Ready to Print ... Or Are You?

Use our 6-point pre-press checklist!

We know how frustrating it can be to submit your files for printing only to discover they don’t meet your printer’s pre-press requirements.

The result? Delays, unexpected costs and last-minute file fixes.

One of the best ways to avoid these headaches is to involve a print professional early on AND choose a printer before your design is finalized.

Why?

• Every printer has their own artwork guidelines and templates. Knowing them upfront can save you (and your designer) from having to fix files later.
• Printers have different capabilities. Understanding what your printer can do can help inform your design decisions from the start.
• Print expertise matters. Working with a designer will help ensure your files are press-ready and final product is bookstore-quality.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned print designer, use our six-point checklist to ensure your files are ready to print!

1. REQUEST A COVER DIELINE TEMPLATE

A dieline is a template that shows you exactly where your cover will be trimmed, folded and/or bound.

It helps you properly position artwork and text by identifying trim lines, fold lines, spine areas and bleed areas.

Tip: When you request a quote, request a cover dieline template to match your trim size.

2. DESIGN IN SPREADS

When laying out your project, it's helpful to work in spreads—two facing pages shown together.

This makes it easier to visualize how your project flows and can simplify page-count calculations.

One spread = 2 pages.

Tip: Because page count can affect your printing cost, designing in spreads can also help you identify opportunities to combine or eliminate unnecessary pages.

3. ADD BLEEDS & MARGINS

Important text and design elements need to fit safely inside your trim area without showing unwanted white edges after trimming.

Tip: Ask for the exact bleed and margin specifications for your project.

4. USE 300 DPI IMAGES

For crisp, professional-looking images, graphics must meet a minimum 300 DPI at their final printed size.

Lower-resolution images may appear blurry or pixelated when printed.

Tip: Don't simply increase the DPI of a low-resolution image. Sorry!

5. DESIGN & EXPORT WITH CMYK IN MIND

Digital screens display colour using RGB, while traditional offset printing uses CMYK—Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black and PMS plates.

Ideally design and export your artwork in CMYK.

Tip: Colours can look different on screen than they do in print. That's one reason a physical proof can be so valuable before approving your final print run.

6. CHECK YOUR COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN MARKING

If you're printing and binding your project overseas for the US market, your project may require a "Printed in China" marking depending on the product and applicable regulations.

We can advise you on the appropriate wording and placement for your project.

Not sure if your files are press-ready?

Don't wait until you're ready to print to find out.

Book a call with one of our printing experts. We can review your project, answer your pre-press questions and help you understand what you'll need before you commit to a print run.

Found this helpful? Checkout our Print It! Masterclass Webinar to see if offset printing is right for your project and how to request and compare printing quotes.