Many problems and headaches can be avoided when undertaking a print project by consulting with your printer before the design process begins. Most commercial printers have dedicated sections on their websites answering these types of questions. And many printers offer pre-formatted templates for common print items to make the process smoother. But otherwise, here are some key questions you should know the answers to before you begin your print project:
(1) What paper sizes can you print?
It’s important to know up front the capabilities of your selected printer. Most printers can readily handle common sizes print items (11” x 17”, 8.5” x 11”), but larger, custom sizes may require the selection of a different printer.
(2) What kinds of paper stock choices are available?
Most commercial printers offer several commonly used paper stocks in a variety of finishes. If your project requires a specialty or non-standard stock, check with your printer to make sure they can order or have access to that particular paper.
(3) Are there minimum and maximum quantities set?
Most commercial printers set minimum quantities for printed projects. Typically, below a certain quantity, say 100 or less, it’s not economical for the printer to set-up and run the press. Maximum quantities are usually not specifically designated. However, if a requested quantity exceeds a certain number, your printer may refer you to a larger printing enterprise capable of producing the requested quantity (i.e., they own/run larger presses) on better economical terms.
(4) What types of artwork files do you accept?
While PDF files are the most prevalent file type, some commercial printers will request a native file from a select list of approved software programs like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator. Most commercial printers provide a list of acceptable file types on their websites as well as file types that cannot be accepted. And, as mentioned above, many printers offer pre-formatted files that can be downloaded with additional instructions indicating required specifications for image resolution, etc.
(5) How do I send a file to be printed?
Depending on the size of the file to be sent, a printer may accept a submission via email. Many printers provide portals on their website where files — particularly PDF files — can uploaded and specialized software will perform a pre-flight check of the file. In the case of files that exceed a certain size limit (e.g., 10 mb), the printer may request the file be uploaded to their server via a specific web portal or cloud-based service like Dropbox.
(6) How much bleed and margin are needed?
While 1/8” is considered sufficient bleed in most instances, some printers may specify a different amount depending on the size of the piece to be printed. Also, while most people are familiar with English imperial units (i.e., feet, inches, etc.), printers and graphics professional use a measurement unit known as a pica (1/6”) and will sometimes provide measurements based on that unit (e.g., 2 pica equals .333”).
Margin requirements can be somewhat confusing in that a printer will often give measurements for the “live” area of a page along with a margin requirement. This designation of a “live” area means a printer won’t guarantee any text that runs into the margin area will be legible or not be cut-off when the piece is trimmed.
(7) Do I need to set crop marks?
Pieces with bleeds require crop marks and virtually all professional graphics software can automatically generate crop marks when a file is saved or exported as a PDF document. However, some commercial printers may require a PDF be saved/exported without crop marks as they utilized proprietary software that automatically sets crop marks when the file is placed and combined with others in a combination run on the press.
(8) What resolution is needed for images/photos?
It’s usually a safe bet an image or photograph saved at 300 ppi will be sufficient for most printing projects. However, depending on the choice of paper stock, particularly a non-coated stock, 200 ppi may suffice. As image resolution is one of the more common problems encountered in print projects, printers are more than happy to provide assistance with this critical specification.
(9) How much time do you need to turnaround a project?
If you have a project that needs to be ready by a certain date or time, it’s critical to know how much time your printer needs to complete the project. While it’s not always possible to plan fully in advance for every print project (Emergencies can arise!), your print project is less likely to encounter problems or difficulties when your printer is not rushed or hurried.
If you have any questions about these 9 Questions Before Beginning a Project, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
