Why Artwork Preparation Is Important
A design may look perfect on a computer screen but still require adjustments before it is ready for professional printing.
Correct dimensions, resolution, bleed, colour settings and typography help reduce production problems and improve the final result.
Use the Correct Dimensions
The artwork should be created according to the final physical size of the printed product. This is especially important for packaging, signage, business cards and large-format graphics.
Allow for Bleed and Safe Areas
Bleed gives the printer additional artwork beyond the final trim edge. Safe areas help keep important text and logos away from areas where trimming or finishing could affect them.
Use Suitable Images and Graphics
Low-resolution images can become visibly soft or pixelated when printed. Whenever possible, use high-quality source images and vector artwork for logos, icons and other scalable graphics.
- Use high-resolution images
- Prefer vector logos
- Avoid unnecessarily compressed artwork
- Check images at the intended output size
Check Typography and Colours
Fonts should be properly embedded or converted according to the production workflow. Colours should also be checked for the intended printing process rather than relying only on how they appear on one monitor.
Always Review the Final Proof
Before large-scale production, carefully review the final artwork. Check spelling, phone numbers, website addresses, logos, colours, dimensions and positioning.
A final proof review is one of the simplest ways to catch avoidable mistakes before production.