How  to prepare your files for offset printing

These days, a lot of graphic designers are working more with digital formats than offset printing. An offset press offers opportunities that you don’t get in digital yet – from PMS colors to a richer, deeper quality. 

In order to ensure your project turns out just like you’ve envisioned it is important that your files are set up correctly for print. While our Prepress Department reviews your files, it makes the process much smoother if they have been set up correctly. So let’s start with the basics!

What is Print-Ready?

If timing is critical

Make sure you have discussed turnaround times before starting your project and plan your project milestones accordingly so that you can keep everything on schedule. Jobs schedule based on proof approval, so if time is tight and there is a typo… Whoops! Missing your deadline could mean that your run can’t go ahead until the press schedule has an opening. Also, you don’t want to incur any rush charges if they could have been avoided.

Why print size matters

One of the most common mistakes made when printing is sending a document that is not high image quality, which, if not corrected before the final run, can result in a printout that is fuzzy due to a lack of resolution. It’s important that you create your document the original size. Designing at actual size reduces the margin for error with graphics, fonts and layout once printed. Remember that a project that looks great on your screen could become a disaster when printed in the large format for which it was intended.

Proofing your document

Allow yourself plenty of time to thoroughly proof your document for any typographical, punctuation and grammatical errors. One of the easiest ways to review is to print out a copy so you can thoroughly read through it all. Also, if you wrote it, have at least one other person read it over. Really.

Print out a proof to see your artwork

Printing out a proof allows you to see how everything looks when printed. Even though it won’t be to size, it is also a good idea to fold up the proof to mimic your product. It allows you to see ahead of time that everything is laid out correctly, reads the right way, and nothing falls off the print area.

All this will give you a good start in creating that 3 ring binder, pocket folder, box or tab set that your clients need.

Contact Corporate Image to get started. Our team has the knowledge that can help you get the outstanding presentation product you need and make the process as easy as possible!