A design can look great on your screen and still need adjustments before it’s ready to print. Blurry images, unexpected white edges, and color differences are common issues, but a few simple checks can help prevent them.
Whether you’re ordering business cards, flyers, or a large outdoor banner, here’s what to review before sending your artwork.
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Key takeaways
- Start with the final print size and design for the distance from which people will view it.
- Use high-quality images at the intended print size and vector artwork for logos whenever possible.
- Confirm bleed and safe margins before placing text or important details near the edges.
- Follow the color settings requested for your project and discuss proofing when color accuracy matters.
- Export using the requested settings and review the final file before sending it to print.
Start with the final print size
Build your design at the dimensions of the finished piece whenever possible. Enlarging a small design later can reduce image quality and affect the layout.
Also consider where people will see it. A business card is read up close, while a banner needs to communicate from a distance. Larger lettering, strong contrast, and a simple message can make a big difference.
Your material choice matters, too. Read our guide to cardstock vs. paper to help choose the right material for your print project.
Use images with enough resolution
Resolution affects how sharp an image looks when printed. For materials viewed up close, such as business cards and brochures, 300 DPI at the final print size is a common target.
Large-format projects have different requirements depending on their size and viewing distance. For many banner projects, 150 DPI at the final size can be a useful starting point. Confirm the requirements for your specific project before exporting.
Increasing the resolution setting won’t restore detail that wasn’t in the original image. Use the highest-quality source files available, and choose vector artwork for logos whenever possible.
Allow room for trimming
Bleed is the extra artwork that extends beyond the finished edge of your design. It helps prevent thin white borders when a printed piece is trimmed.
For many small-format products, a common bleed allowance is 0.125 inches on each side, but always follow the specifications for the item you’re ordering.
Keep important text, logos, and contact information safely inside the trim line. For banners, leave additional clearance where hems, grommets, or pole pockets may affect the design.
Check your colors
Screens display color using light, usually in RGB. Many print workflows use CMYK inks, which reproduce colors differently. Very bright screen colors may appear less vivid in print.
Use the color settings requested for your project. If matching a brand color is especially important, discuss it before production and ask about proofing options. A screen preview alone cannot guarantee an exact printed color match.
Export and review your file
A print-ready PDF is often a good choice because it helps preserve your layout and typography. Follow the requested export settings, embed fonts where appropriate, and include bleed when required.
Before sending the file, open the exported version and check the dimensions, image quality, spelling, phone number, and other contact details. Make sure no text has shifted or been cut off.
A final review is much easier than correcting an entire printed order.
Not sure if your artwork is ready?
Contact Texas Pro Print at 817-343-7873 to discuss your project, confirm file requirements, and request a quote.
Texas Pro Print
Where Design Meets Print Excellence
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