Top 10 File Preparation Mistakes for Printing and Their Quick Fixes
Top 10 File-Prep Mistakes
Avoid common pitfalls and ensure your print projects are perfect. Here are the top mistakes and their quick fixes.
Get it Right the First Time
Proper file preparation is key to a smooth printing process and high-quality results. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can save time, reduce stress, and ensure your vision comes to life perfectly in print. Let's dive into the most frequent errors and how to fix them.
1. Low-Res Images
The Fix: Keep every photo at 300 DPI at print size (150 DPI for giant banners). Upscale before placing into your design software if necessary, but always aim for source images that are high resolution.
2. No Bleed Added
The Fix: Add 0.125″ (1/8 inch or approx 3mm) bleed on all edges where artwork extends to the trim line. This ensures no unprinted white edges appear after cutting.
3. RGB Instead of CMYK
The Fix: Convert all colors and images to CMYK color mode for reliable and predictable print color. RGB is for screens and can cause unexpected color shifts in print.
4. Missing or Substituted Fonts
The Fix: Outline (convert to paths/curves) all fonts in your design. Alternatively, embed all fonts when exporting to PDF, but outlining is generally safer.
5. Wrong Document Size
The Fix: Your artboard or document size must be the exact final trim size plus bleed (if applicable). Double-check units are in inches or millimeters, not pixels.
6. Pixelated Logos
The Fix: Always provide logos in vector format (AI, PDF, SVG, EPS) for razor-sharp prints at any size. Avoid using JPEGs or PNGs for logos if a vector version exists.
7. Linked Files Go Missing
The Fix: Embed all linked images and graphics directly into your design file, or use your software's "package" feature to collect all assets before sending.
8. Transparency / Flattening Glitches
The Fix: Flatten complex transparency effects or export as a high-resolution PNG with proper transparency settings if issues arise. Alternatively, ensure PDF export settings (like PDF/X-4) handle transparency correctly.
9. Safe Zone Ignored
The Fix: Keep all critical text and graphics at least 0.25″ (1/4 inch or approx 6mm) inside the final trim line to avoid accidental cropping during finishing.
10. Wrong Export Settings
The Fix: Export your final print file as a PDF/X-4 or "Press Quality" PDF. Ensure crop marks and bleed settings are turned on in the export dialog.
Questions? We Can Help!
Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve your print outcomes. If you're unsure about any aspect of your file setup, please reach out!
Email Us Your Questions Call (760) 803-8045