First, Know the Terms<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTo make sure we\u2019re on the same page (ahem, it is print after all), here\u2019s a quick primer on some of the terms in this print-ready checklist to know when you work with commercial printers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- PDF:<\/strong> Portable Document File, the gold standard for secure, dependable transfer of electronic documents. This file locks in the images, graphics, fonts, and layout of whatever software was used to create it, so it can be shared, viewed, and printed by any user through Adobe Reader, a free software that is easy to use.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- High Resolution: <\/strong>Generally you\u2019ll want to use images that are 300 DPI (dots per inch) and above. If you\u2019re printing a billboard, truck, or another larger format, you can go as low as 100 DPI. Do not print website imagery, which is often 72 DPI and will appear fuzzy or pixelated. Talk with your printer if you\u2019re unsure of the best resolution for your particular print project.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- High-Resolution Raster Image Files:<\/strong> Also known as a bitmap, these include the popular GIF, JPG, TIFF, PSD, and BMP formats. Bits of information become pixels on the screen, and these create the color you\u2019ll see. This image format is especially adept at capturing the nuanced colors of a photo or shaded drawing. However, use caution. When a raster image is blown up to larger sizes, you may see the pixelated dots. For this reason, raster files are generally suitable for smaller-sized projects.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- High-Resolution Vector Image Files: <\/strong>Constructed with mathematically formulated lines, vector image files can be enlarged without causing the image to become blurry. Known as the AI, SVG, CDR, and EPS file formats, vector image files are used most for line art, typography, and illustrations. Note that both raster and vector files can be rendered in EPS or PDF.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- RGB Vs. CMYK:<\/strong> Printers and scanners produce images in three colors (red, green, blue), known as RGB. These will need to be converted through Adobe Photoshop to CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) before they can be printed. Known as a four-color process or full-color printing, CMYK colors combine to create every color imaginable. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip: Do not trust the color on your screen. Get a color proof if you want to know exactly how a color will print.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nRelated: <\/strong><\/span>You\u2019ve Got a Print-Ready File? Now What?<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nReady to Get Print-Ready?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Follow these steps for perfectly printed pieces:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spell Check It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It can be tedious, but it\u2019s critical to make sure you\u2019ve spell-checked the piece. Do this several times! Similarly, if your industry requires you to follow advertising law and regulations, such as fair housing compliance, make sure your print file is in full compliance, and approved by a certified expert, before sending it to print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furnish Fonts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To ensure your fonts are correct, please include font styles if you\u2019re sending any non-PDF files. For a PDF – outline or flatten the font file to lock it in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Size It Right<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is a simple one. Make sure your file is sized to match the finished product. A 4 x 6\u201d postcard needs to be set up that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick Your Print File Format<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Different file formats compress information differently. Pay attention to the overall file type. Even though it\u2019s tempting to choose one that opens quickly, it\u2019s most important to use a format that gives you the highest-quality images. TIFF and PNG are two such formats. Both have less compression and a higher quality. We recommend avoiding JPGs if possible because they are recompressed every time someone saves them, possibly decreasing their quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vector or Raster?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For line art, logos, and text, a vector is a clear choice, as it can be scaled up or down while maintaining its quality and integrity. For a photo, however, you can look at raster files, as long as scaling up doesn\u2019t blur the image. Consider how large your finished image will be\u2014and you can <\/span>reach out to us<\/a> if you\u2019re unsure which will work best for your particular print project.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nChoose the Resolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Excellent resolution is non-negotiable. If you want to make an impact with print, you want something people can see clearly. Therefore you must pick high-resolution imagery at 300 DPI or above. A bitmap image requires at least 600 DPI. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip: Choose your resolution early in the process. If you try to change the image by resizing it, you may not be able to achieve a higher resolution later.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nSelect the Right Color Format<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is an important consideration because commercial printers often encounter PDFs with incorrect color formats. Since marketers are used to working with RGB on their screens, they need to take the extra step to get images print-ready by formatting them in CMYK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Adobe, go to New Document, and pull down the Intent menu to select \u201cPrint.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![](\"https:\/\/ironmarkusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/dSb6eLNB8MMBpNga_tRZZKVvN9VrlVURoEpryT7bllgpfGbQ1dWOm1a7FrCflpRO3c1w5jTbYv-V7Cg4fjtBvb5nOEG1jzhlns4zUHzvNolSkz5kfS42HKefEUyEIzyKZWbmcCbl28oXqDruBNvsr-w.png\")
Or go to the Color Panel and pick the color space there:![](\"https:\/\/ironmarkusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NPTPl-KqBAiXEUUjBNyvFn8em-joCbwGuo3E2NP7lOwNHxrp1aWcO-Y2rgcFDAsMIg55oJAQ_n7Qz1GsMlYZaEQ4klXPEuv4sggqChPKF1L2VJaeIdmZ-AMbyBcZa_xR9Rn2eWxGUsNpws5SnZ_4aMA.png\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip: Keep the same shade of black throughout your design. It\u2019s hard to tell the difference between rich black and 100% black on a screen, but in print it\u2019s obvious. Rich black is just that\u2014rich and deep. The 100% black is greyer and duller. Whichever you pick, stay consistent!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n![](\"https:\/\/ironmarkusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/P4TQwazNH4hD28nISlNsWpIIBoNbU22jIU_ohnfd7EXtS9rHklGDo3ZDI5t89_14G9QCElNyzFxAZ21I6huEGnm0pAS6Lpswi7xvaxgwdReSYJhkw4yaDqtDpqZnt21cLnQvalvQtMbdFjiAyzLYpkU.png\")
<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRelated: How to Set Up Your Print-Ready PDFs in Adobe.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nTime to Fold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Many direct mail pieces, posters, billboards, and other signs don\u2019t require folding, so you can skip it if that\u2019s the case. However, you\u2019ll need to build folding instructions into your print file with specific fold marks for cards, packaging, brochures, or other pieces that require folding. First, think through how you\u2019d like the finished piece to look. Then use the guides and ruler in InDesign to mark lines for the folds. Remember the thickness of the paper affects exactly where the folds are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![](\"https:\/\/ironmarkusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/9CdDe0D8v3iDrpxzb8bwOm8eGCgr-zUnq9o_3CQ-SPBo3fMTHkF63dhYF2bJDrlDsT1Ud3UD7yu7I2kjUniBrMLNPElWSm7B7j5WRxicZ2ij9HkjQp6JuN-lDZIZryq4iMwd_m0Rkvq1lM6F2ALIC2U.png\")
<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set Margins and Bleeds<\/span>![](\"https:\/\/ironmarkusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ZSQOyT6GS1PubYsmcN5V2Jhp8A_pZnG1BEnhwPAxR_CZMzxj-E-C3zZnQAl0cRIkEiER0exCu6tqxFt3A1qZXwNZ560giELmx0FbjENw8yz0-65pybtEc1i1efnR-aMKgMxvyKm2fl3-OxPY41EvST8.png\")
<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA margin, or \u201csafe zone\u201d defines the border between the printed area and the page edge. It needs to be a minimum of 1\/16\u201d or 0.0625.\u201d A good standard is a little larger, at 0.125\u201d so your printed image doesn\u2019t get cut off. In InDesign, go to Layout > Margins and Columns to set your margins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the printed area has bleed, the image will extend to the exact edge of the printed page. Printers are not generally good at this, so setting a bleed does the trick. Just set the margins outside of the size you\u2019d like to print and mark these as the bleed. The press prints ink out to this area, and the page will be cut down to the desired size, eliminating any white borders around the edge. The slug line marks the space that is still printed but will be cut off with the excess bleed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To set up a bleed<\/a> in InDesign, go to File > Document Setup and update the bleed in this dialogue box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/ironmarkusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/vvQJqDgDOVrXwvYvxeQzU0v5WE0viBZ_0MskMCpL8NIz-C-R5N1obiNbytqrwPTMGT_JKpjmaibCEBgd1_09PVU8H5a-BF-N8SLyle342QzkdADn-01KfRnI7q1LTd0tgfFomliYQyUCKc47DsKZJq4.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A typical bleed is 1\/8\u201d (0.125\u201d) on all sides, or 0.25\u201d larger than the trim size (where the cut is made). If your project does not have a bleed, the commonly used measurement is a 0.5\u201d \u2013 1\u201d margin between the edge and your design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get the Name Straight<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019re almost there. It\u2019s time to save your print file with a name that will help you and the printer keep it organized. Consider a logical naming convention like some of these examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Client name, initials, or last name (Smith)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Client\u2019s brand (SmithShorts)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Client\u2019s campaign (JuneSale)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Channel (Flyer)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Element needed for the channel (Image)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Date (2024_01_25)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Version number (v01)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
So a file might be named something like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSmith_SmithShorts_JuneSale_Flyer_Image_2024_01_25_v01\u201d or a variation of this. While it seems a bit arduous in the beginning, it will save time in the long run!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related: Print Like a Pro Today!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nProof It <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t forget to request a proof. Even if it\u2019s digital (remember the color won\u2019t be true), this will help ensure you didn\u2019t miss anything. It never hurts to read, read, and read again at the proof stage. Typos are everywhere, and sometimes we miss them the first two times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time to Hit Send!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve followed this list, you\u2019ve checked all the boxes and you can hit send with confidence, knowing you\u2019ve furnished your commercial print partner with all the instructions they require to print the piece as you envision it. If you\u2019re ready to hit send, here are your best options<\/a> for a secure and successful transfer to your print partner. Have a question?<\/a> <\/span>We\u2019re here to help. It\u2019s time to send it and feel great about it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It\u2019s just one button, but it can strike fear into the hearts of marketers everywhere\u2014the send button. Whether you\u2019re sending…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":2003,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[19,9],"class_list":["post-1995","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-industries","tag-design","tag-print-marketing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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Pro Tip: Do not trust the color on your screen. Get a color proof if you want to know exactly how a color will print.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: <\/strong><\/span>You\u2019ve Got a Print-Ready File? Now What?<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow these steps for perfectly printed pieces:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be tedious, but it\u2019s critical to make sure you\u2019ve spell-checked the piece. Do this several times! Similarly, if your industry requires you to follow advertising law and regulations, such as fair housing compliance, make sure your print file is in full compliance, and approved by a certified expert, before sending it to print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To ensure your fonts are correct, please include font styles if you\u2019re sending any non-PDF files. For a PDF – outline or flatten the font file to lock it in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a simple one. Make sure your file is sized to match the finished product. A 4 x 6\u201d postcard needs to be set up that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different file formats compress information differently. Pay attention to the overall file type. Even though it\u2019s tempting to choose one that opens quickly, it\u2019s most important to use a format that gives you the highest-quality images. TIFF and PNG are two such formats. Both have less compression and a higher quality. We recommend avoiding JPGs if possible because they are recompressed every time someone saves them, possibly decreasing their quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For line art, logos, and text, a vector is a clear choice, as it can be scaled up or down while maintaining its quality and integrity. For a photo, however, you can look at raster files, as long as scaling up doesn\u2019t blur the image. Consider how large your finished image will be\u2014and you can <\/span>reach out to us<\/a> if you\u2019re unsure which will work best for your particular print project.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Excellent resolution is non-negotiable. If you want to make an impact with print, you want something people can see clearly. Therefore you must pick high-resolution imagery at 300 DPI or above. A bitmap image requires at least 600 DPI. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip: Choose your resolution early in the process. If you try to change the image by resizing it, you may not be able to achieve a higher resolution later.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is an important consideration because commercial printers often encounter PDFs with incorrect color formats. Since marketers are used to working with RGB on their screens, they need to take the extra step to get images print-ready by formatting them in CMYK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Adobe, go to New Document, and pull down the Intent menu to select \u201cPrint.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip: Keep the same shade of black throughout your design. It\u2019s hard to tell the difference between rich black and 100% black on a screen, but in print it\u2019s obvious. Rich black is just that\u2014rich and deep. The 100% black is greyer and duller. Whichever you pick, stay consistent!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: How to Set Up Your Print-Ready PDFs in Adobe.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many direct mail pieces, posters, billboards, and other signs don\u2019t require folding, so you can skip it if that\u2019s the case. However, you\u2019ll need to build folding instructions into your print file with specific fold marks for cards, packaging, brochures, or other pieces that require folding. First, think through how you\u2019d like the finished piece to look. Then use the guides and ruler in InDesign to mark lines for the folds. Remember the thickness of the paper affects exactly where the folds are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n A margin, or \u201csafe zone\u201d defines the border between the printed area and the page edge. It needs to be a minimum of 1\/16\u201d or 0.0625.\u201d A good standard is a little larger, at 0.125\u201d so your printed image doesn\u2019t get cut off. In InDesign, go to Layout > Margins and Columns to set your margins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the printed area has bleed, the image will extend to the exact edge of the printed page. Printers are not generally good at this, so setting a bleed does the trick. Just set the margins outside of the size you\u2019d like to print and mark these as the bleed. The press prints ink out to this area, and the page will be cut down to the desired size, eliminating any white borders around the edge. The slug line marks the space that is still printed but will be cut off with the excess bleed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To set up a bleed<\/a> in InDesign, go to File > Document Setup and update the bleed in this dialogue box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n A typical bleed is 1\/8\u201d (0.125\u201d) on all sides, or 0.25\u201d larger than the trim size (where the cut is made). If your project does not have a bleed, the commonly used measurement is a 0.5\u201d \u2013 1\u201d margin between the edge and your design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re almost there. It\u2019s time to save your print file with a name that will help you and the printer keep it organized. Consider a logical naming convention like some of these examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So a file might be named something like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSmith_SmithShorts_JuneSale_Flyer_Image_2024_01_25_v01\u201d or a variation of this. While it seems a bit arduous in the beginning, it will save time in the long run!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: Print Like a Pro Today!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget to request a proof. Even if it\u2019s digital (remember the color won\u2019t be true), this will help ensure you didn\u2019t miss anything. It never hurts to read, read, and read again at the proof stage. Typos are everywhere, and sometimes we miss them the first two times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve followed this list, you\u2019ve checked all the boxes and you can hit send with confidence, knowing you\u2019ve furnished your commercial print partner with all the instructions they require to print the piece as you envision it. If you\u2019re ready to hit send, here are your best options<\/a> for a secure and successful transfer to your print partner. Have a question?<\/a> <\/span>We\u2019re here to help. It\u2019s time to send it and feel great about it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s just one button, but it can strike fear into the hearts of marketers everywhere\u2014the send button. Whether you\u2019re sending…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":2003,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[19,9],"class_list":["post-1995","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-industries","tag-design","tag-print-marketing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nReady to Get Print-Ready?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spell Check It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Furnish Fonts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Size It Right<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pick Your Print File Format<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vector or Raster?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choose the Resolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Select the Right Color Format<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Or go to the Color Panel and pick the color space there:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTime to Fold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSet Margins and Bleeds<\/span>
<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGet the Name Straight<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Proof It <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time to Hit Send!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n