When you're ready to send your design file off to a professional printer, such as Printing Image, it's important to make sure that it's prepared correctly. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your print job comes out looking exactly the way you want it to. 1. Use the correct file format. When exporting, choose your file format carefully. Some formats are better suited for digital viewing, while others are designed specifically for printing. When preparing your design file, make sure to use a format that your printer can accept. We typically prefer native files such as (Illustrator or Indesign) or PDFs. You should typically avoid low resolution jpegs, pngs, or scans when it comes to printing. 2. Set the correct resolution. The resolution of your design file is important for ensuring that your print job has crisp images and clear text. For most print jobs, you'll need a resolution of at least 300dpi. 3. Use CMYK color mode. There are several different color modes you may commonly see such as CMYK and RGB. The CMYK color mode is the standard for professional printing. Make sure to set your design file to CMYK before sending it to the printer for the best color conversion. When you need a color to match exactly to your brand colors or a pre-existing print piece, it is best practice to identify your target Pantone PMS color for your printer to match. 4. Include a bleed in your print file A "bleed" refers to the distance that your design extends past the final cut size. A bleed is an important aspect of print design files as it allows for any minor shifts that may occur during printing or trimming to go unnoticed. For example for a 2"x3.5" business card, we recommend including a .125" bleed. 5. Proofread your work carefully. Before you send your design file to the printer, take the time to proofread it carefully. This will help you catch any errors in text or design that you may have missed and will end up saving you time and money in the long-run! By following these best practices, you can ensure that your design file is prepared correctly for professional printing. This will help you get the best possible results from your print job. However if you have any questions about your print files, our team will be happy to advise at
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