Tips and Requirements for Submitting High-Quality Artwork
Quick Checklist
Here is a quick checklist for artwork guidelines for printing in Printlab:
►Resolution: 300 DPI
►Color mode: CMYK
►Fonts: Embed fonts
►Bleed: 3mm
►Crop marks: Include crop marks
►Safe area: Keep all important elements within the safe area
►File format: PDF
►File name: Clear and concise file name
►File information: Include all relevant information in the file name
Bleeds
Bleed is the amount of extra artwork that is added to the edges of your file. This is so that if there is any slight variation in the cutting process, the artwork will not be cut off. The amount of bleed required will vary depending on the product you are printing.
Here are some reasons why bleed is important:
- It ensures that your artwork will not be cut off if there is any variation in the cutting process.
- It creates a seamless look when your artwork is printed on multiple pages.
- It allows for any small errors that may occur during the printing process.
Here are some tips for creating bleed:
- Use a professional design software, such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
- Set the bleed amount to 3mm in your design software.
- Extend all of your artwork elements to the bleed area.
- Save your artwork as a PDF file.
Color Specifications
Here are the color specifications artwork guidelines for printing in Printlab:
- Color mode: Your artwork should be in CMYK color mode. This is the color mode used by printers to create prints. RGB color mode is not suitable for printing, as it will not produce accurate colors.
- Color accuracy: The colors in your artwork should be as accurate as possible. This is important because even small variations in color can be noticeable in a print.
- Pantone colors: If you are using Pantone colors in your artwork, you need to specify them in your file. Pantone colors are special inks that are used to create specific colors.
- Spot colors: If you are using spot colors in your artwork, you need to create a separate spot color channel for each color. Spot colors are special inks that are used to create specific colors.
- Color profiles: You should use a color profile when saving your artwork. A color profile is a file that tells the printer how to interpret the colors in your file.
Image Resolutions
►All images and pictures should be 300 dpi.
►Raster images: 300 DPI for high-quality prints, 150 DPI for web use
Digital Proofs
Digital proofs are electronic representations of your artwork that can be used to check the accuracy of the colors, layout, and other elements before the final print is made. They are often provided by printers as part of their services, but you can also create them yourself using a variety of software programs.
Here are some additional tips for ensuring that your digital proofs are of high quality:
- Use a professional design software, such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
- Set the resolution of your proofs to the same resolution that you will be using for the final print.
- Check the colors of your proofs carefully to make sure that they are accurate.
- Ask the printer for their specific requirements for digital proofs.