When it comes to printing, having artwork that is properly prepared is essential to ensure the best possible outcome. At Newstyle Print, we strive to deliver exceptional print results, and to help you achieve that, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on setting up artwork ready for print. Let’s dive in!
1. Start with the Right Software
Choosing the right design software is crucial for creating print-ready artwork. Here are some popular options:
- Adobe Photoshop: Ideal for raster images and photo editing.
- Adobe Illustrator: Perfect for creating vector graphics and illustrations.
- Adobe InDesign: Great for multipage layouts, such as brochures or magazines.
2. Set Up the Document
When creating a new document, ensure you configure it correctly by following these steps:
- Document Size: Set the dimensions to match your desired print size, including any necessary bleeds.
- Bleed: Add a bleed area of at least 3mm (0.125 inches) on all sides to accommodate any design elements that extend beyond the final trim size.
- Colour Mode: Switch to CMYK colour mode since Newstyle Print exclusively prints in CMYK. This ensures accurate colour representation.
3. Understanding Bleed and Safe Area
Bleed and safe area are crucial aspects of print design. Here’s what you need to know:
- Bleed: As mentioned earlier, a bleed is the area outside the final trim size. Extend any background colours, images, or design elements that should touch the edge of the page into this bleed area. This prevents unwanted white margins after trimming.
- Safe Area: The safe area is a margin within the trim size where important text or elements should be placed. Keep critical content, such as text and logos, within this area to avoid any accidental cropping.
4. High-Quality Images and Resolution
To ensure crisp and clear prints, use high-resolution images. Here are some guidelines:
- Resolution: For optimal results, set your images to a resolution of 300 dots per inch (DPI). This resolution ensures sharpness and detail in the printed output.
- Image Formats: Preferred formats include TIFF, JPEG, and PNG. Avoid using low-quality or heavily compressed image formats, as they may result in pixelation or loss of detail.
5. Colour Management and CMYK
To achieve accurate colour representation, it’s important to convert your artwork to CMYK. Follow these steps:
- Colour Space: Ensure all your design elements are in CMYK mode to match Newstyle Print’s printing process.
- Colour Profiles: Embed the appropriate CMYK colour profile (such as “Coated FOGRA39”) to maintain consistent colour accuracy across different devices.
6. Proofing and Final Checks
Before sending your artwork for print, perform a thorough final check:
- Proofreading: Carefully review all text, ensuring there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
- Trim Marks: Include trim marks to indicate where the final piece will be trimmed.
- Export Settings: When exporting the final artwork, use PDF format with high-quality settings and embed fonts.
By following these steps and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to having print-ready artwork that will yield exceptional results with Newstyle Print.
Remember, if you have any questions or need assistance with setting up your artwork, our team is always here to help you navigate the process and ensure your prints turn out just the way you envision.
Happy designing and printing with Newstyle Print!
