in Digital Printing
Watch your garden grow! - Print Production Tips
Preparing the ground - SIZE, BLEED, PROOFS & FILE CONSTRUCTION
Set your document to final trim size.Build the page at the finished size you want in-hand (not “letter” by default unless it truly is).
Add bleed when anything touches the edge.
• Standard bleed: 0.125" (1/8") on all sides
• Keep important text/logos safely inside the trim (a “safe area”)
Create bleed intentionally.
If a background photo or color needs to bleed, extend the actual artwork. Don’t rely on scaling at output time. That’s how weird edges and last-minute fixes happen.
Send a PDF proof for reference (even if you’re sending native files).
A PDF from the original app lets us confirm layout, fonts, and intent quickly.
Growing Your Garden - DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CONSIDERATIONS
COLOR
Digital printing is CMYK on press.• RGB images can print fine, but conversions can shift color depending on profiles and settings.
• If color matters, it’s usually best to control the conversion instead of leaving it to an automatic “on the fly” conversion.
If you’re aiming for predictable, repeatable color:
• Export using a consistent CMYK profile (we calibrate to GRACoL 7 standards)
• Avoid mixing random profiles across placed images
IMAGES
Use high-res images at final size.• Photos: aim for 300 ppi at the size used in layout
• Logos: best as vector (AI/EPS/PDF/SVG depending on workflow)
COMPRESSION
Compression helps transfer speed, but it can permanently throw away detail.• Preferred: PSD, AI/EPS, TIFF (LZW compression is fine)
• JPEG is okay if it starts high-res and isn’t resaved/recompressed repeatedly
SPECIAL EFFECTS / “LET'S TEST IT”
If you’re using something that’s hard to judge on screen (textures, heavy solids, tricky gradients, specialty stocks, or anything “this might band”): a small press proof/test can save a lot of time and money versus guessing.LARGE AREAS OF FLAT TINTS / SOLIDS
Digital presses are excellent, but big flat builds (especially mid-tone tints) can be the spot where limitations show up first. If you’re seeing banding or unevenness, fixes often include:• Choosing a different stock/finish
• Adjusting the tint (slightly lighter/darker)
• Using a subtle texture/pattern instead of a perfectly flat field
FILES AND PROOFING
If color and content are critical, plan on a proof.• For quick, low-risk reprints: sometimes a print-ready PDF can go straight to production
• For anything color-sensitive, specialty stocks, or effects: a proof on the actual stock is the safer move
Perfect Varieties - RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE + BEST EXPORT HABITS
BEST FOR PRINT PRODUCTION:
• Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop• Print-ready PDF exported from those apps
PDFs ARE USUALLY CLEANEST HANDOFF (when built correctly).
When exporting a final PDF:• Use a Press Quality style export (or PDF/X-4 if available in your workflow)
• Embed fonts (or outline only when appropriate)
• Include bleeds
• Keep transparency effects consistent (PDF/X-4 is typically better with modern workflows)
Peak Harvest - CHOOSING THE RIGHT FILE FORMATS
PHOTOS & OTHER DIGITAL ARTWORK
• TIF (TIFF)• Illustrator EPS
• Photoshop EPS (advisable if image-embedded clipping paths are used)
• High-resolution JPEG (beware of multiple compression)
VECTOR ARTWORK/LOGOS:
• AI / EPS / PDF (vector)FONTS:
• Preferred: OpenType• Avoid mixing a bunch of font types in one project
• If you can’t embed fonts in your PDF, tell us early so we can plan around it
The Fruits of Your Labor - GETTING THE PROJECT TO US
BEST OPTIONS
• Secure file upload portal (ideal)• Share link via Dropbox / Google Drive / OneDrive / WeTransfer
• Email only for small files
HELPFUL EXTRAS THAT PREVENT BACK-AND-FORTH:
• A clear file name + version (e.g., ProjectName_Postcard_v3_PRINT.pdf)• Notes on final trim size, quantity, stock preference, and deadline
• If folds/die-cuts matter: include a dieline layer or a marked PDF proof