the printer’s font library, the final print might not match the intended design. This can lead to issues like incorrect text or substituted fonts, which can create design inconsistencies.
Solution:
To ensure your design prints exactly as you envisioned, it’s important to either embed the fonts in the file or provide the font files. A best practice is to convert text to outlines (vector format), which eliminates any font-related issues by preserving the text as paths rather than relying on the actual font file. However, this method can cause problems if the text needs to be edited later. The solution? Save one version of the file with the fonts as text for editing, and a separate copy with the text outlined. If you’re unable to outline the text, you can also embed the fonts in the artwork or send the font files separately so the printer can add them to their system.
4. Improper Bleeds and Margins
Problem:
Artwork files that lack the proper bleed and margin settings are a frequent problem in pre-press. A bleed is an artwork area extending beyond the trim box to ensure no white space or unprinted edges once the job is cut to size. If the bleed is insufficient or missing, there’s a risk that the printed image could end up with unwanted white borders. Similarly, important content might get trimmed off if the design elements are too close to the cut line.
Solution:
When preparing artwork for print, it’s crucial to include the correct bleed and safe margins to ensure a clean, professional finish. Typically, a bleed of 0.125 inches is needed, and safe margins should be at least 0.25 inches from the trim line. Without the proper bleed, the printer may need to adjust the file by adding extra space around the design, which can delay production. To avoid this, make sure to include these elements in your initial file submission. This ensures that your design will print smoothly without any unwanted cropping or issues at the edges.
5. Inconsistent or Unclear File Formats
Problem:
Pre-press workers frequently receive artwork in various file formats, but not all are ideal for printing. For instance, customers may submit JPEGs, PNGs, or other rasterized image formats when a vector format (such as an AI or EPS file) would be preferred. Raster files (like JPEGs) can become pixelated or lose quality when scaled, while vector files maintain sharpness at any size. Additionally, file corruption or issues with embedded images can make the files unreadable or challenging to work with.
Solution:
To ensure the best print quality, it’s important to submit your artwork in the preferred file format. Common formats like PDF, AI, EPS, or high-resolution TIFF are typically best for print projects. If your design includes raster images, make sure they are at the highest resolution possible. It’s also helpful to provide separate layers or files for different design elements (like logos, text, and backgrounds). Additionally, double-check that all images are embedded in the file, not linked to external sources. Files that tend to produce the best results include:
- High-Resolution PDF with Outlined Type
- EPS
- Native Adobe Creative Cloud Files (AI, PSD, INDD)
Need help preparing your label for print?
Our expert team is here to guide you through the touchup process, so you can steer clear of common mistakes and ensure your labeling process goes off without a hitch. Reach out today for a free consultation and let’s get your project on the right track!
